hi everyone . quick question .

[barbdockeray]

went to the docters to day with yet another infection . it turns out i have an infection in my throat and voice box . he gave me antibiotics. said might work might not as he didnt know much about discoid lupus and ended up looking it up . he deicded to give me a few blood tests one to check my white cells to see if my body picks up infections easy . not sure what this means any help or quidance would be useful ..

[misty14]

Hi Barbdockeray

If your white cell count is elevated as well as your CRP level, it will prove you have an infection rather than it being your illness flaring. This is why your GP is checking your bloods. Hope you feel better soon.X

[Barnclown]

Hello barbdockeray

I am glad you asked this question...cause I wonder about this too'

I have been especially prone to infections all my life with a consistently low White Blood Count (especially lymphocytes). I've had a lot of throat, larynx, trachea, chest infections

My version of SLE is infant onset

My rheumatology clinic says my low WBC is largely responsible for my predisposition to catching infections

3years ago I was finally diagnosed with SLE & started on hydroxy 400mg daily. I continued to get pretty bad infections for 2 years, but since then have had no infections....and Sam now on 1000mg mycophenolate mofetil daily which is helping a lot with the symptoms hydroxy didn't help enough. My WBC is still on the v low side of normal, but so far no infections.....even though my immune system is damped down so low by these meds

Am looking forward to reading the replies you get

Thanks & take care

[lol-lou]

Hi barbdockeray,

Do you have a dermatologist at your local hospital? I have found in the past doctors know very little about discoid lupus and I have been able to tell them more about the condition than they know themselves. At least you are having a blood test. I don't know about you but I pick up infections since having d/l.

I find I avoid people who even have colds etc. Lupus UK are a good source of information if that is of any help to you. I wish you all the best and hope your throat gets better soon.

[barbdockeray in reply to lol-lou]

Thankyou so much for that answer i do tend to avoid people with any bugs ...nice to know its not just me ..xx

[lol-lou in reply to barbdockeray]

Hope you stay well x

[Cann in reply to barbdockeray]

I tend to do this, too, but others don't seem to understand how easily I pick up infections.