My Life on Earth

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Here is where we are going...

I received Little Man's blood test orders today. They will be testing the below things to see if they can rule anything out or get an answer.

Complete Blood Count with differential
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): Includes alkaline phosphatase (serum), AST, BUN calcium, Chloride, Globulin, Potassium, Sodium, Albumin, ALT, Bilirubin, Carbon Dioxide Creatinine, Glucose, Protein total, and Creatine Kinase
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test: Used to find or in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, and systemic sclerosis

Creatine Phosphokinase Test: A CPK is a blood test that measures creatine phosphokinase (CPK), an enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. When the total CPK level is very high, it usually means there has been injury or stress to the heart, the brain, or muscle tissue. For example, when a muscle is damaged, CPK leaks into the bloodstream. Determining which specific form of CPK is high helps doctor's determine which exact tissue has been damaged. This test may be used to: Diagnose heart attack, evaluate cause of chest pain, determine how badly a muscle is damaged, detect early dermatomyositis and polymyositis, tell the difference between malignant hyperthermia and postoperative infection and reveal who carries muscular dystrophy (Duchenne)
Rheumatoid factor: The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to distinguish it from other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms of joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It may be ordered along with other autoimmune-related tests, such as an ANA (antinuclear antibody), along with other markers of inflammation, such as a CRP (C-reactive protein) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and along with a CBC (Complete Blood Count) to evaluate the body’s blood cells. A CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody) test, a relatively new test that can help detect early RA, may be ordered if the RF is negative. The RF test may also be ordered, along with tests such as anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B to help diagnose Sjögren’s syndrome.
TSH: Thyroid function tests are blood tests used to evaluate how effectively the thyroid gland is working.

Also, please don't forget to pray for the MRI of his brain on Monday the 28th. They will be looking for Arnold-Chiari Malformation. The hubby and I just want an answer at this point, we know God will take care of it.

1 comment:

Sherry said...

Wow, Do you have a Master's Degree or something?!

I will keep the Little Man in my prayers.