THE WELCH COMPANY
440 Davis Court #1602
San Francisco, CA 94111-2496
415 781 5700
rod@welchco.com
S U M M A R Y
DIARY: May 20, 2014 07:32 AM Tuesday;
Rod Welch
VA lab with electrolyte panel test potassium glucosamine sodium.
1...Summary/Objective
2...VA Medical Center San Francisco Visit for Blood Draw Follow Up Lab
3...Request VA Confirm Lab Ordered Before Driving 60 Miles for Blood Draw
4...Ezetimibe Side Effects VA Clinic Martinez Notified
5...Peripheral Neuropathy Mild Side Effects Side Effects Do Not Justify Ending Atorvastatin
6...EPC Add to Lab Assess Regression Athersclerotic Plaques Reduce Risk CAD
7...VA Order Issue Follow Up Labs on Electrolytes Chem Profile
8...T Bili 1.2 Hyperbilirubinemia Declined Atorvastatin Ezetimibe
9...Potasium K 5.2 Elevated But Declined Electrical Problems Heart
10...Bun/Creatinine Ratio Elevated Slightly
.............................ELECTROLYTES - CHEM PROFILE
11...Notes on Electrolytes Lab Hyperbilirubinemia Potassium Heart Problems
12...Hyperbilirubinemia Potassium Heart Problems Notes on Electrolytes Lab
13...Potassium Heart Problems Hyperbilirubinemia Notes on Electrolytes Lab
14...EPC Test Requires Approval of Doctor Order by VA Lab
15...Lab Results Electrolyte Panel Chem Profile Submitted to VA
16...Justification Coronary CTA EPC Lab Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
17...Coronary CTA Justification EPC Lab Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
18...Justification EPC Lab Coronary CTA Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
19...EPC Lab Coronary CTA Justification Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
20...Dehydration Resolved Electrolyte Panel Shows Labs within Range
21...Commend VA Effective Collaborating Doctor/Patient Partnership
..............
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CONTACTS
SUBJECTS
CBC Lab WBC VA No Results
2003 -
2003 - ..
2004 - Summary/Objective
2005 -
200501 - Follow up ref SDS 59 0000. ref SDS 57 0000.
200502 -
200503 -
200504 -
200505 -
200506 -
200508 - ..
2006 -
2007 -
2008 - Background
2009 -
200901 - On 131016 1632 submit letter for agenda meeting to review lab results
200902 - scheduled 131017 1000. ref SDS 35 X45G
200904 - ..
200905 - On 140131 0815 ordered another lab - cbc, electrolytes, lipid with NMR
200906 - - from Labcor to get LDL-P. ref SDS 48 X45G
200908 - ..
200909 - On 140201 1159 had full lab with NMR lipid panel drawn at John Muir
200910 - Hospital on Treat, and by Labcorp. ref SDS 49 RP4N
200912 - ..
200913 - On 140203 1147 had partial lab drawn at VA in Martinez. ref SDS 50
200914 - KK9M
200916 - ..
200917 - On 140507 0857 ordered another full lab from Labcorp with NMR lipid
200918 - panel. ref SDS 56 OO5G
200920 - ..
200921 - On 140508 1133 lab blood daw at Labcorp with John Muir Medical Center
200922 - on Treat Blvd in Concord. ref SDS 57 445G
200924 - ..
200925 - On 140514 0950 VA partial lab at Medical Center in San Francisco.
200926 - ref SDS 59 X45G
200928 - ..
200929 - On 140515 2043 letter to VA submit Labcorp results blood draw on
200930 - 140508, showing LDL-P 851 and continuing improvement from prior lipid
200931 - labs on 140203, which improves prior patient history breaking cycle of
200932 - worsening labs after improvement. ref SDS 60 1V6M VA lipids lab for
200933 - HDL and TG (triglycerides) on 140514 aligns with Labcorp, indicating
200934 - LDL-P 851 and (large) LDL particle size 21.2 seem like good numbers to
200935 - assess lipid management and plan next steps. ref SDS 60 YM6G Notified
200936 - VA Medical Center in San Francisco that Doctor Egan in Cardiology at
200937 - VA in Martinez concerned about elevated Potassium. ref SDS 60 YM67
200938 - Lab results might be influenced by extended training exercise hiking
200939 - 22 miles the day before the lab and 11 miles the morning before blood
200940 - draw. ref SDS 60 YM79 On 140513, weight dropped to 163, lowest in 30
200941 - years. ref SDS 60 YM82 Ask about ordering follow up lab for
200942 - Electrolytes Chem profile in the morning before meeting with medical
200943 - team at 0800 on 140519, to check glucose, sodium and potassium, all
200944 - elevated in Labcorp lab on 140508, and since VA omitted Electrolyte
200945 - Chem Profile lab on 140514. ref SDS 60 YM9H Side effects taking
200946 - Ezetimibe - slight dizziness laying down; may have subsided past few
200947 - days, so issue seems de minimus. There may be increased urination,
200948 - ref SDS 60 YM98
200950 - ..
