Mild neutropenia

[MarkD6701]

Got my follow up letter from the hospital recently and it said that I had mild neutropenia. My Neutrophils were 1.6.

Just wondered at what low level they start to become a cause for concern?

[Helpatlast]

I know my consultant says below 1 is not good -2 is starting on "normal" levels - at the same time she is more concerned when I get a reading of 1.4 to when it is 1.8 as she says below 1.5 is not great either - it is a balancing act with neuts as they are so effected by treatments and as you can see mine fluctuate all the time - so my dose of HU is continually tweaked. Last time I was 2.2 so there was cause for celebration. It's good to do all we can to build our immune system up with things eaten to try and assist somewhat the lower neutrophil counts and keep away from infection as possible. have a good chat with your consultant about it.

[MarkD6701 in reply to Helpatlast]

Have you felt ok, even at 1.4? I just wondered if there are any immediate symptoms when it drops too low, apart from getting a cold etc.?

[Helpatlast in reply to MarkD6701]

No I feel no different at all and I can change levels quite dramatically just a couple of weeks apart. The biggest risks come from the MRSA type infections and keeping good dental hygiene too is good. I rarely get infections even when I am low so do think eating well for immune system is a good backup

[beetle]

My neutrophils are currently at 0.6 and the advice from my doctor was "be careful"! At this level I try and avoid crowds. I often stand outside the waiting room at GP. The important thing to remember with neutropenia is that if you do get an infection of ANY kind it needs dealing with PDQ. I have needed to be quite assertive in the past to get to a doctor. NHS Direct did not understand the word neutropenia last time I had to use it so I had to explain and insist on seeing a doctor pronto. If I take myself to A&E with an infection I have to explain the urgency as I might need IV antibiotics quickly. This is all at my level which is bordering on severe but you need to be aware that infection and neutropenia do not mix well so do not ignore infections in the hope that they go away. They might be slightly less urgent with mild neutropenia but they do need dealing with

Best wishes, Jan