White Blood Cell Count down

Okay.....What is going on here....I just got call from surgeon's office stating my white blood cell count is dropping alot....I am down to 2.4 from 3.4 in July 06. What could cause this? My red blood cell count has dropped and I was told to start iron. I hadn't taken it in over two years so I guess I have to start now. Any one have any ideas what would cause the drop? Debbie

I have fought a low white count for almost a year now. I had to take Neupogen injections for some time. I had a bone marrow biopsy but it was ok. I have seen 2 Hemotologists and both said that they feel that it has nothing to do with the RNY., but can't explain it. My red cell count has always been ok. Best of luck & keep me posted.

How did they do the bone marrow biopsy....did you have a hospital stay? I found some of my old blood work....I have always been under the radar 3.6 for white cells. I did find last December it dropped to 2.9 but in July it was back up to 3.6. I haven't been sick so it has me alarmed. I have been tired and blamed that on my OSA. Red cells just started this test so I caught this in time I think. I guess my PP will be farming me out to Hemotologist. Can I ask you.....did you feel okay with the low counts? Does the injections help you with anything other than counts? Thank you for your post. Debbie

Low WBC count (leukopenia) can have a number of reasons some of which are nasty things but since yours aren't dramatically down and you feel well I'd be more likely to make sure that your folate levels are good. Folate deficiencies can affect WBC counts! My sister has neulasta to boost blood counts during her chemotherapy. My guess is that unless yours is low to the point where it risks infection then you'll just be monitored. I believe they can also treat leukopenia with steroids. The bone marrow biopsy is often done in the doctor's office. Hubby had it done. It isn't a desireable test. I'll just leave it at that. Hubby has reduced platelets and that was the reason for his test. He has a medical condition that ends up predating his WLS but the bloodwork showed the issue since he gets it done more often. Reviewing pre-WLS tests dating back even 8-10 years shows the same issue. He has no symptoms and is being monitored every 6 months. Hopefully the medical issue will stay low in the background (it's called myelofibrosis and it sucks) for many years to come. Good luck! Kathy

Thanks Kathy.....Okay I have to tell the Dr no Bone Marrow Biopsy....I had to do blood gases once for the OSA and what an experience that was....never want to repeat it. From looking at my blood work since 2004 those numbers have been relatively low...they are lower now so I guess something is going on...This is all good information for me to review. Especially the folate levels. I didn't check those numbers but they never showed out of range on the blood work. I hope its just a background problem that will just need monitoring that would be nice. But if it isn't I will just have to deal with it. Something I wouldn't have done a few years ago..... Thanks Again!!! Hugs and Fleece Blankets Debbie

How bad was the bone marrow biopsy??

Hi Debbie, sorry your dealing with these issues. Here is a little info maybe can help a bit. Sometimes the cause of a low white blood cell count can't be determined (idiopathic). Known causes of a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) include: Infections, such as viral infections and HIV Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus Certain medications, especially those used in chemotherapy and some antibiotics Radiation therapy Bone marrow disease, such as leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes White blood cells help fight infection in your body. A normal white blood cell count ranges from 4,500 to 10,000 cells per microliter of blood. A mild decrease in white blood cells below 4,500 cells per microliter doesn't necessarily indicate a serious illness. However, a dangerously low white blood cell count -- below 2,500 cells per microliter -- increases the risk of serious infection. Good luck. LisaMarie

LisaMarie, Thank you so much for this information its helped ease my mind a bit...I have been on pins and needles since the call yesterday AM. Will see PP Monday afternoon....but at least I am not sweating until then. Hugs and Fleece Blankets Debbie

GOOD MORNING! I just found out that I am anemic, again. Is that the same as having a low white blood cell count? If it is, then it explains how crappy I felt last holiday weekend. No energy, extreme exhaustion. All I wanted to do was sleep. 2 days later, I get a call from my regular dr that I need to go get labs done because I am anemic!! Plus, on that weekend, it was that time of the month, and my husband was asking me if the anemia was back. Obviously it was and he was right. (I hate it when he's right!!) But at least it was an explanation of why I felt icky. I seem to be having absorption issues now since I had my gall bladder removed. Now the anemia, but first it is Calcium and horrible leg cramps from the knees down. What are they doing for your low count? Laura