Low blood count

[Mouseling]

Hi everyone. My white blood cells and platelets have gone down again. Back in February my platelets were 130 I also had a cold. I was off the meds for a couple of weeks and they went up to 150. Any way carried on with the meds and my blood test last week show platelets and white blood cells have dipped. (waiting to get a copy of blood test with levels) So I have to miss my injection next week and have another blood test.

Does it take a while for white blood cells to increase after say a cold infection?

I have noticed in the last month I have been having hot flashes also this week a dry throat and croakiness, much more tired, general foggy head and a feeling of being slightly not with it 🙃 Could these all be symptoms of the low blood count? I don't feel ill otherwise. Also do people take precautions when they have low white cell counts etc not going swimming may be in case of picking up infection? Thanks for your thoughts.

[Mmrr]

Hi Mouseling, everyone is different, but when I get hot flashes, foggy head etc is usually means I am about to flare. It might also mean you are not particularly well controlled at the moment,

White cells can increase during and after an infection too. I'm in the middle of a cold and my leukocytes are the highest they have been for months.

I am on biologics, I just take sensible precautions, I wash my hands regularly and carry a hand sanitising gel with me which I use after being on public transport. I am a member of a spa, but I don't use the steam rooms or sauna. We have an outdoor heated spa pool and spa area which I enjoy, I am submerged to my neck in water at 35 c, and put a towel round my hair, to keep my head warm in the Scottish weather, and I relax in the quiet reading room afterwards.

I think you need to balance things out, for me the benefits of going to the spa , but being selective in what I do, outweigh the concerns.

[Mouseling in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks for your reply and advice. Yes it is a balancing act. 🙂

[Hessie5]

Hi - I suffer with low white blood cell count also, my neutrophils are at 0.4 extremely low. I have now been taken off yet another biologic 5th one now! My rheumy has said I need to see an Endocronologist. Booked a private one for next week.

I ususlly take garlic supplements and the usual B, C, D etc. As well as up my eating veggies, fruits, fish etc. Currently back on Prednisone as suffering with an awful swollen hand. My rheumy said Pred should help my white blood cell count, although I know it is not great to be on, but right now the pain is upsetting my work/life happiness.

Take care.

[Mouseling in reply to Hessie5]

Hi sorry to hear you have had to stop the biologic. I am on Tocilizumab... Its my 4th biologic. The others I had allergic reactions with.. They worked for the RA very frustrating. Hope something works for you 🙂

[Hessie5 in reply to Mouseling]

Thank you - confident I shall find something. All the best to you. 😌