Seeking a Second Opinion on My Son's Lab Results
I'm seeking advice regarding my 17-year-old son's recent lab tests. During his annual check-up, his Complete Blood Count (CBC) and bilirubin levels were abnormal. Our primary care physician suggested we wait two months before repeating the tests. A bit of background on my son: He was born at 30 weeks as part of a set of twins (twin B) and has a history of benign focal epilepsy, for which he is not currently on medication. He also has a small patent foramen ovale (PFO). While he reached many developmental milestones later than expected, they were in line with his adjusted age. He stands 6’2” tall and weighs 180 lbs. He experienced RSV at the age of one and had surgery at thirteen for an undescended testicle. Currently, he isn't on any medication and maintains a healthy diet while actively engaging in sports. However, he has been experiencing significant fatigue, often sleeping between 12 to 15 hours a day and occasionally feeling dizzy after seizure episodes. Here are the lab results: - Bilirubin: 2.1 (Elevated) - Neutrophil Absolute: 2.1 (Low) - Lymphocytes Absolute: 2.7 (Elevated) - Complete Red Blood Cells: 5.55 (Elevated) - Hemoglobin: 16.0 (Elevated) - Hematocrit: 47.8 (Elevated) - Platelet Count: 308 (Elevated) Given these numbers, I feel that further investigation might be warranted, which is why I'm reaching out for a second opinion. Am I overreacting as a worried mother?
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 10:02:07 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to be concerned about your son's lab results and his health, especially given his medical history. Let's take a closer look at the information you've shared and clarify the most important points.
Main Points
- Your son's lab results indicate some abnormalities, but further context is needed.
- His significant fatigue and dizziness are concerning and should be addressed.
- Seeking a second opinion is a sensible decision given the circumstances.
Explanation
Your son's lab results show several elevated levels, including bilirubin and components of his blood (like red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit), along with a low neutrophil count and elevated lymphocytes. Here’s a brief overview of what some of these terms mean:
- Bilirubin: Elevated bilirubin can indicate liver or hematological issues.
- Neutrophils and Lymphocytes: These are types of white blood cells; a low neutrophil count can suggest a weakened immune response, while elevated lymphocytes may indicate an ongoing viral infection or a chronic inflammatory response.
- Red Blood Cells, Hemoglobin, and Hematocrit: These values being elevated can occur due to dehydration, living at high altitude, or other medical conditions.
The combination of fatigue, the history of seizures, and these lab results warrant a thorough examination to ensure that there is not an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Next Steps
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your son's fatigue, dizziness, and any other symptoms he experiences, noting their frequency, duration, and any possible triggers.
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Request a Follow-Up Consultation: Before the two-month period your primary physician suggested, consider requesting another visit to discuss your concerns regarding the lab results and symptoms. You can ask for further testing or specialist referrals if necessary.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If you still feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from a pediatrician or a hematologist, who can provide additional insight into the lab results and any relevant investigations.
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Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage him to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, as this can help support overall health while you monitor his symptoms.
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Consider Specialists: Given his history of benign focal epilepsy and the recent dizziness, having a neurologist evaluate him may also be beneficial, especially to assess any potential connections between symptoms and neurological health.
As a concerned parent, seeking clarity and ensuring your son receives appropriate care shows diligence and love. Follow your instincts, and continue advocating for his health.
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