Kitty's Laboratory Tests

The historical record of Kitty Antonik Wakfer's blood tests are available in HTML and EXCEL formats. The last tests were taken on 7/29/2009.

Other test results:
• Mammogram - March 2009
• Cervical Pap - March 2009
• Mammogram - March 2006
• Cervical Pap - March 2006
• IVP - April 2004
• Cervical Pap - March 2003
• EKG - January 2003
• Bone Density - May 2002
• Chest x-ray - May 2002
• Mammogram - May 2002

Paul's Lab Tests

Analysis of Laboratory Test Results

Results for tests of 7/29/2009 (Comments by Paul Wakfer)

• Blood CO2 level is low as it ever has been. This indicates more alkaline blood, which should be good to prevent minerals leaching from Kitty's bones.
• Ferritin remains low and she will continue to take the iron supplement.
• Lipase remains a little high even though Kitty's digestive system has stopped showing any irritation. This is probably why her CEA remains high although less than last time. Perhaps it takes many months for formerly irritated intestines to completely return to normal.
• Urinalysis indicates mild cystitis but Kitty has experienced no symptoms in over 2 years, although she acknowledges not consuming as much liquid as previously. New urine test strips will be ordered on return to AZ for periodic home testing and more attention given to fluid intake. Cranberry and several probiotics continue to be taken.
• Kitty's cervical pap smear and mammogram done in March 2009 showed no evidence of lesions or malignancy.

Results for tests of 12/05/2007 (Comments by Paul Wakfer)

General: This analysis is for a comprehensive set of blood tests done on 12/05/2007, delayed from Paul's 11/30/2007 tests because of digestive problems.

• Phosphorus is now mid-range. No explanation for previous high value.
• Ferritin is below range, but that is good to prevent iron oxidation and lipofuscin accumulation.
• At 4.0 homocysteine is now the lowest that it has ever been in the records that she has, showing that the previous high result was almost certainly a lab error.
• WBC is lower than range, because of calorie restriction and lack of infectious challenge.
• Lipase values are still elevated. Kitty was having intestinal gas and digestive problems just before the tests which were the reason why we delayed them from mine. Kitty has now deleted all use of rhubarb root (containing emodin) and acarbose. Her intestinal problems appear to be largely gone, but the next text results should tell the story.
• This test again confirmed that the very high testosterone result from the 03/13/07 test was a false reading.
• CEA remains too high but should now come down after eliminating all rhubarb root and acarbose.

Results as of 7/19/07 (Comments by Paul Wakfer)

General: This is the first set of comments on lab test results for almost 2 years. The reason why I did not comment on previous test results as they were done was because both I and Kitty have been in the midst of resolving several test results with which we were not happy and I saw little purpose (but mainly I had insufficient time) in giving interim comments when we had yet to determine causes and arrive at solutions. I am commenting now because most of the values with which we were concerned are where we want them.

• BUN is lower likely because of reduced meat/protein intake.
• Phosphorous is slightly high. We don't know why since Kitty eats essentially what Paul eats and his phosphorous is well within range.
• ALT (liver enzyme) is now within range.
• Tot Chol went down likely because of lower meat and meat fat in the diet and use of acipimox. Kitty's HDL is still super, even higher than before! Triglycerides low also.
• Since Paul's homocysteine is still down from previous results after reducing meat intake and Kitty eats the same as Paul does, her sudden higher than ever value for homocysteine is most likely a spurious result. However, this will be retested in the coming months.
• Fasting blood glucose value is far lower than ever before. If this is correct then it shows that the BG meter currently being used is giving incorrect readings. We will buy strips and switch back to the old one for a while.
• Elevated Lipase values are an indication of some irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, of which both of us also had other clear symptoms) - Kitty's being far worse on all counts than Paul's. This seems to be related to the number of pills and strange chemicals that we take. We are doing our best to reduce it by use of FOS, fiber and probiotics. Paul's is by now completely resolved and Kitty's is better but needs more improvement still.
• DHEAS and IGF-1 values are now as desired after reducing DHEA intake.
• The very high testosterone result from the 03/13/07 test was shown to be a false reading by the 05/15/07 test result, but this will be checked again when we get a more complete set of tests in a few months.
• CEA remains too high but after searching for all other reasons it appears to be related only to the IBS she continues to have, though much improved as she works to find a balance in quantity between rhubarb root and acarbose (we want her to take both) with respect to which her IBS is tolerable.
• Latest lab tested urine was normal but Kitty does continue to have 2 or 4 incidents of cystitis per year, despite large fluid, lemon and cranberry supplement intake, which she quickly treats with Levofloxacin.
• Kitty's cervical pap smear and mammogram done in March 2006 showed no evidence of lesions or malignancy.

