PMR and low White Blood Cell Count

[DakotaMae]

A recent blood test (CBC) shows several low markers related to white blood cells - lymph, abs lymph, mono, and eosinophils. Also, two of the red blood cell counts were high, including MCV fL and neutrophils. I realize a slightly high or low number may not be cause for concern, but I don't know what is considered somewhat high or low. My dr left word that he felt the test results were normal. The problem is that I've felt weak for several weeks - no energy, tired, lethargic, and going to bed early. Also, these same markers were well within the normal range just three months ago. I understand the low WBC could indicate an infection, or worse, and naturally my mind runs away with me.

Regarding my current dosage, a taper to 3mg in December set off a flare, and I have not yet been able to get below 7mg. It's all probably nothing to worry about, but your advice and opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.

[piglette]

If your doctor says the results are OK, that should be fine. My inflammation markers are way higher than normal, my CRP is ten times what is should be. They just write SATISAFACTORY on my notes!

[Merryfield in reply to piglette]

What the heck? That’s interesting.

[Amkoffee in reply to piglette]

Like yours my inflamation markers are always high. My rheumatologist just accepts it and tells me the same thing, to just accept it. I do not have PMR anymore as it's gone to remission. I do have many other conditions all of which could be contributing to my high inflammation markers. However I did find once that when my sed rate was very much higher than my normal it turned out to be an infection.

[piglette in reply to Amkoffee]

I do often wonder if it is just an easy way of getting rid of us!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

The problem is that I've felt weak for several weeks - no energy, tired, lethargic, and going to bed early. 

Quite likely to be adrenals glands struggling as much as anything- have a look at this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

If it is, then a very slow taper with small steps, resting and patience will get you through

[DakotaMae in reply to DorsetLady]

I did wonder about the adrenals since anything slightly stressful knocks me out. Thanks for the feedback. It’s so easy to let things spiral out of control in my head when things feel off.

[Amkoffee in reply to DakotaMae]

I was thinking the same thing. I developed adrenal insufficiency because of my long-term steroid use during my PMR journey. It might help you to split your dose throughout the day. With adrenal insufficiency it is recommended to take small amounts throughout the day. Prednisone has a longer half life in the body than hydrocortisone which is what I'm taking from my adrenaline sufficiency. But it might help you to split your Prednisone dosage.

[DakotaMae in reply to Amkoffee]

That’s really good to know. At 5mg, I was doing quite well so I had convinced myself this must be something different. But all the symptoms match, including depression. Ugh. I’ve decided PMR is a lesson in Patience Management.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is difficult to say without seeing the original report but the fact the doctor is happy may be because the computer identifies and flags any result that is outside the figures set in its memory. So the range might be 1,1 to 2,2 - and the level measured is 1.05 or 2.25. Both are outwith the normal range but the difference is not worth bothering about.

This is because "normal range" is the range of readings found in 95% of a very large population of nominally healthy people. That means 5% of those people were healthy but had readings above or below that selected range.

[DakotaMae in reply to PMRpro]

Okay, that makes sense - and makes me feel better.