Lab Tests for CPP'ers? - a bit urgent - Pain Management Message Board

Confused089 · 08-10-2008, 02:48 AM

Hey everyone again,

I'm rushing to have a bunch of lab work done before I lose my "good" insurance in 4 days :-(. Just realized that it could cost me upwards of $3000 for lab work on my "regular" insurance if I don't get labs done this week. So, I'm trying to figure out if there are any lab tests CPPers should get. I know pain meds can affect blood sugar, the HPA axis -I *think* this is the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals (it's the H I can't remember exactly -think I have it right.)...I'm going to see how much I can get them to do for me. I'm thinking about a vitamin panel as well to see if I have developed any deficiencies b/c of meds or anything else. I'll be asking the doctor as well, but wanted to get input from everyone here.

I have all the standard stuff on my list of labs plus some more that a family member suggested. No time to talk to my PM before these labs - it's going to be quite a rush as it is and with all the tests I plan to request, I can imagine not having much blood left when it's all over...;-).

Thanks for your advice. Not really looking forward to it! I feel like cp is ENUF to handle. If it weren't for the fact that it is going to be much much more expensive to get these later, I would put it off! I seriously cannot imagine hearing bad health news right now. I have far more on my plate than I can handle as is...

Executor · 08-10-2008, 07:36 AM

I think I would go see my GP and ask him/her if there is any need for lab work and explain your insurance issue. However, you may not need anything. I wouldn't get work done just to get it done, or because it's interesting or informative. With all due respect, you're worrying too much.

BTW, welcome back. I've been a little worried about you.

Regards,

Ex

cmpgirl · 08-10-2008, 07:42 AM

Confused,

Believe it or not, ask if they can check all hormone levels. Opiates/opioids can supress glandular function. And I'm not sure the HPA covers all of them. Also, when a lot of docs order standard panels, they don't always check liver enzymes. Even if your current meds have "safe" levels of APAP (tylenol) if there has been long-term use, it never hurts to check.

In terms of vitamins/minerals magnesium and potassium are big ones, and since the lab slips can be very general sometimes, I would just ask which ones are included in the panels. Other than that, I think you've coverd all the bases that I can think of.

Best of luck. I hope you can get these worked in on time. CMP/MM

Confused089 · 08-10-2008, 02:39 PM

Ex, thanks. I don't have a GP now [tho, I'm looking -I've had access to a clinic and will be losing that this week] and haven't had any labs in a while [years?]. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't have the insurance issue - I tend to put off labs/going to dr. etc. My mom is a health nut and has a list a mile long. I figured it I was going to get a bunch of tests, I might as well check on other stuff.This is it on the good insurance for a while - I think I will have to pay for anything else out of pocket - and there is *nothing* in my pocket right now ;-). I'm in a lot of pain so this may all be moot - I couldn't get to the clinic today even if I wanted to - I'm in too much pain to go out and get food, which I badly need, even though haven't had an appetite in over a month. Hoping tomorrow will be better.

Worry/anxiety are my middle name ;-) I try not to overthink and worry so much but I [obviously] have a hard time ...I was half-joking about getting bad news on the labs. I don't expect to get bad news. Everything else in my life is up in air right now, and the pressure is going to be pretty intense during the next 6 mo. I'm going off on a tangent here however - just looking for recs for lab test that might make sense for people taking meds for CP. It's going to be a while before I can afford labs again and a new GP may want recent labs on me.

CMPgirl - thanks for the tips - yes, I wondered about getting tests for homones. Interesting - I did not have my period during the time I was living w/ family after my accident - I think it was close to a year or more. As soon as I got back into the 'real' world and around other menstruating women, it came back.

I don't know if they will do a full vitamin panel or just test for specific ones like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron...I'll ask exactly what they check. Fortunately none of my meds have tylenol but always a good idea to get a liver panel.

forginon · 08-11-2008, 08:32 AM

You might also look into county services and local pharmacies.

The reason I mention local pharmacies is that recently I went to our local Walgreen's and saw a notice that they were going to have a "free health screening day" soon, which included labs. I had never heard of such a thing before. But this could come in useful to you if, while off of the good insurance, you need labs done.

Local communities also run such screenings periodically.

steve