What is NRAS?

[BlueCatDog]

I'm trying to find other people who have unexplained low white blood counts. Somewhere I read something from someone about going gluten free and it helped but I can't find that thread now. I wanted to re-read it to get clarity. Does anyone here have a history of low WBC with no explanation? Thanks!

[sylvi]

NRAS is National Rheumatoid Arthritis association. Sorry i can't answer your question.xxxxx

[Hidden in reply to sylvi]

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is the only patient organisation in the UK with a specific focus on rheumatoid arthritis and in more recent years also Juvenile Arthritis. We support people with RA and JIA, their health professionals and their families. To find out more about our organisation and the information and support we offer please visit nras.org.uk. If you have specific questions about your RA you can call our helpline on 0800 298 7650 or email [e-mail]. Our vision is 'Life without limits for those living with RA or JIA'

[sylvi in reply to Hidden]

They are a great bunch of people as i can attest to as i have met them once. They are always on the phone if you need them to answer any question you have how ever silly it sounds to you someone would have already asked it. So don't be afraid to ask them anything. xxxxx

[SEAgran3]

I was notified of the same after my last test, no reason, but the prescription for my heart tabs was reduced ( I had a heart attack last year, due the RA and anti-inflammatory drugs…now longer take the anti-inflammatories)

[JGBH in reply to SEAgran3]

Sorry to hear you suffered a heart attack due to RA and the taking of anti-inflammatory drugs. May I ask what anti-inflammatory drugs you were taking and how long for? Best wishes.

[SEAgran3 in reply to JGBH]

arcoxia, but I was on it for years, and shouldn’t have been

[JGBH in reply to SEAgran3]

Thank you for replying. Take care.

[Fra22-57]

It can mean infection but my low blood count showed anaemia

[BlueCatDog in reply to Fra22-57]

thanks Fra22-57. I’m anemic as well but that’s a whole different issue! Take care

[Runrig01]

my white cell count is always at the top end of the range, however my lymphocytes, which is one of the white ells is always low, being around 1.0. It’s due to the meds I take.

[Hidden]

you may find our resource 'Blood Matters' a useful booklet to keep track of your blood tests and explain more about interpreting the results. To order your copy please visit nras.org.uk/publications

[aliplayspiano]

I always have a low white cell count but it seems to be due to the RA medication.

[andy7551]

I have had low Neutrophils for the past year or so, which baffled my Rheumatologist as I wasn't taking any medication. I only take Circumin (extract of turmeric) as a natural anti-inflammatory, which I recently found out can cause a reduction in neutrophils and possibly other white blood cells. Makes me wonder if other NSAIDS like Ibuprofen could cause the same.

[BlueCatDog in reply to andy7551]

thanks Andy! I take curcumin as well but only recently.

[Mmrr]

I've had low neutrophils since I became unwell 6 years ago with my WCC being up and down on a regular basis.More recently my lymphocytes and monocytes have dropped too. No one knows why, or really seems to bother, so long as they don't drop too low, which they do at times. I'm usually on monthly blood monitoring, fortnightly recently as my lymphocytes have been down to nearly zero.

I don't seem to get many infections 🤞

My ferritin levels have also started dropping despite a healthy and unchanging diet.

[BlueCatDog in reply to Mmrr]

Wow, you do sound similar to me except mine have been going up and down with an overall down slope for the past 20+ years. My total wbc is between 900-1100 now. Started at 10,000 20 years ago. Neutrophils are low and now lymphocytes are as well. I have an inflammatory condition - I think drs are leaning towards autoimmune. And I’ve been tested for lupus at least 8 times over the years. Now also RA. Tests are negative but at this point Rheumatologist isn’t convinced RA not brewing. I have smoldering multiple myeloma but nothing to treat yet. My RBC is also dropping which is prob the smoldering MM. They have commented they’d expected me to have lots of infections but I haven’t. Thanks for sharing with me - you’re the first person to be remotely like me!

[Mmrr in reply to BlueCatDog]

It is all most strange. I do have some sort of inflammatory condition, synovitis and tenosynovitis seen on MRI , and lots of inflammed soft tissues, but what it is who knows. I was given the diagnosis of seronegative RA, but my new rheumatologist doesn't think this is correct.

[Hidden]

Morning. My WBC is affected if I’m fighting lurgy, but other than that it's pretty stable.