RA and white count

[Chaswood]

Hi there, it's been interesting reading through all of the information about ra and your white blood cell counts. I'm curious when your white count was as low as they were for you have you been hospitalized each time?

[LizzieR]

Hi,

I've been threatened with hospitalization lots of times because of low white cells, but they say there's more risk of picking up an infection in hospital. Just have to tell them quickly if you get a temperature/ chesty cough etc because it could be something more serious. Also told to keep away from anyone even slightly ill x And have regular blood tests to see if it comes up once off all meds. I've had to stop mtx and Benepali. Just waiting to see what else they can offer...

[oldtimer]

I'm very fortunate to have access to hospital at home here, so I can avoid hospital admission. It also helps them as I don't take up a hospital bed. So I have never had to go into hospital with a low white blood count, just keep away from people with obvious infections - as much as one can!

[Hidden]

For me, it has been low neutrophils, a well known side effect of MTX.

They just stop MTX till the count rises again.

And as these white blood cells are normally the most numerous of those we need to fight infection, be vigilant about avoiding viruses etc.

Changes to NHS guidelines for those on MTX ( blood tests no longer once a month once established, but every three months) we will have to be even more vigilant about self monitoring.