Looking for (sports)doctor that can help with blood tests

[Wic2]

I am looking for a (sports) doctor / specialist in the field that can assist on which blood tests must be done and guide me on the results.

Hopefully somebody in Gauteng or lowveld.

My fiso contacted somebody at the sports department of a varsity but no real help.

If anybody have some experience on a doctor (or specialist in the field) that knows his stuff please pm me.  Thanks

If interested some info:

- Man over 50 years

- Doing cycling - one day & stage races

- Having difficulty building fitness and particularly strength

- Picked up two injuries last 6 months

- Diet is low carp but use gels and drinks when racing. 

- Tired a lot and not really overweght 🙄

****  The tests in point 2 below is a lot and will cost a fortune.

****  Secondly I need somebody to interpret it for me.

My internet search came up with:

1:            - CBC, CMP-14, and tests for cortisol, reproductive hormones, insulin, and thyroid hormones, Vitamin and energy deficiency, status of the production of red blood cells, the specification of oxidative inflammation and stress, and the discerning of iron

2:            The following tests are done in UK by a company:

                WHAT GETS TESTED?     18 BIOMARKERS (and some)

• Active B12
• Cortisol (9am)
• Creatine Kinase
• Creatinine
• eGFR
• Ferritin
• Haemoglobin
• hs-CRP
• Luteinising Hormone
• Prolactin
• Red Blood Cell (RBC)
• Testosterone (total)

·         Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

·         Thyroxine (T4, free direct)

·         Triiodothyronine (T3, free)

·         Urea

·         Vitamin D (25 OH)

·         White Blood Cell Count

·         Free Testosterone (calculated)

·         HbA1c

·         Kidney Function

·         Lipid Panel

·         Liver Function

·         Magnesium (serum)

·         Sex Hormones

[DieselnDust]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm🤔

[Shebeen]

  On 4/23/2024 at 12:35 PM, DieselnDust said:

Hmmmmmmmmmmm🤔

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he had me at sex hormones.

 

At first I thought it must be a bot, but long time poster. I guess there will be some decent advice, the hub is nothing if not diverse!

[Mamil]

I'm not sure you need a sports doctor so much as a specialist physician for a full medical assessment and workup.

[bleedToWin]

Following to see what recommendations come up. Been thinking to get blood work done, but no idea what to start or what to even ask for. I was thinking hormones, Iron, Magnesium.

[thebob]

Sounds like you are looking for an endocrinologist

[DieselnDust]

  On 4/23/2024 at 12:43 PM, Mamil said:

I'm not sure you need a sports doctor so much as a specialist physician for a full medical assessment and workup.

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Yeah that’s what I was thinking. Sounds like a lot more going on here that resulting in poor recovery and muscle build.

i’d say go see a specialist , pathologist and if anything are sure ours familiar with SAIDS guidelines if you plan to continue in sport.

[The Ouzo]

have you had any tests done at all yet ?

 

I'm just going on what my doc told me when I had my check up last year, Testosterone levels were low. Google told me many of your symptoms were the same for low testosterone.

I've been having injections once a month as per docs recomendations, I wont say there was a drastic change, but certainly am aware of an improvement.

Edited April 23, 2024 by The Ouzo

[Ruan Rossouw......]

You sure you did not Overtrain maybe.

[Wic2]

Overtrained - unfortunately not.

[dave303e]

  On 4/23/2024 at 1:28 PM, Wic2 said:

Overtrained - unfortunately not.

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Over training doesn't only apply to sport. You may be juggling other life things and that added to a sport load can be too much.

For example, this year I have been on a massive project which has meant lots of in person workshops 65km away from home. Add in a very busy 1 year old and 3 or 4 major DIY projects. I was down to 6 hours sleep a night, lots of 3am runs. Most weekends I would clock a long run and then do another 25000 steps on a DIY project on the farm.  I was battling with my training, always tired, very irritable and just grumpy

Needless to say recovery didn't happen well and while I somehow maintained it for 4 months, being injured the last few weeks made me realise how much strain I was under. Dropping the training load down to just a few swims a week as and when I feel like it(mostly for sanity) - I am a different person. Full of energy, less grumpy no more other niggling issues like back, calf and other issues. So be aware it could be life, not just training which you need to recover from.

[Wic2]

Thanks for the reply.  I get what you are saying.

Will keep the stress thing in mind

[Lance Stephenson]

I don't know when last you had a proper "check under the hood" with a doctor BUT, I did one In Feb and it was eye opening.

 

Over 40 years of age you should be having regular check ups to have baseline to reflect off so you know when things change.  DO THIS NOW.  Don't waste time.

 

You will need to speak with your physician about drawing blood samples, and poo sample.  You should get a prostrate check and have, MOST IMPORTANTLY, a physical assessment done, VO2, flexibility and fitness test.  These results need to be looked at, and a physician would need to guide you on where you are and then take in your own observations of your "energy" or fatigue.

 

I did mine with Dr Jason Suter  at Cape Sports Med (at Newlands, Sports Science building).  I don't know who I'd trust as an "athlete" other than their practice as GPs are not in tune with the athletic demands like CSM Drs are.  I personally have a long standing relationship with my GP BUT he has no performance oriented medical experience.  

MY suggestion is speak with Louis Fabris at the practice and ask her for 5 min to ask her opinion of who may be of value to you in Gauteng to offer a similar service.  Louis held my hand through the whole process, was extremely compassionate and professional, the whole experience was incredible .  I hope you can find a solution like I did and have a great experience in the process.

+27 (21) 659 5644

[buckstopper]

I once saw Dr Jarrad van Zuydam who had worked with the Di Data team as a Doctor. He also cycles. In Waterfall Midrand

[Wic2]

Lance - Thanks for your post. Exactly the info I am looking for. 

buckstopper - Thanks for post.  Did you find that you received value from him? if so, how - tests, process, ext if you may please?

Edited April 23, 2024 by Wic2

[Anthem24]

You certainly don't need to get the tests done in the UK. There are local services that do a similar panel. But it would be worth just starting with a GP, who can interpret the results for you. This GP is in Cape Town, but you can compare the tests he considers standard:
https://www.dranthonysmith.co.za/patient-resources/

It would still be quite expensive, but at least once you've ruled out the basics, you could look at other things, like diet. And yes, you should be having prostate checks, and after 50, get a colonoscopy.