decreasing white blood cell count

[Fairydust1111]

hi, I was diagnosd with ET mpl last year and am on hydroxycarbimide. Had been feeling unwell since Triday. Went to ED, was told white blood cells had decreased and had high temperature and was given anti biotics and sent home. This morning felt wirse so did a covid test….. positive …. Back to Ed for 6 hours today… white blood cell count had lowered again. Sent home to watch for signs of sepsis…. As I live alone this has me wirried and not sure what the signs are… anyone help? 🙏

[TTA_]

Hi!I am so sorry to hear you have Covid-19.

Low levels of leukocytes happen with Covid-19 and it is not a good sign.

Can they prescribe you Paxlovid? You should be eligible.

This paper below is informative regarding SARS-COV2 infections and low levels of leukocytes:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

You can use it and show it to the doctors in ED.

Do you have a pulse oximeter at home? Given your low level of leukocytes, which can predict the level of severity of Covid-19, it is good to check if you have adequate levels of oxygen in your blood. A pulse oximeter can help with that. Anything under 90% SpO and you need to receive care.

I hope you get access to adequate health care. Do not stay at home if unwell, as the risk is not trivial.

Solidarity 🌸

[Fairydust1111 in reply to TTA_]

Oh thank you SO much for your swift reply TTA, much appreciated believe me. Your advice is sound and will read article when I finish typing here. Think I picked up covid while at ED for hours on Friday….. my oxygen levels were95 in hospital today. Have Bp machine and told if levels are below 90/60 to come to hospital. Exhaused now and heading to bed, many thanks again xx

[Phil1955 in reply to TTA_]

hi the hospital should prescribe antivirals and oximeter for you at there pharmacy

Just ring there pharmacy and ask

[Fairydust1111 in reply to Phil1955]

Thank you Phil. They did give me antibiotic but not an oximeter. Will get someone to purchase one for me today. I appreciate your response 🙏

[Fairydust1111 in reply to TTA_]

Just an update TTA…. This morning out of nowhere I got a call from the urgent care centre at my local hospital accessing me for the anti- viral med you mentioned Paxlovid and I qualify, happy days. Will collect later today…. You must have channeled them to call me… just joking!😂 am feeling so much happier now

[TTA_ in reply to Fairydust1111]

I am so happy they are competent and they take good care of you!I wish you a good recovery!

Many hugs of support 💜

[Fairydust1111 in reply to TTA_]

Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement, means a lot. Take good care of you🙏❤️

[TTA_ in reply to Fairydust1111]

I just wanted to check how you are.

Hope Paxlovid is helping.

Many hugs of support 💜

[Fairydust1111 in reply to TTA_]

Hi TTA

That is so thoughtful of you to think of me, 🙏 have just finished my second day of Paxlovid and no side effects worth talking about except metallic taste in mouth.. I have had to stop taking my hydroxicarbimide for the duration of the paxlovid course and also my BP tablet Rosuvastation. I can’t complain much at all so far thank goodness. 🤞🤞🤞

I hope you are keeping well yourself and again, thank you for checking in on me, much appreciated 🙏💖

[Fairydust1111 in reply to TTA_]

Hi again , just thought I would update you as you were kind enough to ask a while ago. Since I last wrote I have heen admitted to the acute medical ward…. White blood cell count low and neutrofils were 0.8. Have been off hydroxy for a few days and am on intravenous antibiotics, fifth day now. Good news… am covid negative now. Bp fluctuating but hey, upwards and onwards🤞 they release me soon 💖

[TTA_ in reply to Fairydust1111]

Hi! Thank you for the update! I was thinking of you these days. Sorry to hear you are hospitalised, but good that health care reacted promptly to help you. Hopefully the neutropenia resolves soon.

Did they discuss with your hematologist too? They could help with understanding what caused your current health issues.

Many hugs of support 💜

[Fairydust1111 in reply to TTA_]

now that I am covid free, white blood cell count is slowly rising and so are neutrofils…..hoping to go tomorrow….. will see haemotologist sometime this week. I presume it was covid that upset the applecart

Hope all is well with you dear frieend x

[TTA_ in reply to Fairydust1111]

SARS-COV2 is protean, that I have to admit. And it can put white blood count down. 🤞you get a full recovery soon.

Pay attention to Paxlovid rebound. This means that people test negative for Covid-19 while on Paxlovid, but they can test back positive when they finish their Paxlovid course. The best practice used to be to continue the course for other 5 days if that happens. I hope this will not happen to you. You have been through enough.Wishing you a good recovery.

Many hugs of support 💜

Carmine red peonies in a flower bed, next to small white flowers.

[Fairydust1111 in reply to TTA_]

Thank you kindly TTA for your candid and informative advice. I will mention to the doctor what you have written here and seek his/ her advice.

Your input is very much appreciated and the virtual flowers have cheered me up 🙏😁😁💖

[hunter5582]

Sorry to hear about the COVID infection. TTA's suggestion to monitor your oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter is a very good idea. They are very affordable and a useful device to have available. Suggest you also call your hematologist. Leukopenia is a known risk with hydroxycarbamide. It may be that you will need a dose reduction or try a different medication. Hopefully, you have access to a MPN Specialist who can provide the best input regarding your options.

[Fairydust1111 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you SO much again Hunter. Your advice is excellent and as always, very reassuring 🙏