Although my white cell count has risen to just... - CLL Support
Although my white cell count has risen to just 35 in two years I am unable to overcome colds etc, easily. Do you have any suggestions ?
Repeated viral infections especially of the air ways may indicate low levels immunoglobulins, particularly IgA. You should have your immunoglobulin levels checked, perhaps.
Thank you. Do I arrange this through my GP or refer back to hospital ?
Try your GP, mine won't do it because it is CLL related...so I have it done by my haematologist. Call them both andask.
Here is the test info...
labtestsonline.org/understa...
~chris
Thank you. Most appreciated.
When my iron levels were poor I caught cold after cold. It's just one of many things that affect immunity though.
I was under the impression that only two things had been clinically proven to shorten the duration of a cold: zinc and vitamin C.
Hi poing,
Thank you for this. Are you saying that by introducing iron tablets you have reduced your vulnerability to cold-like infections?
barmouthb2
Yes, it seems so for me. But you should only take iron if you have a proven deficiency because high iron levels are harmful. You would need to ask your doctor to check your iron levels and ferritin.
Also do not take iron while you have an active cold because it can actually make it worse. All pathogens love iron! Roughly speaking, ferritin is measure of your iron stores. However, when you have an infection, ferritin is raised - the body shunts some of the iron into this storage protein to keep it away from the invading virus.
Many thanks poing. If I may say so a very informative post.
Beest Wishes
barmouthb2
For the first time ever my haematologist has started me on weekly subcutaneous immunoglobulin perfusions which I shall be able to do myself at home. This is to boost my damaged immune system and will continue until April next year. I can't tell you yet how well this will protect me from infection, but it is certainly something worth discussing with your haematologist. Where possible I avoid crowds too, and carry hand gel with me to use after shopping, before and after eating in a restaurant etc.
Extremely interesting and thank you for taking time to address the problem. I shall certainly ask my doctor whether he feels it would be of benefit to myself. I too carry hand gel with me and have begun a rigorous hand washing routine.
