Low Albumin

November 25, 2002

I need some advice from the people in the *know* on this topic. I just got

off the phone with my doctor about my low albumin. He told me that because

I had a gastric bypass he would expect my albumin to show a low reading, and

not to worry about it????????

I told him I didn't think that was correct and that I shouldn't be low on

anything because I had WLS, that I should still have normal readings. That

it was up to me to compensate any low levels. He steadfastly argued that

there was no way I would NOT have low readings. AGGGGHHHHH!

I told him I would like to have a copy of ALL my blood work so I could

confer with people who understood WLS. He was not impressed at all. I

guess he felt threatened. But, that is too bad, I would rather him feel

threatened than for me to be sick!!! He told me that he would have to send

my request for a copy of all my bloodwork to a panel that meets the end of

each month. I am in Canada. Has anyone else experienced a doctor reluctant

to provide copies of your blood work? Makes me think he is afraid I will

find some negligence on his part. Hmmmmmm perhaps time to find a different

doctor.

Back to my low albumin levels (I am not sure what the numbers are yet)

Increase my protein drinks?

I am a proximal 2.5 years post-op.

Thanks,

KJ

RNY May 2000

TT June 2001

Mastoplexy Dec 2001

November 25, 2002

> I need some advice from the people in the *know* on this topic. I just

got

> off the phone with my doctor about my low albumin. He told me that

because

> I had a gastric bypass he would expect my albumin to show a low reading,

and

> not to worry about it????????

******** I rarely shout in public, however, I can't help myself! My hands!

My hands! They're talking!

I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE *HAVE* TO BE SICK AFTER THESE

SURGERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I told him I didn't think that was correct and that I shouldn't be low on

> anything because I had WLS, that I should still have normal readings.

That

> it was up to me to compensate any low levels.

********** amen, SISTER!!!!!!

He steadfastly argued that

> there was no way I would NOT have low readings. AGGGGHHHHH!

****** i'M HYPERVENTILATING NOW..... Of course, you are, too

>

> I told him I would like to have a copy of ALL my blood work so I could

> confer with people who understood WLS. He was not impressed at all.

****** ROTFLMBO!

I

> guess he felt threatened. But, that is too bad, I would rather him feel

> threatened than for me to be sick!!! He told me that he would have to

send

> my request for a copy of all my bloodwork to a panel that meets the end of

> each month. I am in Canada. Has anyone else experienced a doctor

reluctant

> to provide copies of your blood work?

****** yes, but they can't do that, here. They can huff & puff and in the

end, they MUST fork it over, even if they make you sign releases and pay for

the copies.

Makes me think he is afraid I will

> find some negligence on his part. Hmmmmmm perhaps time to find a

different

> doctor.

******* the first statement was enough for me

>

November 25, 2002

In a message dated 11/26/2002 12:16:23 AM Eastern Standard Time,

Graduate-OSSG writes:

> He told me that he would have to

> send my request for a copy of all my bloodwork to a panel that meets the

> end of

> > each month. I am in Canada. Has anyone else experienced a doctor

> reluctant to provide copies of your blood work?

> ****** yes, but they can't do that, here. They can huff & puff and in the

> end, they MUST fork it over, even if they make you sign releases and pay

> for

> the copies.

******************************

It just occured to me...put your request to him in writing with a copy for

your own files. That way, in the event, G*d forbid, you got sick, you will

have proof of his negligence and/or ignorance. What that may prove for you,

I have no idea, but if it sends a wake-up call to even 1 doctor, you may have

saved someone else's life.

Also, in the States, we can ask the lab where we have the blood drawn to send

a copy to us, as well as the docs. Just keep fighting for what you know is

right!

in NJ

November 26, 2002

In a message dated 11/26/2002 4:43:45 AM Pacific Standard Time,

watnext@... writes:

> Also, in the States, we can ask the lab where we have the blood drawn to

> send

> a copy to us, as well as the docs. Just keep fighting for what you know is

>

> right!

>

I have repeatedly requested my lab do this, even in writing, and they refuse

to do so. Maybe I need to get mean. I've got the doctor's office pretty

well trained now, though.

Kate

November 26, 2002

Kim:

I am not sure about the laws in Canada, but in most every state in the U.S.

there are statute laws on the books which give each patient the right to a

copy of medical records of any kind. There is a procedure, usually defined

in law, by which to request those records.

When I had my Upper GI at the local hospital for delivery to my surgeon in

another city, the initial response was that they could only release results

to my surgeon and the surgeon's nurse informed me that they would only

release the results to me once the surgeon had time to review them.

I dug up the law in my state, wrote the requisite letter offering reasonable

payment for reproduction costs and was provided with copies of my records,

including films, immediately. That was the end of that.

Two things immediately come to mind. 1. Run, do not walk, to another

doctor and keep shopping until you find one who will listen and give your

queries the respect they deserve. I do that with no hesitation now. It is

not about lack of respect for the profession, it is about concern for me

about MY health. I do not want to spend one extra minute with a physician

in whom I have no confidence. 2. Try and determine if there is such a law

and procedure available to you in Canada. I have no suggestion as to where

to begin.

Dan Slone

Surgery 5/2/2000