Calcium and Phosphorus

[Razbry]

My phosphorus is a little high 5.3 (2.6-4.7), Ionized calcium is a little low 4.3 (4.61-5.17) regular Calcium normal 8.8 (8.5-10.1). So I get the call from my PCP's nurse, go see a nephrologist. I've started upping my calcium (two different kinds), upping Vit K, switching to Magnesium bis. Personally, I think it is too early to be seeing a nephrologist. I just get the feeling that my PCP is following some sort of protocol that doesn't fit my circumstances. I'm inclined to wait for 6 months until my next labs. I'm not asking you to be my PCP, but if you have insight on this I would appreciate it.

 

[DSRIGGS]

HI Hon. The PCP wants you to see a nephrologist because of a high phosphorous and a Calcium value that is in range? Are the some other symptoms that I am missing? Is your intact PTH towards the low end? Is there something else causing them to think you have kidney issues?

Best wishes!

 

[DianaCox]

I just saw this after griping that my new PCP seems to be overreacting by sending me to a liver specialist for ONE set of labs with moderately elevated liver function tests.

Sort of amusing (not really) that pre-op, we can't get doctors to take us seriously (because everything that's wrong with us is because we're fat), but post-op, we're ticking time bombs?

 

[Razbry]

When I think about 3 years ago (when I was going down the tubes FAST) I had to throw a fit to get admitted into the hospital...I just don't know what to think! Anyway, Scott, the only other thing that is slightly off was my BUN. It's about 3-5 points high. When I was talking about this with my hematologist he said just fasting and dehydration would account for this, and that little deviation meant nothing. I honestly think that when just a few lab values go off, PCPs have protocol to shuffle you off to a specialist. And maybe that works for most people, but as DSers, we are so different. It takes me months to get my vitamins arranged to get the effect I need for my body. I am not going to see a nephrologist nor am I going to see a nutritionist, nor am I going to get reclast. Sometimes you have to trust your own understanding of your body. I say this with CAUTION...because I don't want any newbie to go off the rails with their supplementation because they feel good. That is a fools game, which you will lose. I'm speaking from 15 years of experience, where I have learned a lot (some in the school of hard knocks) of how this all works. And yet, I'm sure there will be more surprises, medically for me in the future! But at the age of 62 I suspect that would be true for any person. LOL

 

[Razbry]

Intact PTH 69 (high end of the range)...oh and I have a couple kidney stones in waiting, but my urologist isn't concerned at all.

 

[southernlady]

Intact PTH 69 (high end of the range)...oh and I have a couple kidney stones in waiting, but my urologist isn't concerned at all.

I'd be more worried about the high PTH. What was your D?

 

[Razbry]

Vit D 55.3 (30-80).

 

[southernlady]

Vit D 55.3 (30-80).

Most labs use 30-100 now. You want it between at 80 on your scale and between 80-100 on most lab scales.

 

[DSRIGGS]

Intact PTH 69 (high end of the range)...oh and I have a couple kidney stones in waiting, but my urologist isn't concerned at all.

Sorry to hear you have some stones. I can't remember if my last CT showed 3 or 4. I think I have 1 in the left kidney and 2 or 3 in the right. They haven't moved yet but I know they will some time.

Hopefully you can get your PTH down.

 

[Clematis]

my urologist isn't concerned at all

They never are b/c they aren't the ones writhing in agony. I guffawed when my urologist said "Everything looks good. You have FIVE STONES but they should pass on their own. Have a great day." They're only concerned about the ones too big to pass that require surgery. Pain? They don't wanna hear about it.

Hope yours aren't too awful.

 

[Razbry]

Getting good info. here. Going to raise my D and Ca and Vit K. Getting worried about my stones in waiting. The urologist led me to believe that could just stay there forever. I was kind of hoping for that!