Medically smart people's opinions please

Thanks for your input. 

Since my last chemo was in early 2011, and my blood counts were normal since then (although low end of normal), my onc says it's not chemo related.  My next stop is a hematologist. 

I'd never heard about the lowering WBC after bariatric surgery either, but the doctor at my bariatric surgeon's group said it's pretty common, although it usually doesn't last long.  Maybe it simulates an autoimmune resonse in some people or something.  I guess I should have asked more about it.   Anyway, everyone thinks it's likely something else in my case anyway.

a hematologist and oncologist are the same specialty.  Your oncologist should also be a hematologist.  I have never seen anyone that doesn't to both.

Have they checked to see if your cancer has returned?  What type do you have, certain cancers can cause low WBC - not trying to scare you just want you check out all avenues.

Autoimmune disorders also cause it to happen.

My "current" onc is not a hematologist.  He is a surgeon/gynecological oncologist.  My former onc (for my breast cancer) is a hematologist.  I have been having regular checkups and blood work for both cancers -- all good.  I will be going back to my former onc/hematologist, since she already has lots of records on me.  Other than minor wounds not healing as quickly as they usually do, I feel great.  It's very annoying.  I'm trying to think positive and hope it's a temporary autoimmune response to something or other.

I would recommend seeing a hemalogist.  You are at risk for infection and need to be very careful.  Make sure you wash your hands alot and use purell when possible(hand sanitizer)

It is most likely due to either an overwhelming infection, autoimmune disorder or  bone marrow failure. I hope it is due to an autoimmune disorder due to your other symptoms.

Sometimes when it is very low, they give a shot called Neupogen to stimulate bone marrow.  My WBC had been in the 3;s and was 2.7 when I was hospitalized.

You also need to know your Neutrophyl count and lymphocyte count - the absolute count, not the %'s.  If they are low as well, then you really need to be seen ASAP to make sure it isn't serious.  A low Neut and lymphocyte count really put you at risk for infection.  When I had a low neutrophyl count, I was put in isolation and when I had visitors, they had to wear masks. gowns, etc

good luck and keep me posted on what they find out

 I am so freaked out now!  My WBC is 2.75 and both my Neutrophyl and lymphocytes are low too.  Why were you put in the hospital?  Because your WBC was so low and they feared infection? 

A guy that I know, not a doctor but works with them, said that a low WBC is normal after this surgery.  

I feel very strange, like I am starving but I don't feel like eating.  I have no energy, but it is hard to sleep.  I am very forgetful and seem to lose track of everything I am doing, like I have no short term memory.  The other day, I blacked out while I as driving, like the last thing I remembered was being at the Tennessee off ramp then all the sudden I was at the Waterman off ramp and they are 8 miles away from each other and I didn't remember getting there!  

WTF the wrong with me!  

I was hospitalized after kidney stone surgery and lost alot of blood and became septic - part of the reason my WBC was at 2.7 - normally around 3.4-3.7.  Your symptoms dont' really sound like anything that would be from alow white count - you need to have other labs done - vitamins, minerals, electrolytes.

I have heard about B1,B6 and B12 causing neurological problems - can get really bad if low enough.

Are you on Ambien?  I had alot of memory problems and blackouts when I took ambien many years ago and stopped it after a few car accidents from blacking out.

As far as your WBC, lymphs and Neuts - please call a Hematologist ASAP.  2.7 is pretty low and needs to be checked but not my Hematologist told me that as long as I am above 2.0, that I am not at severe risk of infection but it also depends on how low your lymphs and neuts are.  If they are lower than 1.0 or on some labs list it as 1000, that is more risky.  A hematologist can do the necessary blood work. Dont' freak out - just get checked out first and see what they tell you but don't ignore it and dont' let your PCP evaluate you - you need a hematologist.  They do more specialized testing and know much more about those problems. If your levels get low enough, you can get an injection of Neupogen

good luck and please keep me posted

Have you had your vitamin B levels checked recently?  When I had low B12, my brain was really wonky...I felt like I had early Alzheimer's.  Low B12 can also affect your WBC.  My neutrophyl and lymphocytes are low as well.  Seeing a doctor this week.  I hope you get yours all figured out.  It's not fun is it?  And yes, I was told by my surgeon's office that low WBC can happen TEMPORARILY after surgery.  I got the feeling from what they said that it shouldn't be this low this far out however.  Please keep us informed on how you're doing.