Nutritional support

[n2cats15]

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!

[jonihs]

.acria.org/treatment/treatment_edu_summerupdate2002_healthy.html
           Joni

[hph5477]

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.

[thanbey]

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

[berlynn]

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

[n2cats15]

Thank you all for this information.