Low white blood count

[Belle76]

Hi I just had a blood test and it shows that my white blood count is low first time that I can remember this happening. I feel fine in myself, I was a bit exhausted for a bit that is one of the things I do suffer with. It was slightly worse than normal but I do push myself to hard sometimes.

What are others experience of having low white blood count? I have the gp calling me on Friday.

Thank

[sunnyweek]

Hello I'm assuming you mean the neutrophils are lower. This happened to me for the first time last year. My doctor just asked me to repeat the test a fortnight later. That time they were in normal range. Sometimes a blip can occur so hopefully this could be your experience too. I think it's quite common for people with RA.

[KittyJ]

I had the same experience as sunnyweek, repeat test and it was ok. It happens sometimes but your GP is on it so will make sure you’re ok. 🤞🏻

[Mmrr]

My overall white cell count is often low and my neutrophils are always low.My rheumatologist advised my GP, who monitors my bloods monthly, how low they can go without interfering with my dosages.

I've never had any issues with infections 🤞

[Sheila_G]

It could be a one off but you will be monitored. It happens a lot with people with RA. Try not to worry about it. You are in good hands.

[Sarahg62]

Hi. I get this quite regularly. I am advised to stop my meds ( methotrexate or Humira) till they rise again. It’s one of the problems of the meds we are on as they dampen down the immune system. My Rheumy only worries if mine go below 1 - whereas my GP panics if they go down to 1.2. You should be asked to increase the frequency of your blood tests. Just another fun side to RA unfortunately 🥲

[AR50cyclist]

Hi. Don’t panic. I had this a few months ago. I got a call from my GP to say stop my methotrexate straight away. I was worried and everyone on here reassured me it’s very common. Anyway 2 weeks later bloods were back to normal. You may have had a virus you’re not aware of, that commonly will lower your neutrophil count.

[Moomin8 in reply to AR50cyclist]

My WBC and neutrophils have dropped a lot - below 'normal' range. I tested positive for Covid 4 weeks ago. I am on mtx injection (22.5mg) and Tocilizumab (along with other bits and pieces)

[mistymeana]

I wouldn't worry if this is the first time this has happened. I had exactly the same a few years ago. The repeat blood test showed that all had returned to my normal range.

[Belle76]

Hi I had a chat with the nurse we are repeating the blood test with a few extra tests added on like B12 vit D and inflammation markers. She did say this does happen and it’s not too worrying a drop. I did wonder if I could of had symptomless covid I don’t go out a lot but with children going to school and uni and other half going to work it could of been brought home.

Thanks everyone for your reply’s feel much better.