Neutropenia

[vickilou]

Last year I was suffering very badly with fatigue, recurrent urine and kidney infections, plus sinus issues. Anyway I was not sure whether it was down to working nights every month I had to do 3 night shifts and sometimes they used to fall all together. The upshot of this was I was struggling very much , I have a under active thyroid, which I have had all my life, but fairly well controlled. I kept going back to my GP and complaining, eventually I was told that I have an issue with my blood counts and it could be Leukaemia, I was petrified as my brother died of it, my father and his brother also, my father died years ago but my uncle was suffering with it at same time I got the shocking news. However since then I have been told its not Leukaemia but neutropenia, I have regular blood tests every 3 months and a telephone appointment. My bloods , ie neutrophils, hb, etc goes up and down like a yo yo, and although I seem to be in general good health at the moment, I can certainly tell when I am anaemic. I was told it has been caused by my long term thyroid problem and my age, ie menopause. Can anyone enlighten me , I have also been suffering from Rib pain recently.

[LCNurse2 Moderator LeukaemiaCARE Nurse]

Hi vickilou, it sounds like you have a tough few years, thyroid problems and the menopause can cause some of your issues, but its important to get everything checked out. Your GP should keep a close eye on your bloods and don't be afraid to keep going back to see the GP if you are still concerned.

[HAIRBEAR_UK Administrator]

Hi vickilou, thanks for posting, a leukaemia scare or leukaemia worry is frightening, we can all relate here. I have done a bit of digging and after looking at many of the information posts in your regular thyroidUk community, i see that fluctuations in red and white blood cells do seem to occur with thyroid problems and menopause . The ThyroidUK community admin and regulars may be able to explain further and signpost you to information..

Equally that said, it is easy to see why leukaemia was suggested by your doctor, as the cluster of symptoms you have presented to your GP are shared by people with leukaemia and bone marrow issues. Great news that these have been ruled out by your GP. Stay vigilant when you are neutropenic, as this does make you more susceptible to opportune infection. Try to employ more stringent hygiene and food handling protocols, avoid people with infections etc, & keep a close eye on your bloods, I see you are being closely monitored already. Perhaps ask your doctor to explain how an under active thyroid can impact on blood counts, don't be afraid to ask how they have ruled out leukaemia after scaring you half to death

Nick

[vickilou in reply to HAIRBEAR_UK]

Thank you Hairbear, however my doctors are very incompetent unfortunately, my GP did not spot my blood results at all it was only because I kept on and finally a consultant at hospital wrote to him showing her concerns whilst checking yet another blood screening. My GP made me very ill a few years ago by reading my thyroid blood results wrong and dropped my prescription of thyroxine to a dangerous level . I could of ended up in a coma thanks to him. Luckily another GP in practice noticed and quickly put it up again, but not before I had been extremely poorly.I live in an area that there are not enough doctors to go round, however I will not see this GP and always ask to see another one at practice, but none of them really are any good im afraid. So I research as much as possible so I can argue my corner. Thank you for your suggestions.

[Ricky234]

Welcome vickilou, unfortunately we do have to kiss a few frogs at times. Staying observant, pressing your case with your doc and checking things out yourself to stay informed is important I reckon. After all it is our body and life and we know when something is not right,. keep on top of things and fingers crossed they can get this under control for you. .