Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Nutritional support

I am 8/48 of the Peg/Riba combo.  I am a 1A with viral load starting at 850,000.  My WBC's have been dropping from the start.  They currently are at 2.9 with absolute neutraphils at 800.  Hemoglobin 12.9 and Hematacrit 34.

My question is - is there anything nutritionally that we all can do, eat or take to increase our WBC's and neutraphils.  I have done an internet search and can't find anything other than basic advice about washing hands, fruits and veggies, safe handling of meat etc.  I am not too worried about my hemoglobin or hematocrit yet but am about the other.  

Thank you all!
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you all for this information.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, when my neutro's were in the 2's...my doc said I was on the borderline...he let me drop to 1.6 and then put me on neupogen. My wbc went way back up and I am staying on the neupogen to maintain til tx ends.  Good luck, berlynn
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal


The interferon suppresses the bone marrow causing the decrease.

Nothing you can do nutritionally will help that since it is treatment induced.

Do, however, try to maintain your intake of calcium since bone loss and osteoporosis can be a concern (side effect of the ribavirin) If you did not have a baseline done density test, you might wish to consider it. If you have and there are any concerns, you need to be monitored very closely.

1.5 is the lowest number I have seen a doctor comfortable with.
If you have the option, you might want a consult with a hematologist who will evaluate whether you are a candidate for some of the "blood enhancing" products available.

I hope this helps,

thanbey
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your counts are a little better than mine were at 8 wks.  My WBC was at 2.3, Heme 11.4, and ANC 1.1.  My results at 18 wks were WBC 2.0, Heme 10.4, and ANC 1.0.  According to the chart my doc gives me on each visit, she doesn't get too concerned until WBC is 1.5, Heme 10, and ANC .75.  She also had told me that if I made 8 wks with my counts still in range than I would probably not need any additional help to keep my numbers in range for the duration of tx.  Hope that's true as it seems that they drop each time I have labwork done.

BTW, I'm female, 46 yo, 1B, Beg VL 596,000; at 12 wks VL 370.  Just did shot 20/48 last Friday.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
.acria.org/treatment/treatment_edu_summerupdate2002_healthy.html
           Joni
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.