What routine tests do people have done on a monthly basis?
I'm trying to figure out what is the full range of tests that we can ask our doctor to do that is reasonable.
 We may be switching doctors but my husband has not made up his mind yet. If the current doctor refuses to consider a low maintenance dose of Thal, that will be the excuse to leave. My husband would prefer to have a mutually-agreed upon split without excessive animosity, if possible. This is such a small place, it doesn't do to leave bad feelings behind you. (Of course, our doc doesn't seem to care much about that!)Â
We should find out the M spike next week. I'm nervous.
 Lisa
Hi Lisa and everyone, I have what I consider to be a ton of tests done every two months. What I do is make a change or two in my protocol (the last couple of months, e.g., my friend Sherlock, who has SMM, and I tested Biocurcumax), follow the new protocol, then get tested after 2 months to see if it worked or not. If nothing or little has changed, then we move on to (read: test) something different. Trying to be scientific...!
I don't know if this will be of help to you, but I have the following tests done here in Italy (under the national healthcare system):
Hemochrome (white cells, red cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet count, MPV).
Formula (Neutrophils and all the other -phils and -cytes).
IgG, IgA and IgM counts.
Also: blood viscosity test, total protein, creatinine, beta-2 microglobulin, C-reactive protein, uric acid, LDH, Bence-Jones protein, serum calcium, M-spike (g/dL), monoclonal component (a percentage).
Protidogram (literal translation), which shows the lovely M-spike graph and the values of: albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, gamma globulin, and the albumin/globulin ratio.
Also, not specifically MM-related:Â triglycerides, HDLÂ and total cholesterol (I have an inherited high cholesterol tendency, so I have to be monitored, although the curcumin has brought those values down), glucose, serum iron, ferritin.
Every six months or so, I also have the following tests: sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, vitamins B6, B12, D, D (25).
Once a year: full set of skeletal X-rays. Once every two years (so far) a BMB.
I also occasionally have more detailed kidney and liver function tests: creatinine clearance, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and so on.
Hope this helps.
Margaret. Florence, Italy. Blog URL: http://margaret.healthblo...
Lisa and all-
I am responding to your question to relay testing that is pretty different than Margaret's. Let me state that I wish that I could test for more elements- that being non-secretory I feel that my lack of diagnostic work leaves me a little ignorant of my mm status-
I have the freelight chain assay blood test done every six months-as far as I know, this is the only test that will tell me anything. David
Thanks so much for the replies!
Speaking of tests, we need to do an iodine test - random urine - for our consulation with a naturopath (stil hasn't happened!) Anyone heard of this test? I'm having a hard time finding a lab here that knows what it is.
Does anyone know if vitamin usage can push ALT or AST a bit too high?
Thanks
lisa
Lisa-
The iodine concentration in my urine is checked by the Lab Corp series that i do- my understanding is that iodine indicator of thyroid function- I sometimes supplement with iodine to help my thyroid function.
I do not know of any specific test for iodine- I take the test that is offered by the dr that I go to for this.
What does ALT and AST stand for? These two are listed on the test printouts, both are normal but I don't know what they each stand for.
DavidÂ
ALT is alanine aminotransferase and AST is aspartate aminotransferase. Both tests measure the amount of that particular enzyme in the blood and are used to test for liver damage. (Your lab results may show AST as SGOT and ALT as SGPT.) I did find a reference that some herbs and natural products (such as echinacea and valerian) can affect both ALT and AST results, so be sure to let the doc know what you are taking at the time of test.
Dianne in Henderson, NV www.caringbridge.org/visi...
Dianne-
Both my ALT and AST are just over the stated range- (range of 0-40-I am 47) Should I be concerned? If so, what can I do to bring down these levels? Thanks David
I'm not a doctor, but I don't think you need to be overly concerned about a slight elevation. Slight elevations can be caused by many things, specifically some medications and herbs, so just be sure your doc knows what you're taking and that could easily explain it. My husband's have run 20 points higher than normal at times but he hasn't been diagnosed with severe liver disease. I've read that high levels would be 10 to 20 TIMES the normal range.Â
Dianne in Henderson, NV www.caringbridge.org/visi...
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