Low White Count

[dbestdeb]

I just got my latest blood work back and it is saying my absolute neutrophils are low. Google says that is a low white blood cell count. Glucose and ALT also a little high, and I’m not feeling well at all. My appt to discuss with the rheumatologist isn’t until next week, so I thought I’d ask here—-Could Enbrel cause the low white count? The high ALT is a symptom of my disease, I already know that. Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

[weathervane]

Hi there , my wbc and neutrophils have also been low since August and are being monitored closely. This is probably due to rituximab though my wbc was always on the low side even before treatment. It became more of a problem when I slipped a disc and needed surgery. My first date was cancelled as wbc was too low and a spinal abscess was too much of a risk . I took action (belatedly) to try and improve things before next date , today!! I started taking zinc , selenium , folic acid and vit c , i also got a nutribullet and made smoothies with kale , spinach, berries , ginger and flax seeds. When i got bloods yesterday my count was up to 3.4 which the surgeon was content with so all systems are go 😀. My count has been yo yoing up and down so i will continue with this to see if it really does make a difference. Im sure you got the info that you need to be careful and try and avoid infections by hand washing and taking care with food . Best wishes , i hope things improve for you 🌸🌸

[dbestdeb in reply to weathervane]

Thank you so much for the information. Yes, I know to be careful with hygiene because of the Enbrel, but I’ve never had a low count before. I will beef up my vitamin intake as you said you did. Good luck with your surgery. .

[Moomin8]

Hi- I also have low neutrophils and wbc; some other blood results are askew too- hence back onto 2 wk blood tests (🤔must remember to go before work today) which is a pain. I work in a primary school so germs are difficult to avoid lol. I generally keep good health tbh and having lost weight recently along with doing more exercise, I'm in reasonable shape too. I have a number of vitamins along with mtx, sulfasalazine and Cimzia (a biologic) which I've not had to stop yet🤞🏼so just keep an eye on everything; my GP and consultant will let me know when to do anything different but I also look at my results online. It's a juggling act eh?🤹

[dbestdeb in reply to Moomin8]

Definitely a juggling act. I taught young children for 37 years and stopped because of the RA. I was sick all the time because of the drugs. Now I watch my grandchildren and I’m still sick all the time. Lol. My doctor rarely worries about the blood tests unless they are very seriously out of range. I’m just not sure how she’ll feel about the low white count and whether it’s connected to the Enbrel.

Thanks for your thoughts.