Results of tests

[mamascan1]

Hi All,

Saw my PCP Friday to go over all tests: EEG, EKG, Chest X-ray, CT scan head and neck, blood work. My WBCs were 15,500, and very low blood calcium, otherwise w/i normal limits. Doc said the low blood calcium was causing tremors and muscle spasms. I take 600mg Calcium 2 X daily with Vit D, this is besides what I get in my diet. What causes low blood calcium levels? I forgot to ask. And of course with brain fog can't remember myself. :sigh:
The EEG, EKG, CT scan and X-ray were all within normal limits. I was told I have syncope. I've never been a "delicate flower" so I thought that fainting was a little odd. But then again, I am not the healthy person I used to be. Which brings me to my next question, when I told the doc how I am not who I used to be, i.e: fat-35 lbs heavier, bloated, round pred face, no energy, always in pain that lately I can't just ignore. My doc called me on the carpet, told me I haven't changed who I basically am, that low-self image isn't going to help the way I physically feel, but can in fact make it worse. I am always feeling guilty, can't get enough done, don't look as good, don't have any way to bring in extra money, and I'm costing us plenty between meds and doctor co-pays. Basically I'm feeling old, tired and worthless. Is it just another phase as I'm not feeling well? Doc offered to up my anti-deprerssants but I asked him not to as I'm already so fatigued and tired (not sleeping at night and started another round of costochondritis).
Trying to hang in there,

Mama :flowers:

[alobreto]

Hi, Mamascan! ;)
Since you're on prednisone, I'd think that is by far the most LIKELY cause of your low blood calcium.

Many meds can decrease blood calcium, including aspirin and some of the other NSAIDs, anticonvulsants like neurontin (gabapentin), loop diuretics like lasix and demadex, laxatives like milk of magnesia, and oral contraceptives to name a few.

Some hormonal imbalances, particularly of the hypoparathyroid, can also cause a decrease in blood calcium. So the test result must be looked at along with the results of other tests to know what is going on.

What did the doc say about it?

I don't know what antidepressant med you're taking, but it might be a good idea to talk to the doc about switching to another class, especially since you're having problems with effectiveness of the one you're on now.

There are antidepressants that should be taken early in the day because of increased alertness. As they wear off, you begin to become sleepy and that is how they help insomnia.

Other antidepressants cause drowsiness and should be taken later in the day to help induce sleep. If daytime drowsiness is a problem, they should be taken with supper instead of at bedtime.

I can relate with the poor body image that can result from the side effects of pred. I have to say, though, that you are MUCH MUCH more than your physical appearance. What is in your heart is extremely valuable and that is where I think we are the best reflections of our Creator's image.

When I had a SERIOUS bout of depression a couple of years ago, my son and hubby each gave me a list of my good qualities. At the time, I wasn't aware of ANY. I still have those lists. Maybe hubby/family/friends can make YOU some lists. You are more valuable to them than you know.
Best personal regards,
Angela :flowers:

[Anisah]

(((Mama)))

I'm glad your tests didn't show anything too serious, praise be to God, although syncope sounds concerning. I don't know anything about low calcium. Hopefully others can advise you on this development.

I'm sorry about your other issues. :( Your doctor's words are wise and so true I think. I hope you can manage without changing your meds but please don't be afraid to adjust them to deal with things if need be. You are still you, just more complicated now. :coffee:

hugs,
Anisah
:flowers:

[flowergarden]

Mamascan, 2 months or so ago I discovered I had slightly low blood calcium. The doc who discovered it wanted me to see an endocrinologist ASAP. He said having "slightly low" blood calcium is like being "slightly" pregnant. It's dangerous.

I saw another doc for something else before I got in to the endo. He poopoo'd the previous advice and said that my low calcium and albumin, and high parathyroid meant that my body was working right to raise the levels. It hit me that something had to be making the calcium low, since I took even higher supplements than you. So I kept the endo. appt.

The endo explained that low blood calcium can cause muscle damage--including that in the heart. He ran a whole lot of tests and determined that even though I was taking plenty of vit. D, I had deficiency of it. That caused my body to not absorb the calcium.

He put me on another form of vit. D (ergocalciferol) at a tremendously high dose. He said it should be safe, and that it may raise my vit D levels only a tiny little bit. Then he changed the kind of calcium I take. He's monitoring me, too.

I don't mean to scare you. That damage isn't going to happen overnight, as the parathyroid glands take calcium from the bones to keep things working as long as possible. But I do recommend getting it checked out by an endocrinologist.

If you want to find out more, try Googling "hypocalcemia".

Let me know what you find out from the doc, please. :luck: :flowers: :flowers: