Whats a girl to do?

[jennyall12]

So I have been told I have leukopenia and this really sucks. To walk around daily with low immunity and white count,. anyone else in this boat with me?

[Sarah_Joy]

I don't know much abut leukopenia but I've had neutropenia (low neutrophils) for about 15 years. This was probably the first sign of lupus for me. I still have it and it's stable now but I did pick up every cough, cold and bug going for a while. Getting the yearly flu jab and regular monitoring blood tests were the main things I found I needed to do. Are you seeing a haematologist to keep an eye on your blood condition?

SJ

[milkwoman]

Interesting that you should post this... My latest bloods (taken on Sept 22) show below range WBC and lymphocytes. Rheumy made a note "slight leukopenia" and we discussed this at yesterday's appt.

She asked how I'd been feeling... In the last 4-5 months, I've been ill quite often, seem to catch anything going around. Nothing too awful, just flu-like symptoms along with fatigue and headache that last a few days (one time a week) then I feel normal again. So, the leukopenia result is making sense. WBC and lymphocytes have never dipped this low, so yes, I am a little worried about it. I also have low compliments (c3and c4). She said it indicates disease activity and may resolve itself.

We are retesting blood in 3 months time and will evaluate at that time. Fingers crossed that WBC count goes back up into normal range and complement levels also increase on their own. Of course, if I start to feel worse in the meantime, I am to contact her and we will test sooner.

I'm already taking the max dose of Plaquenil for my weight/height. Higher dose would jeopardize my eye health and I do not want to risk that. I also would like to avoid prednisone for as long as I am able.

I got the influenza shot (quad virulent intradermal high risk) with no issues. I eat well, take supplements, get as much sleep as I can, and exercise regularly. Just started trying gluten free eating and will see how that goes.

I know how you feel. I feel the same way - nervous that I will catch everything under the sun. I limit my exposure to people, use hand sanitizer and wash my hands often. My friends know that if they are sick to stay away as a "slight cold" can mean a week (or more) of serous illness for me.

So in short, you are not alone. I'm in that boat with you. I find that I keep my sanity by not worrying about things I cannot control. I will worry when I am given a solid reason to do so.

Hang in there.

[johare]

Hi, I have had low white count across the board for some time. I catch most bugs or they linger. I just try to keep on top of symptoms if I can.

[jennyall12]

Do they know whats causin it?