Hypochondriacs should never Google.

[Pithlet]

My doctor's office called me today and told me I have elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in my blood, and he wants to see me on Thursday to talk about it. Well, I have no idea what this is, so naturally I Google it. Well, it could be nothing, or it could be scary stuff. Now, I'm convinced I have liver cancer or something. Ugh...

[mlawson]

1. Or look in medical reference books!!!

I won't even go near that particular bookshelf in bookstores or libraries...

[KCDem]

2. wouldn't you be freaking out if you didn't know anything?

To me, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to health issues.

Hope all goes well on Thursday; I'll be thinking of you.

[Pithlet]

3. Oh, of course.

It's just that googling makes it even worse. I swear, I'll get on a google binge after hearing about some health issue I've never heard of before and think "Oh my God! That sounds just like me!" before I slap some sense back into myself.

It's probably my gall bladder. My mom had issues with hers, so it wouldn't surprise me. Or, it could be absolutely nothing. Thanks for the well wishes :)

[havocmom]

4. don't answer, but are you taking any meds, particularly antidepressants?

some can give bad readings but it is just a temp condition. Medications can do odd things to tests and MDs do not always recognize that. If taking any meds, talk to your pharmacist before going to the doctor. Most pharmacists are a bit more current on side affects of drugs and are wonderful resources to use.

Been there, done that, had those sort of readings. It was the meds. Hope your case is just as easy to deal with.

[Pithlet]

5. Thanks.

I did see in my googling frenzy that meds can affect levels. That's a great idea; I'll call my pharmacist and ask him/her about it.

[Robb]

6. My fahter-in-law the doc

...is fond of saying that 99% of disease begins with "flu-like symptoms".

Including, as it turns out, the flu. :)