200951 - On 140515 2043 letter to VA reports visiting Radiology Department, who
200952 - reports support for coronary CTA. ref SDS 60 YM41 Present research on
200953 - patient physiology that cause regression of athersclerotic plaques,
200954 - which align with current patient conditions of high HDL rising from 30
200955 - in 2009 to now 67. ref SDS 60 YM4M
200956 -
200957 -
200958 -
200959 -
200960 -
200961 -
200963 - ..
200964 - On 140518 0920 letter to VA submits consolidated blood tests from
200965 - Labcorp on 140508 and the VA on 140514, to prepare for the meeting on
200966 - 140519. ref SDS 61 1V6M Advise that VA has not ordered follow up lab
200967 - to check Electrolytes (Chem Profile) requested by Doctor Egan to
200968 - assess previously elevated potassium (K) 5.6, that cause electrical
200969 - problems for the heart. ref SDS 61 DV4M Medication side effects of
200970 - dizziness have subsided. ref SDS 61 DV50 Dry mouth and urination have
200971 - increased. ref SDS 61 DV56 Peripheral neuropathy related to elevated
200972 - bilirubin has recurred. ref SDS 61 DV59
200974 - ..
200975 - On 140518 0920 at 2244 received letter from Doctor Alba notifying not
200976 - to get blood draw at lab prior to meeting with medical team tomorrow
200977 - morning. ref SDS 61 RW7O
200979 - ..
200980 - On 140520 0813 VA partial lab at Medical Center in San Franciso to add
200981 - electrolyte (Chem) panel that was omitted on lab 140514. ref SDS 0
200982 - X45G
200984 - ..
200985 - On 140520 0732 at 0743 letter requests VA order electrolyte (Chem
200986 - Profile) lab order today. ref SDS 62 YW4H, and include lab for EPC.
200987 - ref SDS 62 4U46 Doctor Sandhu notified that medical team in San
200988 - Francisco discusses increased urination indicates possible prostate
200989 - issues. ref SDS 62 4U95 During meeting on 140519, decided that mild
200990 - symptoms peripheral neuropathy possibly due to statin treatment does
200991 - not justify ending statin tratement, because treatments have been
200992 - effective managing lipids. ref SDS 62 4U4F
200994 - ..
200995 - On 140520 0732 at 0812 letter from VA advises Doctor Alba will order
200996 - Chem Profile lab when she arrives at the hospital. ref SDS 62 4V5H
200998 - ..
200999 - On 140520 0732 at 1017 VA partial lab at Medical Center in San
201000 - Franciso for electrolyte (Chem) panel that was omitted on lab 140514.
201001 - ref SDS 62 KK9M Glucose, sodium, potassium declined, with potassium
201002 - (K 5.2) still at high end of range for Labcorp and slightly above VA
201003 - range, ref SDS 62 ZG5O; bilirubin declined dramatically. ref SDS 62
201004 - 015M
201006 - ..
201007 - On 140520 0732 at 1028 VA letter Doctor Alba requests clarification of
201008 - scope for EPC lab. ref SDS 62 654J Called to explain scope of EPC
201009 - lab, but encountered poor connection using cell phone. ref SDS 62 U63N
201011 - ..
201012 - On 140520 0732 at 1609 VA letter - Doctor Alba ordered EPC lab, she
201013 - advises EPC lab requires approval by lab staff of doctor's
201014 - justification. ref SDS 62 AF5L
201016 - ..
201017 - On 140520 0732 at 1617 letter to VA submits justification for doctor
201018 - to submit with order for EPC lab that saves lives, time, and money.
201019 - ref SDS 62 JP8O
201020 -
201021 -
201022 -
201023 -
201025 - ..
