Be Careful About When You Take Your Health Checkup: A Lesson Learned from Unexpected Results

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I want to share an experience that made me realize how important timing is when taking health checkups.

Sudden Decline in My Health Checkup Results?!

As usual, my company offered a health checkup through a mobile clinic. I took the checkup during the designated period. About a month later, I was shocked to see the results—my liver function had dropped to an E rating (needs medical attention), despite having all A ratings in previous years.

I don’t drink or smoke, and I was only 30 at the time. There were no obvious reasons for liver issues—this was completely unexpected.

Visiting the Hospital

The results recommended seeing a gastroenterologist. I wasn’t thrilled, but I went just in case. After a consultation, I had a blood test. A few days later, I got the results…

My ALT level dropped from 68 to 14—well within the normal range of 5–45. I was relieved, but since it was a first-time visit, the checkup cost me some extend.

Why Did the Health Checkup Show Abnormal Results?

The doctor suspected something based on my white blood cell count. Though within the normal range, it had increased significantly compared to previous years. This could indicate a recent cold or infection.

Turns out, I had been diagnosed with sinusitis about 1–2 weeks before the checkup and was still taking medication. The doctor believed the medicine may have stressed my liver, causing the abnormal result.

I thought I had recovered, but my body was still under strain. If I had taken the checkup a bit later, I could’ve avoided the worry and expense.

Conclusion

Make sure your body is in good condition when taking a health checkup. Otherwise, you might end up worrying unnecessarily and spending extra time and money. Still, don’t skip your checkups! If you’re not feeling well during the scheduled period, consider taking a facility-based checkup later. And if something seems off, don’t self-diagnose—go see a doctor!

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