Results as of 11/8/05 (Comments by Paul Wakfer)

This was the first complete set of tests since 1/21/04 when we (I and Kitty) decided not to incur the expense more than every 18 months unless we had specific reasons and clear needs (as we did for the CBC test of 7/15/05).
The first thing to note is that any concern about liver enzymes being affected by our dosage of generic ALT-711 was not shown by any test results (actually Kitty's enzymes went up after omitting the ALT-711). Therefore, the small rise in these levels since early values of over 5 years ago is due either to natural changes with age or (more likely) due to the vast multiple of supplements and chemicals that we are now taking for prophylactic prevention of all possible aging dysfunctions. Since the rise is small, not continuing to rise and the values (of SGOT and SGPT) are still within normal range, I am not concerned about them.
Kitty's potassium decreased slightly and there is still the occasional leg cramp, so she has increased her supplemental dose to 2 grams daily from 1.
Kitty's uric acid, while being good as a serum antioxidant, is promoting of this type renal stone formation, which she already had once and we are very concerned to prevent reoccurrence. This is likely also related to her total protein being high, so she has cut back a little on protein and is taking extra taurine.
Kitty's iron, hemoglobin and hematocrit have responded somewhat to eating more liver and black strap molasses, but her ferritin remains low. Therefore, she is now taking an iron supplement.
Kitty's cholesterol readings are all good, but the new more comprehensive VAP test showed some differences between the test values from the CBC (but not as much as the differences shown in my tests).
Kitty's homocysteine was much higher this time than we would like it to be (although not the highest ever). I think this may be because of LEF's enormous dilution of their folate powder product making it difficult for us to get as much by using that product. Therefore, we have now procured a source of pure folate and have gone back to the former large dosage we were taking (even though my serum folate tested very high). In addition, it turns out that polyphenols in general can increase homocysteine (even though they are highly valuable for other purposes). Therefore, she has eliminated the stand-alone green tea supplement since she is probably getting more than enough from the other supplements which contain green tea and from the several cups that she drinks daily. Even though her serum B-12 was very high she has also increased her daily dosage to 5 grams so that it is more available to assist with homocysteine recycling. In addition, she has increased her pyridoxamine intake in case that is being too much inhibited by the aminoguanidine, since B6 is necessary for both recycling and metabolizing homocysteine. She has also increased intake of TMG, since it also helps recycle homocysteine. She plans to get homocysteine tested again in April.
Kitty's CRP was very low again, showing again that the high value of 2 years ago was almost certainly a lab error.
Kitty's fasting blood glucose was as low as ever; her Hemoglobin A1C was the lowest ever; and her fasting insulin was still low. Since we are now on a very strict two daily meals and no snacks, she may also get these tested again in April to see how they are doing.
Kitty got a complete thyroid panel this time because many people keep telling us that a TSH value over 2.5 and a low body temperature implies that one is hypothyroid. And since thyroid hormone is helpful to uncouple mitochondrial respiration and reduce ROS generation (besides the lack of it being conducive to mental dullness, lack of energy and putting on weight), she certainly does not want to be hypothyroid (not that I really thought she was, since she has none of the symptoms). As her tests show, her output of T3 and T4 is still within the range and should be entirely adequate. Still it might be worth taking a little Armour thyroid to see what effect it has.
Two new tests osteocalcin, which is related to bone health, and RA Latex Turbid, which is a measure of rheumatoid arthritis, both showed normal healthy values.
All Kitty's sex hormone results are just where we want them to be.
Both Kitty's AM and PM cortisol values were much higher than ever before and the AM a little out of range, but this is normal for someone on calorie restriction and her good DHEA value is guarding against any brain damage from the high cortisol. Still since this is new for her, she will probably have this retested in April.
Because of all the selenium that we supplement and brazil nuts eaten, I was surprised that her blood selenium was only a little more than mid-range.
Kitty's general cancer marker (CEA) is higher than range and we are concerned, but she is already taking enormous numbers of cancer inhibiting supplements and foods. In addition, the one more specific cancer marker that was taken (breast cancer) was low. She will get a more comprehensive test of these markers in April.
Unfortunately, Kitty's urinalysis showed a UTI. She immediately took an antibiotic and it was gone at the next test a month later. She has increased her cranberry intake, is using the aloe vera that grows on our property in Arizona, taking more probiotics, using more lemon and drinking more water to prevent recurrence.