2011 -
2012 -
2013 - Progress
2014 -
201401 - VA Medical Center San Francisco Visit for Blood Draw Follow Up Lab
201402 -
201403 - Blood draw today at VA health care facility in San Francisco following
201404 - up meeting at VA with Doctor Alba yesterday, on 140519.
201406 - ..
201407 - Blood draw today is not stored on CD pdf file, it is only entered
201408 - below.
201410 - ..
201411 - Blood draw today compliments VA test that omitted Electrolytes on
201412 - 140514 0950. ref SDS 59 KK9M It further cross-checks Electrolyte
201413 - panel tested by Labcorp on 140508, shown in the record on 140514 0950.
201414 - ref SDS 59 KK9M
201416 - ..
201417 - VA partial lab on 140203 1147. ref SDS 50 ZG5O
201419 - ..
201420 - Last full VA lab was on 130529 0818. ref SDS 32 RP4N
201422 - ..
201423 - Prior full lab was on 121130 0846, ref SDS 25 RP4N, 120831 1400.
201424 - ref SDS 21 RP4N, following up 120509 1108, ref SDS 20 X45G; and before
201425 - that on 110727 1238, ref SDS 10 RP4N, and this was to prepare for
201426 - meeting in Primary Care a few weeks later on 110803 1400. ref SDS 11
201427 - U24I
201429 - ..
201430 - Partial lab to resolve skewed results from dehydration was on 121212
201431 - 0941. ref SDS 27 KK9M
201432 -
201434 - ..
2015 -
2016 -
2017 - 0743
2018 -
201801 - Request VA Confirm Lab Ordered Before Driving 60 Miles for Blood Draw
201802 -
201803 -
201804 - Sent letter to Doctor Alba saying...
201805 -
201806 - 1. Subject: Chem Lab Check Posassium
201807 - Date: 2014-05-20 07:54
201815 - ..
201816 - 2. Would like to come in today and get the chem lab, which you are
201817 - ordering to recheck labs for glucose, sodium at high end of
201818 - range, and potassium (K) 5.6 elevated above range, which
201819 - concerned Doctor Egan about presenting "electrical problems
201820 - with the heart," as noted in the letter to the medical team on
201821 - 140515. ref SDS 60 YM8M
201823 - ..
201824 - 3. Just want to make sure the order is at the lab, before driving
201825 - into the city today. Seemed like you may have said something
201826 - about doing it next week in order to ensure rehydration, which
201827 - you and Doctor Feingold indicated may have influenced the blood
201828 - test results because of hiking 22 miles the day before and
201829 - another 11 miles the morning of the lab on 140508, when blood
201830 - was drawn that yielded elevated electrolytes. I feel confident
201831 - have rehydrated at this time, so would like to get the lab done
201832 - today, if you concur.
201833 -
201834 -
2019 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
2103 -
210401 - ..
210402 - Ezetimibe Side Effects VA Clinic Martinez Notified
210403 -
210404 -
210405 - 4. As you suggested in the meeting yesterday, by copy giving
210406 - Doctor Sandhu a heads up on the theory that recent increased
210407 - frequency of urination may be an age related prostate issue,
210408 - rather than caused by rising side effects taking statins again.
210409 - As we discussed, when Doctor Egan ended Rosuvastatin on 121206,
210410 - frequent urination occurring after starting Rosuvastatin,
210411 - quickly subsided back to normal. Since at this time, the
210412 - problem is merely a nuisance, and since we are getting good
210413 - lipid labs, it was decided to continue over next 4 months the
210414 - current protocol of low dose Atorvastatin 10mg Ezetimibe 10mg,
210415 - hiking 1300 miles, weight loss, orange juice, etc, as set out
210416 - in the record of VA lab on 140514. ref SDS 59 I17G
210417 -
210418 -
2105 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
2203 -
220401 - ..
220402 - Peripheral Neuropathy Mild Side Effects Side Effects Do Not Justify Ending Atorvastatin
220403 -
220404 -
220405 - 5. Our discussion yesterday was helpful on peripheral neuropathy
220406 - in right foot while standing in line or walking slowly that
220407 - occurred previously taking Rosuvastatin, and then subsided on
220408 - ending treatment in December 2012. We decided that recent
220409 - return of very mild symptoms 5 months after starting low dose
220410 - statins would not justify ending treatment again at this time,
220411 - in order to maintain excellent lipid labs, shown on 140514
220412 - 0950. ref SDS 59 IM9N
220414 - ..
220415 - 6. Thanks to you and Doctor Feingold for a great meeting.
