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High Alpha Foeto Protein

Posted , 6 users are following.

lynn18860
lynn18860

Hello, am new to the group and trembling slightly as I type smile I am living outside,of the UK in France at the moment. Have suffered for as long as I can remember from severe bloating which afetr years of self diagnosing have never been able to "beat" - I'm 64 yrs old and even years after the menopause still seem to have the sam pms as I had in my yuth, incl mood swings, teneder breasts, and so on, get these symptoms every 15 days including the excessive bloating.

A year ago during an episode of severe bloating I went to see my doctor who suggested pancreatic cancer and gave me lots of blood tests to have done and stool/urine etc - he is not a "hands on" doctor apart from taking BP he has never actually "examined " me

I only went for my tests last month as to be honest I am a coward and he had frightened me with his suspicions - results were all OK, except one which is considered a tumor marker (?) the AFP level which was 15,5 UI/ml and should be under 6,7 UI/ml

My doctor gave me a prescription to have an Ultrasound scan because of this abnormality and as of yet I haven't plucked up courage to make the appointment (silly I know!) 

Since seeing the doc I'm now having discomfort under my right side rib cage into the back, which i didn't have before and have convinced myself i have some horrible disease which I wont be able to cope with

My question is has anyone had completely normal blood results yet a higher AFP ? I have perhaps read too much info and getting myself confused so if anyone has had similar "problems" I would greatly appreciate some advice - Thanks so much

 

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • RHGB
    RHGB lynn18860

    Posted

    No one will know why your AFP is high, including your GP.

    The way they find out if there is a problem, is with an abdominal scan.

    Please go and have the scan, so the GP can see the results. If there is a problem, you are only letting it get worse. From the ultrasound they can check all your internal organs.

    • lynn18860
      lynn18860 RHGB

      Posted

      Thanks RHGB - just wondered if anyone else had these "type" of blood test results, as I mentioned I have read perhaps a little too much info on the net and hoping to be able to make my scan appointment soon, thanks again

    • RHGB
      RHGB lynn18860

      Posted

      I had a quick look on Google. My experience with blood tests and liver/internal organ problems are alcohol based. AFP seems to be a female issue, so not something I would come across.

      But when looking, I could see that there were many reasons that could cause it, pretty much all of which needed a scan. I know from having scans myself and persuading others to get one done, it does give results.

      It only takes 15-20 minutes and is the same as they give a pregnant woman. Your GP will get the results and then he will be able to advise you. Right now, you are just worrying yourself not knowing.

  • AlexandriaGizmo
    AlexandriaGizmo lynn18860

    Posted

    Hi Lynn please try not to worry, it is possible to have a false positive result, I don't know the reason just that it can happen, also do you smoke or drink?

    • lynn18860
      lynn18860 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      Hello Alex, thanks for replying - don't have too many people over here I can "talk" to and, in as much getting myself in a state! Yes, I do both -I drink occasionally, that is not every day but a few glasses of white wine on the weekends and smoke regularly,goes without saying I know I should "stop" but .......................................xx

       

  • Dervla50
    Dervla50 lynn18860

    Posted

    Hi Lynn, I agree with RHGB, you need to have the ultrasound as soon as you can. Can see you're very fearful but you will still worry if you don't go, and you know you mustn't leave it any longer, because if you do need any treatment the sooner it's done the better. Understand your fear entirely, I'm the same as I always think the worst, but I know I have to go. Best wishes and I sincerely hope that it's nothing too serious. Let us know how you get on.

    • lynn18860
      lynn18860 Dervla50

      Posted

      Thanks Addie, yes it's clear I have to pick the phone up and get the scan over and done with, I'm even annoyed at myself for letting myself get into this state! usually nothing phases me but health issues have always caused stress for me  - After living all my adult life in unbelievable pain and always being diagnosed with "womens problems" or IBS and so on I discovered here in France some twenty odd years ago that I had in fact been born with a Kidney malfunction and and ended up in hospital with scepticemea and an emergency operation - in as much being nr death after so many mis diagnosis has made be very wary, and scared! thanks so much for answering it is appreciated xx

  • helen1602
    helen1602 lynn18860

    Posted

    Hi Lynn

    Firstly don't be worried about this site it has been a great help to me since I have been using it.

    I have to say I'm not very good with the number things,I think you should seek proper medical advice to understand that.

    But I know its no concellation I do know what being scared feels like but the one thing IV been told not to do is to internet search my symptoms, so I have stopped doing that now

    The worst thing you can do is to put off making the appointment for the scan as the result is the only way you know how to move forward with your worries and treatment if needed. Stress and worry will not help your symptoms at all, and any doctor you see should be aware of that.

    Please please please make yourself that appointment tomorrow first thing otherwise the longer you leave it the harder it will be and if there is a problem the longer you wait any illness may only get worse.

    Everyone's body presents problems differently so medical advice tests and treatment is of paramount urgency.

    Please make the appointment tomorrow and feel free to keep in touch and if I can advise you on anything I certainly will do.

    Good luck

    Helen

    • lynn18860
      lynn18860 helen1602

      Posted

      Thanks so much for taking your time to reply to me Helen, I appreciate that smile Yes of course I know I have to make the appointment and have decided to do so today so fingers crossed - feel such a wimp but am being honest about my fears which I am "hiding" from everyone else! dont want to let anyone down xx

       

    • Dervla50
      Dervla50 lynn18860

      Posted

      Hi Lynn, you're not being wimpy, it's very normal to be be fearful about our health, and we're all scared of tests/scans in case it reveals something nasty. The best way of looking at it is that it's very possible that it's nothing serious and if it is, you will be glad you went because quick treatment will give you the best way forward. Try and put it out of your head and keep busy until your scan. Let us know how you get on. The best to you, sending hugs x

    • lynn18860
      lynn18860 Dervla50

      Posted

      Thank you for your kind understanding Addie  -  appointment made, next wednesday! Will certainly post results when I get them for those of you who have found the time to reply to my concerns xx

       

    • lynn18860
      lynn18860

      Posted

      Hello all

      Wanted to share the "results"

      As Alex suggested earlier I had a "False Positive AFP" blood test result and the follow up scan this morning confirmed that not only my liver but all my internal organs are perfectly "normal" smile a lesson learned by myself that all the stress, anxiety could have been avoided if I had been either more "positive" or "courageous" many months ago! Many many thanks for letting me share and I wish you all the very best of health xx

       

    • Dervla50
      Dervla50 lynn18860

      Posted

      Hi Lynn, I'm absolutely delighted for you that everything is ok and all is well with you. It just goes to show that facing our fears upfront can save us much anxiety. We always think the worst and of course Dr Google can scare the pants off of us!! The best to you. Addiex

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