Neutropenia and its effects.....

[Ophelia1]

I was diagnosed with lupus by my rheumatologist in 2020. Since 2016 I have had low iron levels on numerous occasions, which was initially treated with oral iron with little effect. I was eventually given an iron infusion in May 2021. This brought my iron levels up for some time, but in April this year I was found to have low iron and transferrin saturation yet again and underwent another iron infusion in May this year, which made me feel a bit better for a while. My bloods are currently fine with iron, transferrin saturation, transferrin and haemoglobin all within normal levels. However, I have started to feel dizzy, lightheaded and fatigued with mild headache again a few weeks ago. I am currently under investigation for my recurring iron deficiency and to that end I will be having my fourth colonoscopy shortly. When the dizziness, fatigue and light-headedness returned a few weeks ago I was certain that this must mean that my iron was falling, but that has not transpired to be the case. However, my full blood count shows that my neutrophils are slightly below normal. I have had mild neutropenia on several occasions during the past five years . I am now wondering whether the neutropenia is causing the dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue and headache. Does anyone have any experience, or thoughts on that possibility?

[overnighthearingloss]

There are potentially a multitude of issues than can lead to low iron. But some can be addressed nutritionally. High grain based food intake can reduce uptake of other vitamins and minerals in some people. Sometimes eating more dark green leafys helps and/or the addition of beetroot to the diet ( not everyones favourite)

[EG74]

Hi Ophelia1, I also used to have anaemia many times before, I think as a result of. having heavy periods. But recently instead of anaemia I had neutropenia and lynfocytopenia ( sorry about spelling it wrong). It’s then that my rheumatologist prescribed me HCQ. I used to also feel fatigue and dizziness or light headed like you so must be that not only anaemia causes it but so low white cells. I’m currently taking 4 months of 400mg of HCQ and I feel much better. I was also vegetarian for nearly 20 years but now I eat salmon and few times liver to help a bit. I recently had a microbiome check and I have a good result of 9 out of 10 but only 5 for fibre consumption so I have to increase more fibre in my diet.

[Ophelia1 in reply to EG74]

Many thanks for your reply EG74 - a lot to digest and think about. I hope you continue well

[PMRpro]

Any neutropenia won't be the CAUSE of your symptoms - but it could well be a sign of something underlying them and causing the dizziness etc.

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal....

[Ophelia1 in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks for this PMRpro

[sunrise]

Hello there, I'm permanently neutopenic. About 7 years ago they went through the floor and yes, I did have symptoms then. Mostly my blood pressure was up, i felt anxious and if I drank anything with caffeine it really affected my body...... When i'm slightly low, which is pretty much permanently, I don't have any specific symptoms. But isn't low neutrophils one of the criteria for Lupus diagnosis? I'm pretty sure it is, so no unsurprising if you're in a flare I would have thought....