Blood Test Results

Triathlon Forum
1

I just recieved my blood test results back. Unfortunately I don’t have the actual figures but the doctor said that I had a lower than normal white blood cell count and elevated liver function. I had competed in a half ironman five days before which was followed by four days of recovery exercise. I had been to squad swimming the morning of the test but pulled out after 45 minutes due to fatigue (could have been due to the required 8 hour fasting period before the test). I was wondering if anybody had experienced the same thing.

Cheers.

2

Not a doctor by any means, but why did you get these blood tests?

You should probably do them again when you are not trashed, if they are a concern.

3

Just out of interest.

4

I have often thought of having a blood test done right after running a 20 miler or biking 100 or something like that. I’ve wondered if the blood levels of some electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, etc) really do drop substantially during excersize. Never got around to it though.

5

Dehydration can mess up your values (HCT, etc.) as well
.

6

Drink much alcohol after the race or often? Tylenol?

7

I have often thought of having a blood test done right after running a 20 miler or biking 100 or something like that. I’ve wondered if the blood levels of some electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, etc) really do drop substantially during excersize. Never got around to it though.

I was fortunate to participate in a study a couple of years ago where they took blood mid-week, and immediately after crossing the finish line, and compared the results. I used it as a review of my refueling, as Hawaii is about as tough as it gets, especially that year. If careful, one can resupply the electrolytes well enough, but I doubt that the markers shown in the above blood test would be “normal” as the body was in the process of repair.

8

Many years ago I had a blood test from a new/young doc and discovered an elevated liver SGOT level. I immediately thought it was related to my training, even though it was during the offseason (when I still do way way more than an average person). She thought I might have hepatitius or something else. Even had my liver ultra-sounded. I eventually researched it myself. (This was before the days of Google). Sure enough, it’s from the body repairing itself.

9

Such changes are common after an event like that. Especially if you eat a lot of protein. Get it done again in a month and if there are still abnormalities then you can pursue it. But I wouldn’t worry about it until then.

10

I have the results
Blood Count
White Blood Cell count: 3.5 b/L (4.0-11.0)
Neutrophils: 44% 1.54 b/L (2.00-7.50)

Liver Function Tests
Total Bilirubin: 21umol/L (0-20)
ALT: 43IU/L (0-40)
AST: 39IU/L (0-33)
Albumin: 52g/L (38-50)

I have only posted the results which were outside the limits. Please let me know if you would like the full test results.

Many Thanks, Space

11

Hey Space:

Disclaimer: Not Medical Advice. No substitute for consultation with your physician.

None of those values look crazy to me after a 5-ish hour endurance event. There are several articles in the peer-reviewed literature that show exactly these kinds of changes several days out. If it were me (as I mentioned previously), I would repeat the studies in a month and meet with your Dr. Or better yet find a sports med Dr., take your previous results and get your re-test done in that person’s office. If you’re having some kind of symptoms, obviously, follow up sooner.