[Karly1964]

I was wondering if it is important to have every test result in my file or not, too often I find that either the results are confusing, or I don't know what the test was for....I find that talking directly to my doctor and asking what the test results are and what they show quickly gives me the answers I need without the worrying about things I don't understand or questioning the minute changes in the results. Of course I understand not everyone has the kind of doctor I have or the doctor doesn't have time enough to spend talking over everything. My doctor gives me an overview of what the tests are showing and how that is affecting her decisions on what meds I am on are new ones I am starting. For me knowing the reasons for meds and what the side effects are, as well as how the disease is progressing, leaning toward lupus or ra at this time is helpful. For me it is scarier to see something in the test and if I cannot check it out with the doctor it stresses me out and makes symptoms worse. For me too much info that I don't understand is too much for my state of mind. Just something to think about. Now if I was planning on seeing a new doctor who doesn't know my history I would need the tests, but I have already seen the specialists and they know what is going on.

 

[Maia]

It's a matter of personal preference... personally I like having copies because I have had past experiences where doctors have misinformed me and not told me of important test results. I also like having them ready to take to other outside specialists if they may be relevant. I am pretty good about not stressing over changes in values at this point and do actually understand what it all means. For me, symptoms are much more concerning than blood test results. Perhaps it's because nothing really too concerning is found in my bloods other than sky high ANA and low c4 (& recently some kidney functioning loss too I guess).

But you know what's best for you and it sounds like you have great doctors that you can trust completely. So you need to do what is best for you regardless of what other's here say.

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Karly,

The lab results are never sent to me. When I go to the doctor he goes over them with me in detail. We compare the latest set of tests with two or three past ones. If I need copies they are very obliging. When a problem does show his office calls and I am seen prior to my regular appointment.

I agree with Maia, the symptoms are more important. Since I have been with my rheumy for awhile he uses my bloodwork more as a guideline. His treatment is based more on what I am experiencing. That was not the case when I first started with him. He knows now that I don't call about every little thing so if I say something is a problem he takes me seriously.

 

[raggedyann1]

Karly,

I am one who doesn't believe a patient should see the test results before the doctor has gone over them. However I am back to trying to get my personal files up to date. There are several reasons for this. I would have had everything for the Cardiologist if I was up to date, that way when the faxes disapeared in thin air he would still have something to review. When I first came out of remission I needed copies of my old medical files quickly. That became a time of major stress and problems getting my file out of storage. After I finally got my file then I had to go to a copy shop and copy over a hundred pages of records. So even if you don't want to examine your records it is still a good idea to have a complete set for anything that could come up.

Take care,
Karen