Red Blood Cell Count Extremely Depleted !!!

[Victoria2008]

I called 911 yesterday because I felt like I was passing out and struggling (slightly) to breathe. I'd been feeling really bad alot, very very letargic, sometimes short of breath. So yesterday I'm hanging in there just trying my best to stick it out, thinking that it's just the side effects and all. Today is 8 weeks of treatment. The doctor called around 2oClock to tell me the lab called about my white blood cell count concerned... He wanted me to go back in for more blood work right away.. All I said to my Dr. was "Is that why I'm feeling so bad"?... I have a PIC line and my nurse was set to show up later so I thought I'd just talk to her about how bad I was feeling. But after the news and combined with feeling like I was losing consciousness really scared me!! At the hospital my white blood count was 2.5 - just down from 3 that it was a couple of weeks ago. But my RED blood cell count was down from 10 to 2.88 !!! So the e.r. doctor says that it's because I'm anemic. I missed my doctor's call this morning and he was gone for the day at 2. I thought he would call later but he hasn't and I'm afraid to even take my pills because I guess my red blood cell count could still be dropping right!!?? I took my shot today and this mornings pills, but like I say, I am just really worried about myself right now and scared. How low does it get before you die ! Or they are alarmed ? Should I be alarmed ? Should I take the pills tonight?

[Bill1954]

Listen; it is very important to confirm if that lab result you mentioned is listed as RBC (Red Blood Cells) or hemoglobin (Hgb).

If your hemoglobin is currently 2.88 g/dL, you will need to be transfused immediately. Please confirm this result with the ER lab that performed this test prior to taking any more medication; additionally, leave a message with your doctors answering service with instructions to call you asap.

The range Quest Diagnostics provides for RBC is 4.20 – 5.80 million/uL
The range for Hgb is 13.2 – 17.1 g/dL

Most doctors will consider transfusion at hemoglobin < 8.5 g/dL.

People can feel very ill and ‘winded’ at Hgb <10.0

If necessary return to ER to have this confirmed. I think there is some confusion here, but better to be safe than sorry--

Bill

[CMcH]

Do you have an advice Nurse with your Ins. or at the hospital? I hope you are not at home alone? I got very short of breath and dizzy about the same time wk 8 and needed rescue drugs, Procrit for WBC & Neupogen for the RBC. It's a tough time get help, rest, drink H20 and see your MD ASAP to clarify your stats and get rescue drugs if needed. I felt much better after that.