220416 -
220417 -
2205 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
2303 -
230401 - ..
230402 - EPC Add to Lab Assess Regression Athersclerotic Plaques Reduce Risk CAD
230403 -
230404 -
230405 - 7. Please let me know if the order for the lab has been issued.
230406 - Please include a lab for EPC to assess potential for regression
230407 - of atherosclerosis plaque. [...as requested previously in the
230408 - letter to the VA on 140515 2043. ref SDS 60 YM61...]. We are
230409 - all working hard for regression. Lipids are a good clue, and
230410 - EPCs are further evidence of response to treatment with
230411 - extended exercise.
230412 -
230413 - [...below on 140520 0732 at 1028 letter from Doctor Alba
230414 - requests clarification for adding EPC to lab order.
230415 - ref SDS 0 654J Called to explain scope of EPC lab, but
230416 - encountered poor connection using cell phone. ref SDS 0
230417 - U63N
230419 - ..
230420 - [...below on 140520 0732 at 1609 letter from Doctor Alba
230421 - advises EPC is not a typical scope for VA labs; she is
230422 - requesting approval for EPC lab in this case. ref SDS 0
230423 - AF5L
230425 - ..
230426 - [...below on 140520 0732 at 1617 letter to VA submits
230427 - explanation for rationale and justification that warrants
230428 - testing EPC labs in this case, leading to coronary CTA that
230429 - can justify reducing line of care in order to reduce
230430 - adverse side effects, saving time and money. ref SDS 0 VQ48
230432 - ..
230433 - [On 140529 0942 letter to VA asks for results on request
230434 - for EPC lab. ref SDS 64 QG3U
230436 - ..
230437 - [On 140610 0903 letter to Doctor Alba asks about progress
230438 - on ordering EPC labs and coronary CTA to evaluate
230439 - regression of athersclerosis. ref SDS 66 LJ61
230440 -
230441 -
230448 -
230449 -
230450 -
230451 -
2305 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
2403 -
2404 - 0812
240501 - ..
240502 - VA Order Issue Follow Up Labs on Electrolytes Chem Profile
240503 -
240504 - Received letter from Doctor Alba saying...
240505 -
240506 - 1. Subject: Re: Chem Lab Check Posassium
240507 - Date: 2014-05-20 08:06
240513 -
240514 - Im not in the hospital right now, but the orders will be
240515 - placed around 8:45
240517 - ..
240518 - This responds to the letter sent earlier this morning, per above.
240519 - ref SDS 0 YW4H
240521 - ..
240526 -
240527 -
240529 - ..
2406 -
2407 -
2408 - 0828
2409 -
240901 - Drove to VA Medical Center in San Francisco.
240902 -
240904 - ..
2410 -
2411 -
2412 - 0948
2413 -
241301 - Arrived at VA.
241303 - ..
241304 - Went to 2nd floor for blood draw. Used right arm, no problems.
241305 -
241306 -
241307 -
2414 -
SUBJECTS
Lab Electrolytes Chem Profile Glucose 97 Sodium NA 144 Potasium K 5.
4103 -
4104 - 1017
410501 - ..
410502 - T Bili 1.2 Hyperbilirubinemia Declined Atorvastatin Ezetimibe
410503 - Potasium K 5.2 Elevated But Declined Electrical Problems Heart
410504 - Bun/Creatinine Ratio Elevated Slightly
410505 -
410506 - Follow up ref SDS 59 KK9M, ref SDS 57 KK9M.
410507 -
410508 - Prior CHEM PROFILE on 120509 1108. ref SDS 20 KK9M
410509 - Prior CHEM PROFILE on 120831 1524. ref SDS 21 KK9M
410510 - Prior CHEM PROFILE on 130228 1140. ref SDS 30 KK9M
410511 - Prior CHEM PROFILE on 130529 0818. ref SDS 32 KK9M
410512 - Prior CHEM PROFILE on 131015 0724. ref SDS 34 KK9M
410513 - Prior CHEM PROFILE Labcorp on 140201 1159. ref SDS 49 KK9M
410514 - Prior CHEM PROFILE on 140203 1147. ref SDS 50 KK9M
410515 - Prior CHEM PROFILE Labcorp on 140508 1149. ref SDS 57 KK9M
410517 - ..
410518 - ELECTROLYTES - CHEM PROFILE
410520 - ..
