What Does It Mean When You’re Told to Come in for Lab Results?
I've noticed an increase in hair shedding lately, prompting me to seek out blood tests. I targeted specific markers related to hair health, namely iron, ferritin, and vitamin D levels. Given the opportunity, I also chose to assess my TSH levels, due to a family history of hyperthyroidism, along with glucose and Hemoglobin A1C tests, considering my concerns about potential prediabetes related to my weight. After several days of waiting, I finally received this rather vague message stating, "your labs have returned, please schedule an appointment to discuss them." It's worth mentioning that I'm working with a university-affiliated physician, while others in similar situations received their results directly via their patient portal. I attempted to obtain my results in PDF format but was informed that the doctor preferred an in-person discussion. This leaves me feeling quite anxious, as the earliest appointment available is a week away. Being a bit of a hypochondriac, the waiting is incredibly stressful. I would appreciate any insights from medical professionals on whether this could indicate a serious issue. I’m hoping for candid feedback. Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 3:13:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious while waiting for lab results, especially when you are aware of your blood tests' context and your health concerns. Here, I will address your thoughts: the reason for needing to come in to discuss results, potential implications, and steps you can take while you wait.
Main Points:
- In-Person Discussion: Being asked to come in for lab results doesn’t automatically imply bad news; doctors often prefer discussing results in person for clarity and context.
- Potential Concerns: Increased hair shedding can be influenced by various factors, and the tests you've mentioned may help identify nutritional deficiencies or thyroid issues, but serious concerns are not guaranteed.
- Managing Anxiety: It's essential to manage your anxiety while you wait.
Explanation:
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In-Person Communication: Physicians often choose in-person appointments to discuss lab results because they can provide comprehensive explanations and address multiple tests in one sitting. This allows for a more personalized conversation, especially when discussing conditions that may require further investigation or immediate lifestyle changes.
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Interpreting the Results: The results you requested, including iron, ferritin, Vitamin D, TSH, glucose, and Hemoglobin A1C, may provide insights into hair shedding. For example:
- Low iron or ferritin can lead to hair loss.
- Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various health issues, including hair health.
- Thyroid levels (TSH) can play a significant role in hair shedding.
- Glucose and Hemoglobin A1C tests will help assess your risk for prediabetes.
Next Steps:
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Prepare for Your Appointment: List any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as fatigue, mood changes, or other new concerns. This will help during your discussion.
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Self-Care While You Wait: Focus on a balanced diet, rich in nutrients that support hair health (like iron, vitamins A and D), and stay hydrated. Managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing may also help mitigate your anxiety during the waiting period.
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Monitor Symptoms: If you notice significant changes or additional concerning symptoms (like extreme fatigue, changes in weight, or mood), keep note of these to discuss with your physician.
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Utilize Resources: Consider using reputable online health information sources to educate yourself further about potential conditions tied to your symptoms or lab tests. This can give you more context when discussing results.
Remember, you're taking proactive steps about your health, and getting tested is an important part of maintaining wellness. Try to stay focused on your self-care while you wait, and know that clarity about your health will come soon.
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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.