Guess what!!!! The lab did the incorrect test on the urine, so it has to be done again. Joy. Collecting pee for 24 hours is so thrilling, after all. They should have run a test for metanephrines, but instead ran a more common test with a similar name. This happened even though someone at the lab had actually spoken to the neurologist's nurse - and the nurse had SPELLED metanephrines for the lab order! Unbelievable. Let's just say that both the doctor and I were decidedly unhappy about this. So, I'll start the collection tomorrow morning and drop it off on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the radiologist's report on the CT scan indicates my spleen is "moderately enlarged" but gives no actual measurements. It also states the left adrenal gland is "slightly enlarged" and lobular (I think that was the word) in appearance. When the doctor told me that the spleen drains into the liver, I mentioned the slightly elevated bilirubin levels in the blood test done a few months ago. He indicated that the spleen problem and bilirubin levels could potentially be linked. That test was done in November. He ordered another CBC (Complete Blood Count) test to get current levels of all the usual stuff in the blood. He also ordered a Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP) blood test. This test could indicate potential liver problems, among other things.
When I drop off the urine on Wednesday I'll have the blood drawn while at the lab. Then I get to wait for them to call with the results. Hopefully, the CORRECT tests will be completed.
Now, I wasn't too sure what all these tests/terms were so I did some research. The high points are below. All of this info is from www.labtestsonline.org which gives much more detail about a lot of these terms, if you're interested. The comments in italics are mine.
- Urine metanephrine testing is primarily used to help detect and rule out pheochromocytomas in symptomatic patients. It may also be ordered to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment when a pheochromocytoma is discovered and removed and to monitor for recurrence.
- Pheochromocytoma: Tumor that causes excess production of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine and usually occurs in one or both of the adrenal glands but may also occur elsewhere in the abdomen. (This is a further check for adrenal problems, indicated by the slightly enlarged left adrenal gland seen on the CT).
- Urine metanephrines are ordered when a doctor either suspects that a patient has a pheochromocytoma or wants to rule out the possibility. He may order it when a patient has persistent or recurring hypertension along with symptoms such as headaches, sweating, flushing, and rapid heart rate. (I have all these symptoms).
- While metanephrine testing can help detect and diagnose pheochromocytomas, it cannot tell the doctor how big the tumor is, where it is, how many tumors are present, or whether or not the tumor(s) are benign – although most are. Even small tumors can produce large amounts of catecholamines.
- The CMP is a frequently ordered panel that gives your doctor important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as of your blood sugar and blood proteins. Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. (This is another check for adrenal gland problems).