410521 - Dates..........2014 05 20 1020 140514 140508 140203 140201 131015 130529
410522 - VA VA Labcorp VA Labcorp VA VA VA Labcorp
410523 - PLASMA Results Results Results Results Results Results Results Units Range Range
410524 - GLUCOSE 98 97 103 98 108 H 120 mg/dL 65 - 115 65.0 - 99.0
410525 - GLUfast mg/dL Ref: <=99
410526 - NA (salt) 139 144 140 140 139 139 mmol/L 135 - 145 134.0 - 144.0
410527 - K (potasium) H 5.2 H 5.6 H 5.4 4.8 4.3 H 4.9 mmol/L 3.3 - 4.8 3.5 - 5.2
410528 - CL 102 105 103 102 105 105 mmol/L 98 - 106 97.0 - 108.0
410529 - CO2 29.0 30.0 37.0 30.0 mmol/L 23 - 33
410530 - AGAP 8.0 mmol/L 5 - 20
410531 - BUN 19 H 23 17 20 24 18 mg/dL 10 - 24 10.0 - 22.0
410532 - CREAT 0.80 0.97 0.82 0.81 0.83 0.83 mg/dL .6 - 1.3 0.76 - 1.27
410533 - eGFR INA 102 79 >60 91 >60 >60 mL/min Ref: >=60 >59
410534 - eGFR IA 92 106 mL/min >59
410535 - CALCIUM 8.9 9.5 9.3 9.4 9.2 9.2 mg/dL 8.5 - 10.5 8.6 - 10.2
410536 - CA CORR mg/dL 8.7 - 10.2
410537 - PO4 mg/dL 2.4 - 4.5
410538 - MG 85 mg/dL 1.8 - 2.5
410539 - ALK PHO 86 100 105 84 87 U/L 40 - 125 39.0 - 117.0
410540 - SGOT 27 U/L 5 - 35
410541 - SGPT 28 U/L 7 - 56
410542 - ..
410543 - T. BIL 1.2 H 2.2 H 1.3 H 2.1 H 1.6 H 1.7 H 1.3 mg/dL .1 - 1.2 0.0 - 1.2
410544 - D. BILI 0.2 0.2 0.32 0.3 0.34 < 0.1 mg/dL .1 - .5 0.00 - 0.40
410545 - Bilirubin, Indir 0.98 1.26 H mg/dL 0.10 - 0.80
410546 - AST 23 26 23 21 20 22 IntUnits/L 8 - 42 0.0 - 40.0
410547 - ALT 21 17 21 19 17 19 IntUnits/L 5 - 55 0.0 - 44.0
410548 - ALBUMIN 3.9 4.6 4.6 4.1 4.4 3.9 4.0 gm/dL 3.3 - 5.2 3.6 - 4.8
410549 - PROTEIN 6.5 7.5 6.6 6.7 6.5 7.1 7.2 g/dL 6.0 - 8.5 6.0 - 8.5
410550 - Globulin, Total 2.0 2.1 g/dL 1.4 - 4.5
410551 - A/G Ratio 2.3 2.1 1.1 - 2.5
410552 - LDH 200.0 180.0 IntUnits/L 90 - 208 0.0 - 225.0
410553 - GGT 11.0 9.0 IU/L 0.0 - 65.0
410554 - Iron, Serum 100.0 114.0 ug/dL 40.0 - 155.0
410555 - AMYLASE Units/L 28 - 100
410556 - LIPASE Units/L 7 - 58
410557 - NH3 mcmol/L 15 - 56
410558 - URIC AC 5.6 mg/dL 4.8 - 8.7 3.7 - 8.6
410559 - Cholesterol, Total 164.0 162.0 mg/dL 100.0 - 199.0
410560 - Triglycerides 55.0 64.0 mg/dL 0.0 - 149.0
410561 -
410562 - [On 140522 1052 Electrolyte panel Chem Profile labs
410563 - submitted to Doctor Egan. ref SDS 63 3N4S
410565 - ..
410566 - a. SLIGHTLY Hemolyzed specimen /HN
410568 - ..
410569 - b. Ordering Provider: Diana Alba
410570 - Report Released..: May 20, 2014@11:21
410571 - Reporting Lab....: SAN FRANCISCO VAMC [CLIA# 05D0988226]
410572 - 4150 CLEMENT STREET
410573 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121-1545
410574 - Performing Lab...: SAN FRANCISCO VAMC [CLIA# 05D0988226]
410575 -
410576 -
410577 -
410579 - ..