Home Urine Testing as of 9/14/05

I have not been regular about this testing at all since last year, chiefly because I have not felt any of the typical symptoms of the past - frequency, urgency, burning. And I have for the most part been drinking fluids (water and tea) frequently during the day. However, in editing Paul's comments below I thought it appropriate to do the testing and found that my urine was more concentrated than I had thought, and showed presence of nitrates and protein, both indications of bacteria. No traces of blood were detected with the test strips. It must be noted, however, that the expiration for these chem strips was July of this year, and that the urobilinigin at least does not appear to be giving proper results at all. A new container will be ordered upon our return to Arizona in October and I will have a laboratory urinalysis at the time of bloodwork. In the meantime, my fluid intake and probiotics have been increased; urine samples on two subsequent days were less concentrated although still showing positive nitrites and protein. I will be monitoring my urine at least weekly.

Results as of 7/15/05 (comments by Paul Wakfer)

This new set of blood tests include only normal chemistry and blood count values because its purpose was to get a baseline on current liver enzymes before temporarily ceasing supplementing generic ALT-711 to see if it was having any effect on liver enzymes. (See discussion in MoreLife Yahoo post#946.) Any liver enzyme differences will be determined when we get the usual more comprehensive set of blood tests in late October 2005, which are in any case overdue since we will not have had comprehensive tests for 18 months. We decided to change their frequency to only every 18 months because of price and because our tests show no problems which need to be watched more frequently.
Kitty's BUN remains a bit high. She will be cutting back on protein quantity and increasing taurine to see if this can be lowered for her next test.
Kitty's uric acid is the lowest since 1995, which may be from eating less protein but that seems to be inconsistent with her persistent raised BUN. Since all other indicators of Kitty's kidney function are excellent, the only reason for her moderately high BUN that we can think of is slight dehydration first thing in the morning.
As with Paul, Kitty's blood iron is quite low and together with a RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV (mean corpuscular volume MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) that also were the lowest ever (apart from when she had her kidney stone), and a high RDW (wide distribution of red blood cell sizes) which has been increasing for the last 3 years, this indicates that she definitely has some anemia and therefore not enough iron for optimal body functions - see discussion at MoreLife Yahoo message#1095. Therefore, Kitty will start eating more foods containing iron and will definitely have her ferritin tested at the October testing. We realized that we had not eaten any liver or kidney and very little beans since we moved from Toronto and have now started eating it twice weekly together with more beans and daily black strap molasses.
Kitty's RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit are all down a little which could be from lack of exercise or too little iron or reduced kidney function or some of each. She must try harder to get more exercise, but we both have a problem in that we happiest doing exercise that is part of something productive and/or enjoyable.

Comments as of 6/2/04 (Comments by Paul Wakfer)

Missing test results from 3/1/04 were finally received and home urine testing:

1. The cytokine factors, Interleukin-1 Beta and Interleukin-8 that had been drawn along with repeat CRP were finally obtained from LabCorp via LEF. The results of 2.5 and 24.8 pg/mL respectively are well below the reference range of less than 14.4 and 31.2 pg/mL, respectively. (These are tests LabCorp no longer performs itself and contracts them out to BT Reference Laboratory, therefore increasing the opportunities for delay and mislocation, and of course added cost. Based on the obvious error by LabCorp with the CRP from the 1/21/04 specimen, these tests were unnecessary.)
2. Urine specimens tested with 9 parameter urine reagent strips continue to be used every 3 to 4 weeks. The most recent was clear amber but showed trace non-hemolyzed blood and trace nitrite; both of these indicate a urinary tract infection. Kitty is currently having mild supra-pubic fullness sensation and admits to having lessened her conscientiously monitored fluid intake and not always adding lemon to her drinking water. She has resumed the 1800-2000ml daily water intake (in addition to teas and other fluids) and will retest next week.

Results as of 4/1/04 (Comments by Paul Wakfer)

Out of range lab results from tests performed on 1/21/04 were repeated and previous normal findings:

1. The CRP that was reported at a dangerous level of 6.8 was on the drawing of 3/1/04 only 0.11, back to the level of all previous tests. This made it almost certain that an error had indeed been made by LabCorp. All cautionary dietary and supplemental changes related to the high CRP value have been returned to previous levels.
2. Repeat urinalyses were done on 3/1/04 and again on 3/25/04, the latter through the office of Kitty's urologist and sent to a different laboratory. The report for the 3/1/04 test was delayed from LEF and upon receiving it and discussing it's still abnormal findings (especially occult blood and bacteria) with her urologist, Kitty started on a course of antibiotic (Levoquin) on 3/19. A third urine testing (clean catch as before) was provided at the doctor's office on 3/25; although there was no bacteria growth, microhematuria was still present. An intravenous pylogram (IVP) was performed after we considered the cost-benefit value; Kitty had not had one in several years, she had a prior history of frequent urinary tract infections, she had developed a renal calculi in January 2003, the test could visualize various pathologies if present, and the procedure is minimally invasive. The radiological report from 4/1/04 is free of pathology.
   Kitty has obtained 9 parameter urine chem strips for home testing and the first two performed on 4/2 and 4/29 were negative for occult blood; all other parameters were normal also. It is very likely that the microhematuria accompanied the asymptomatic urinary tract infection that was discovered in the planned urinalysis of 1/21/04 and was not resolved until the antibiotic course (Levoquin 250 mg daily for 7 days). Another full urinalysis is planned through Kitty's urologist during our short visit in Arizona in mid-July.
3. Testing that had been performed in 2003 but not included previously through oversight: EKG (normal sinus rhythm) and cervical cytology (negative for interepithelial lesion or malignancy).

