Blood tests…
- Thread starter Daisbuys
- Start date
latviantower
Explorer
That panel is a solid choice. As a starting reference, it should serve you well. Most of those markers won't be impacted by Reta. A1C is part of the panel — it reflects your average blood sugar over a longer period, and Reta ought to lower it. Still, if you're only beginning, testing now establishes where you're starting from.
Fasting glucose doesn't appear to be listed. That's fairly standard. Perhaps I overlooked it. You'll want to add that too.
Before beginning GLP's, mainstream medicine and compounding pharmacy teledocs typically require at least: fasting glucose, A1C, creatinine (kidney health indicator), AST & ALT (liver enzymes). EGFR (another kidney marker) is also requested by some. A standard complete metabolic panel (CMP) ought to cover all of these.
Good luck!
Wow! That's quite a collection of items. I hope the price isn't too steep for you.
Even though the list covers a few parts of a CMP, as @latviantower pointed out, the standard panel would be a good choice. Also, with that many tests, I'm a bit surprised CBC isn't on the list, unless I overlooked it. My different doctors typically ask for CBC—not sure whether that's because of glp-1 use or just for overall health.
Even though the list covers a few parts of a CMP, as @latviantower pointed out, the standard panel would be a good choice. Also, with that many tests, I'm a bit surprised CBC isn't on the list, unless I overlooked it. My different doctors typically ask for CBC—not sure whether that's because of glp-1 use or just for overall health.
Radxpro43
Explorer
For my insurance to approve Zep, A1C was the main thing they wanted, plus a whole list of other conditions. In my view, everything else came down to cost.
woundcarping
Explorer
I gave two at-home capillary draw services a shot not long ago, and the results left me unimpressed. Rythm and SiPhox. My expectation had been recurring monthly panels with data that was comparable, useful, and easy to carry between providers, but that isn't what I got. Relative to themselves, those labs might build a baseline that hints at trends, though not against results from other labs. Where they fall short is absolute numbers. Certain tests hold up well through capillary collection, others much less so.
I could go into detail about the gaps I noticed, but for what I need right now, capillary based labs are something I'm done with. Instead I'll order labs online and visit Labcorp for "real" labs.
One exception: glucose monitoring isn't what I'd call "labs" in this sense. That's capillary and usually dependable. My blood sugar sits in the normal range, but Reta has the potential to drive glucose low enough to cause symptoms.
I could go into detail about the gaps I noticed, but for what I need right now, capillary based labs are something I'm done with. Instead I'll order labs online and visit Labcorp for "real" labs.
One exception: glucose monitoring isn't what I'd call "labs" in this sense. That's capillary and usually dependable. My blood sugar sits in the normal range, but Reta has the potential to drive glucose low enough to cause symptoms.
My yearly wellness appointment with my GP is scheduled for later this week, and I'm already aware that she'll be putting in orders for blood work. Beyond the tests you listed, is there anything else you'd recommend I request her to include? Since she wasn't the one who prescribed my GLP's, I'm also going back and forth on whether to mention that I'm using tirz.
MFGamesta
Explorer
My recommendation would be to inform your doctor in the evening.
woundcarping
Explorer
Tell your doctor only what you're okay having documented in your file and passed along to your insurance company — assume your insurance is involved.
I think you could pay out of pocket and decline to sign the disclosure waiver, or explicitly instruct that provider not to share your records.
If I have a prescription for something, I'd request that the provider order any labs insurance would cover tied to that prescription/condition, assuming that's the path I wanted to take.
I think you could pay out of pocket and decline to sign the disclosure waiver, or explicitly instruct that provider not to share your records.
If I have a prescription for something, I'd request that the provider order any labs insurance would cover tied to that prescription/condition, assuming that's the path I wanted to take.
latviantower
Explorer
My PCP was actually the one who first brought up GLP’s, but the insurance hurdles had to be dealt with before anything could move forward. Even though my BMI came in at 32, my glucose reading was “only” 123 — just 2 points away from the diabetic threshold — and that was enough for a denial. So I switched to the compounding path, shelling out $600 each month while a teledoc handled the prescription. A few months later I went gray. Throughout all of it, my PCP has known what I’m doing. Her response has been entirely supportive. In fact, she asked for the website of that first compounding supplier to pass along to her husband, since THEIR coverage is just as bad. lol.
How much you disclose is really up to you. This doctor has been mine for nearly 30 years, so I’m at ease telling her everything. That’s simply my situation, though.
How much you disclose is really up to you. This doctor has been mine for nearly 30 years, so I’m at ease telling her everything. That’s simply my situation, though.
I might just come out and tell her, given that my first 4 months or so were through a teledoc service. The grey part I could leave out. Health-wise there isn't much going on with me besides a bad back, so whether she'll be on board is anyone's guess. Still, hiding it feels wrong — she's bound to bring up the 40 pounds I've dropped since my last visit 6 months ago.
Then again, give me 2 days and I'll likely flip-flop. lol
Then again, give me 2 days and I'll likely flip-flop. lol