410580 - Notes on Electrolytes Lab Hyperbilirubinemia Potassium Heart Problems
410581 - Hyperbilirubinemia Potassium Heart Problems Notes on Electrolytes Lab
410582 - Potassium Heart Problems Hyperbilirubinemia Notes on Electrolytes Lab
410583 -
410584 - Follow up ref SDS 59 G34G, ref SDS 57 G34G.
410585 -
410586 - 1. T Bilirubin 1.2................. ref SDS 0 015M
410587 -
410588 - Bilirubin 1.2 in lab today, fell within range at high end, a
410589 - week after being elevated nearly 100% in VA lab on 140514,
410590 - ref SDS 59 015M, and 2 weeks after elevated in Labcorp test
410591 - results, as shown above. ref SDS 0 015M This seems strong
410592 - improvement resolving side effects after ending Rosuvastatin 17
410593 - months ago on 121206 0900, ref SDS 26 OS5L, - with continuing
410594 - side effects of poor liver function that may align with new,
410595 - recent mild episodes peripheral neuropathy in right foot,
410596 - reported on 140510, shown in case study on 120101 0900.
410597 - ref SDS 15 TV6I Until then there had been no symptoms for past
410598 - 9 months, since 130614, reported in case study on 120101 0900.
410599 - ref SDS 15 TSUY Prior to 130614, there were no episodes for
410600 - several months reported on 130402, ref SDS 15 RURT, until
410601 - episode occurred on 130210. ref SDS 15 PV8I Major peripheral
410602 - neuopathy both feet on 130107. ref SDS 15 8H5F
410604 - ..
410605 - Background on Rosuvastatin causing elevated T Bilirubin with
410606 - associated severe side effects is reported on 121206 0900,
410607 - ref SDS 26 NI9L, and further explained in the record on 121130
410608 - 0846. ref SDS 25 ER4K
410610 - ..
410611 - On 131017 1000 Doctor Egan explained patient history of
410612 - intermittant and mild peripheral neuropathy that correlates
410613 - with persistent elevated T Bilirubin in lab on 131015,
410614 - ref SDS 34 015M, and further reported with vitals, diet and
410615 - exercise since prior meeting at VA on 130603, see case study on
410616 - 120101 0900, ref SDS 15 X14N, suggests intervention is not
410617 - required at this time to improve recovery from side effects
410618 - taking Rosuvastatin. ref SDS 37 LV5J
410620 - ..
410621 - On 131017 1000 VA medical chart Progress Notes assessment
410622 - report doctor concerned about chronic hyperbilirubinemia.
410623 - ref SDS 37 PSXT
410625 - ..
410626 - 2. Potasium K 5.2 Elevated above range......... ref SDS 0 ZG5O
410627 -
410628 - Labcorp blood test on 140508 reported potassium 5.6 increased
410629 - from 4.8 on prior Labcorp lab and 5.4 on VA lab from 3 months
410630 - ago, shown on 140203 1147. ref SDS 50 ZG5O VA lab today,
410631 - reporting Potassium (K) 5.2 substantially improves these prior
410632 - results, but remains slightly elevated. ref SDS 0 ZG5O
410633 -
410634 - [On 140522 1052 Electrolyte panel Chem Profile labs
410635 - submitted to Doctor Egan. ref SDS 63 3N4S
410637 - ..
410638 - In the meeting yesterday on 140519, Doctor Alba recommended
410639 - waiting until next week to fully rehydrate after hiking 22
410640 - miles on 140513, and 11 miles the morning of the lab on 140514.
410641 - If that advice had been implemented to pause hiking before
410642 - follow up lab, then potassium may have further fallen within
410643 - prescribed range, as shown by glucose and sodium. ref SDS 0
410644 - ZG5O
410646 - ..
410647 - Doctor Egan, referring cardiology physician at Martinez VA,
410648 - noted in a recent letter that meeting at VA Medical Center in
410649 - San Francisco on 140213 0830, ref SDS 53 GT7G, did not address
410650 - elevated potassium in labs performed by Labcorp and VA, shown
410651 - on 140203 1147. ref SDS 50 ZG5O Doctor Egan again notifies
410652 - that this condition of elevated potassium represents exposure
410653 - to "electrical problems" with the heart, reported on 140430.
410654 - ref SDS 55 UV5I
410656 - ..
