The Blood Test Roller Coaster

[Carolyn Marie]

Back on March 23 I saw my HRT doctor, and gave her all the blood tests that my GP and Endo had done. I didn't have any major concerns but did wonder why my T levels were still so dang high.

As I mentioned in a prior thread, the T-level thing was taken care of, much to my delight. But there was a potential problem, too, which I didn't want to mention until it was resolved one way or another.

My GP had apparently overlooked or disregarded a high potassium level result. It wasn't extremely high, but my HRT doc has an eagle eye and a conservative outlook, and doesn't take chances. High potassium can signal liver damage, and the Spironolactone can make it much worse. So she ordered me to stop taking it, and had me do another blood test on the spot.

I was really scared. Stopping estrogen would have been bad enough, but without T-blockers, my transition would come to a screeching halt. I was already wondering if an orchi was in my future, as my sole alternative.

A whole blessed week passed, before I finally got a call from the clinic. The new results were normal.

Just goes to show you how important careful monitoring by a physician is. Don't overlook this stuff, folks. While I'm relieved, I'm going to be sweating every dang blood test I have from here on out. I'm back on the Spiro, and happy as a clam (although for the life of me, I don't see why clams should be happy ).

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Whew - good.

You woulda haveta gone back

Hard to do (clams have no legs - except the ones on B.C.)

GRAND

Lizzy

[JJ]

Carolyn, I am so glad it turned out well. And that your Dr has such and eagle eye so it was caught and corrected before it got out of hand.

Even though you already are a lady to me inside and out a know how important continuing that HRT is to you.

Hug & Love

John

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

*whew*.... missed...it...by...this...much!

Good doc, I'd say.....

Heck if I see anything that don't set well with me, I'll ask the doc...better to be thought dumb than dead!

I'm glad to hear that you have all your digits in order again!

Huggs

Dee Jay

[Guest JaniceW]

Carolyn,

I am so glad it worked out well for you. As an RN I have seen many different situations dealing with livers, spironolactone in its other identity (aldacterone), hormones, and blood work. I can tell you that the process is one of test and adjust and you should not be worried about things changing over time, they do!

In a birth gendered female the brain adjusts the secretion of estrogen and its related hormones and the levels vary over time. When we are taking estrogen externally the amounts very well may have to be adjusted and the process is the blood tests and the doctor's expertise in adjusting dosages.

Spiro and potassium is another often misunderstood relationship. As a drug spiro is most often used in treating men with prostrate problems, but one of its uses is as a diuretic (drug to induce urine production). It is chosen as a diuretic because of its property of sparing potassium (it does not cause potassium to be secreted by the kidneys) which is very desirable in patients with heart problems and low potassium levels. In people whose potassium is normal it can sometimes cause the potassium level to get too high as it secretes water but not potassium, this is usually easily handled by adjusting dosages.

I could go on for pages about these drugs and hormones and all the details involved, but the important point is that we need the doctors to keep track of what is going on and make the needed adjustments for us, and your experience shows us why.