Just had my 6 month appointment one week ago. WBC at 46 ( 42 in January). Hemoglobin at 14.6 (stable) and plaquets at 260 (stable). Next one in December. My hematologist requested a coombs test. Do you know what it is for? I had it one year ago and it was neg.
Still a bit stressed and decided to work a bit less at the office🙂. One issue that I have for the moment is tinnitus. Tried everything without success but it is bearable.
Thanks to all in this great community👏. It really helps me. The picture was taken yesterday when I was walking in the park with my wife.
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povhgc
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The Coombs/DAT test checks for antibodies that attack your red blood cells, causing Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA). If your test result remains negative, then any drop in your haemoglobin (which is quite reasonable), will most probably be due to CLL infiltration of your bone marrow, assuming you diet and your body's ability to absorb nutrients, supports the manufacture of your red blood cells.
With respect to your WBC, rather track your absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), because your WBC is the total count of 5 different white blood cells. healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo... Changes in your neutrophil count can confuse you if you track your WBC, not your ALC.
If you are having 6 monthly check ups, your haematologist seems to consider your CLL fairly stable, so enjoy your extra time away from the office.
Thank you AussieNeil . Clear answer! I will keep your comment on my mind when receiving the results of the Coombs tests. And you are right regarding ALC. The figures mentioned are indeed ALC not WBC.
Hello povhgc, as Neil wrote, a Coombs test is usually done for hemolytic anemia (AIHA).
It’s a bit confusing as to why your doctor ordered a Coombs test with your hemoglobin in such a good range. One hallmark of AIHA is rapidly falling hemoglobin. My hemoglobin fell to 7 when I had AIHA. I could barely walk to the mailbox without losing my breath.
I wonder if the Coombs test had anything to do with your tinnitus. One of the symptoms of AIHA is tinnitus. When my hemoglobin was at 7, I had a roaring ocean sound in my ears, it was distressing.
I wouldn’t think your tinnitus is AIHA related since your labs look fine. You should ask your doc why he ordered the Coombs test, I am curious if your tinnitus complaints had anything to do with it.
I am seeing my doc semi-annuallly now that my cll is controlled with calquence. I think they run a Coombs test on me routinely now. As for your tinnitus, I think there is a good chance you will adjust to it . Mine improved, but never went away. It just got to the point that I dont notice it, unless I listen for it.
Thank you cajunjeff for your reply. I will definitively ask my hematologist. Having tinnitus is really a strange feeling. Never had that in my whole life.
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