410657 - Doctor Egan was concerned last year about potasium (K) rising
410658 - above range for good health. He explained potasium effects
410659 - electrical signals to the heart, and so has significance for
410660 - CVD, reported during meeting at VA on 121206 0900. ref SDS 26
410661 - 6K56
410662 -
410663 - [...below on 140520 0732 letter to VA cites improved
410664 - Potassium in follow up lab today. ref SDS 0 VQ54
410666 - ..
410667 - [On 140522 1052 Electrolyte panel Chem Profile labs
410668 - submitted to Doctor Egan. ref SDS 63 3N4S
410670 - ..
410671 - 3. Glucose 98...................... ref SDS 0 ZG5O
410672 -
410673 - Glucose fell to midrange 65 - 115, resolves concern that
410674 - dehydration increased glucose to nearly above range of Labcorp
410675 - blood test last week on 140508, presenting false positive for
410676 - risk diabetes, see above. ref SDS 0 ZG5O
410677 -
410678 -
410679 -
420510 - To: "Rod Welch"
420512 - ..
420912 -
420913 -
420914 -
4210 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
4303 -
4304 - 1609
430501 - ..
430502 - EPC Test Requires Approval of Doctor Order by VA Lab
430503 -
430504 -
430505 - Received letter from Doctor Alba saying...
430506 -
430507 - 1. Subject: RE: Chem Lab Check Posassium
430508 - Date: 2014-05-20 10:53
430514 -
430515 - EPC is not something that we do regularly at the VA. It has be
430516 - approved by the lab medicine service, since we need to justify
430517 - it. Im in clinic right now, but when im done, I?ll be happy to
430518 - page them to see if they can take a look. Approvals take a
430519 - while, because they need to review the chart before they decide
430520 - to approve it or not. We do not use EPC to assess potential
430521 - for regression of atherosclerosis plaque, so I doubt they will
430522 - approve it. But I'll pass along you request. Aprovals usually
430523 - take 24-48 hrs.
430525 - ..
430526 - The doctor responds to the letter this morning on adding EPC to labs
430527 - for blood draw this morning, reported above. ref SDS 0 4U46
430528 -
430529 - [...below on 140520 0732 at 1617 letter to VA submits
430530 - explanation for rationale and justification that warrants
430531 - testing EPC labs in this case, leading to coronary CTA that
430532 - can justify reducing line of care in order to reduce
430533 - adverse side effects, saving time and money. ref SDS 0 VQ48
430535 - ..
430536 - [On 140529 0942 letter to VA asks for results on request
430537 - for EPC lab. ref SDS 64 QG3U
430539 - ..
430540 - [On 140610 0903 letter to Doctor Alba asks about progress
430541 - on ordering EPC labs and coronary CTA to evaluate
430542 - regression of athersclerosis. ref SDS 66 LJ61
430543 -
430546 - Clinical Fellow, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
430547 - University of California San Francisco
430548 -
430549 -
430550 -
430551 -
430552 -
4306 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
4403 -
4404 - 1617
440501 - ..
440502 - Lab Results Electrolyte Panel Chem Profile Submitted to VA
440503 -
440504 - Sent letter to the VA saying...
440505 -
440506 - 1. Subject: Re: Chem Lab Check Posassium
440507 - Date: 2014-05-20 16:27
440514 - ..
440515 - 2. Back home, so can communicate again. Have not been able to get
440516 - the hang of using cell phones for correspondence.
440517 -
440518 -
440519 -
4406 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
4503 -
450401 - ..
450402 - Justification Coronary CTA EPC Lab Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
450403 - Coronary CTA Justification EPC Lab Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
450404 - Justification EPC Lab Coronary CTA Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
450405 - EPC Lab Coronary CTA Justification Regression Artersclerosis Save Lives Time Money
450406 -
450407 -
450408 - 3. Justification to submit on EPC [...and coronary CTA...] goes
450409 - along following lines...
450410 -
450411 - [On 140610 0903 letter to Doctor Alba asks about progress
450412 - on ordering EPC labs and coronary CTA to evaluate
450413 - regression of athersclerosis. ref SDS 66 LJ61
450415 - ..
450416 - This extended justification aids Doctor Alba's efforts to obtain
450417 - approval for the VA to test EPC in the labs today, cited in her letter
450418 - earlier today, above, ref SDS 0 AF5L, which responded to request in
450419 - the letter early this morning, per above. ref SDS 0 4U46
450421 - ..
450422 - Letter to VA continues...