Results as of 1/21/04 (comments by Paul Wakfer)

Since some questionable results of 10/22/02, changes to regimen and/or the fact that the estradiol test measurement may have been incorrect has resulted in an excellent set of test results except in three areas:

1. After having low values of 1.0 and 0.13 in its previous two measurements Kitty's CRP (C-reactive protein) value jumped to a dangerous level of 6.8. Since she has no other indicators which lend any credence to this measurement, we think that it is a mistake or some very transient inflammatory event. Consultations with her urologist concerning the urinalysis results mentioned in 3. below have ruled out any possibility that any kidney or urinary tract problem caused this high CRP value. We have adjusted several dietary and supplemental factors as a precautionary measure and plan to get her CRP retested soon. At that time will also have the other cytokine factors that contribute to CRP also tested.
2. Kitty's first ever fructosamine test came out fairly high. With our diet and supplements this makes little sense and all other signs and tests show very low glycation. Therefore, this value is considered to be faulty, perhaps because it is a fairly newly available test and it appears not to be done as a percentage of blood proteins. It is not planned to have this test repeated now, but it will be done again in a year.
3. Kitty's urinalysis results were taken to her urologist and it was later realized that they might signal a small calculi in formation which was irritating one of her ureters. He did not consider that it warranted any immediate examination and advised retesting. After reading more about calculi formation, we have also taken some dietary and supplement precautions. In particular, Kitty is now drinking a full two liters of water with lots of lemon juice plus a combined 3 cups of tea and tomato juice every day.

Results as of 10/22/02 (comments by Paul Wakfer)

The current tests were obtained after a lapse of 2 years since the last set due to the fact that Kitty was not resident in the US for major periods of time and I wanted us to get our tests in step with each other as soon as I was allowed back into the US. However, I now realize this was a mistake and that I should have insisted she get a comprehensive series of tests a year ago, since some of the latest results show that more frequent testing should be done. We will both endeavor to get complete tests at least yearly from now on and those involving any potential problems will be done even more frequently. Here are the highlights of Kitty's test results as of this date.

1. Weight and blood pressure are decreased from 3 years ago because of major weight loss achieved by change of diet to major carbohydrate elimination and moderate calorie restriction.
2. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) remains a little high, possibly due to relatively higher protein intake. It could also be due to Kitty's chronic use of lithium which was being reduced and has now been discontinued since with her current happier life and mental state she shows no signs of needing. This will be retested in 3 months.
3. I would be concerned about Kitty's high phosphorous even though her calcium is adequate, but her bone mineral density test shows the her values are excellent for a woman of her age. Still I am going to suggest that she snack less on proteins and more on fruits and vegetables which should help her kidneys as well.
4. The low ferritin, yet adequate iron and excellent hematocrit and hemoglobin show that Kitty's iron status is excellent with respect to her red blood cell health, but not so high that she needs to donate blood to lower it and prevent iron free radical production.
5. With a HDL of 69 and a Total Cholesterol of 151, Kitty's cholesterol profile is truly excellent.
6. Kitty's homocysteine is a little higher than I like to see it. We will both be increasing B12 and folate in our regimen.
7. I am very pleased with Kitty's low glycated hemoglobin and fasting insulin. This shows that our efforts to counteract glycation and insulin resistance are working well.
8. Kitty's Thyroid stimulating hormone remains a little high although much better than before and her thyroid hormone values remain well in range so there appears to be no reason for concern.
9. We are somewhat concerned with Kitty's low testosterone and low DHEA even with a supplement of 25 mg daily. More mysterious still is her high estradiol level which is very strange indeed for a post menopausal woman. Finally, her high normal general cancer marker (CEA) gives us additional concern (although her breast cancer marker is very low). She will modify her supplements which may be related to these results and get a full hormone profile again plus ovarian cancer marker test in 3 months.
10. See Kitty's regimen for the details of the changes which have been made temporarily as a result of these tests.

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