450423 -
450424 - 4. Patient did a lot of running in 20s and 30s. He switched to
450425 - tennis in 40s and 50s, causing weight to go from 165 to 205.
450426 - Customer had HDL 30 in August 2009. In about 2004, he had
450427 - begun hiking 3 - 5 miles 4 - 5 times per week, i.e., about 20
450428 - miles per week, but this was insufficient to resolve mounting
450429 - atherosclerosis. He therefore required CABG +4 surgery on Oct
450430 - 22, 2009, due to severe plaque buildup. Following surgery, he
450431 - began a regimen of extended exercise for weight loss and
450432 - regression of atherosclerosis plaque. This has been gradually
450433 - increased year to year to achieve favorable lipids. He is
450434 - currently hiking about 80 miles per week, increase of 400%.
450435 - HDL 67 on most recent lab indicates response to treatment.
450436 - Patient requests lab for Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) to
450437 - assess rapid regression of atherosclerosis, toward ordering
450438 - coronary CTA to determine if sufficient regression has occurred
450439 - that justifies reducing treatment hiking 300 miles per month.
450440 - If regression has occurred with EPC labs elevated like HDL, it
450441 - might be possible to hike only 150 miles per month, freeing
450442 - time for other work, and reducing side effects of sore feet,
450443 - sore back, neck, hips, hamstrings, shins, calfs, etc. The
450444 - medical team met with the patient yesterday on May 19, and
450445 - explained trade-offs between reducing treatment and suffering
450446 - side effects of increased urination, peripheral neuropathy,
450447 - dizziness, etc from taking statins. While an absolute
450448 - correlation has not been established with current medication,
450449 - patient's experience with prior statins showed side effects
450450 - ended, when medication was ended. However, it was recommended
450451 - that benefits of continuing treatment to prevent advance or
450452 - cause regression of plaque, outweigh advantages of avoiding
450453 - "minor" side effects. If EPC lab is favorable, this would
450454 - indicate along with already established favorable HDL 67 lab
450455 - results that regression of atherosclerotic plaques may be
450456 - occurring for this patient, leading to ordering coronary CTA
450457 - based on expectation that results can justify reducing line of
450458 - care along with side effects that are inconvenient and possibly
450459 - unnecessary for the patient to continue suffering.
450460 - Additionally, this would save time and money, and demonstrate
450461 - excellent care by the VA.
450463 - ..
450464 - [On 140629 1921 follow up letter to VA on 140520, ordering
450465 - coronary CTA with calcium score, ref SDS 62 VQ48, to assess
450466 - reducing level of care hiking 11 miles per day in order to
450467 - reduce side effects, ref SDS 68 UZ64; further request
450468 - referral to Podiatry for consultation to relieve
450469 - metatarsalgia side effects of prescribed care. ref SDS 68
450470 - U14H
450471 -
450472 -
450473 -
4505 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
4603 -
460401 - ..
460402 - Dehydration Resolved Electrolyte Panel Shows Labs within Range
460403 -
460404 -
460405 - 5. The lab this morning showed better numbers for glucosamine,
460406 - sodium, and potassium, [...reported above, ref SDS 0 KK9M...],
460407 - as occurred previously in December 2012, under similar
460408 - circumstances. Potassium 5.2 remains slightly elevated. [...
460409 - see analyis of lab above, ref SDS 0 TN3M...]. If we had waited
460410 - another day or so, as you suggested yesterday, might have
460411 - fallen within range as well.
460412 -
460413 - [On 140522 1052 Electrolyte panel Chem Profile labs
460414 - submitted to Doctor Egan. ref SDS 63 3N4S
460415 -
460416 -
460417 -
4605 -
SUBJECTS
Default Null Subject Account for Blank Record
4703 -
470401 - ..
470402 - Commend VA Effective Collaborating Doctor/Patient Partnership
470403 -
470404 -
470405 - 6. Sorry, we had so much trouble this morning coordinating with
470406 - the cell phone. [...referencing calls earlier today, above,
470407 - ref SDS 0 U63N...]. Very grateful for your timely, thorough
470408 - support, indicating good care through doctor/patient
470409 - partnership.
470411 - ..
470412 - 7. You have been a terrific partner - will miss working with you
470413 - when your rotation ends at the VA.
470414 -
470420 -
470421 -
470422 -
470423 -
470424 -
470425 -
470426 -
470427 -
470428 -
470429 -
470430 -
470431 -
470432 -
4705 -