What exatly happens to you when your blood count gets too low?

[Jane_s]

At week 44 now and have to go and have an extra blood test next week because my blood count(?) levels are too low, this is about the third time this has happened during treatment and each time I pick up again by the next blood test but I never did ask what happens if they fall below the lowest 'safe' level. Can anyone tell me what happens please?

[frijole]

keyhole kate

This post is 6 years old.  You would get better response if you repost your question  as a new thread  (just go back to forum and at the top there is a "Post Question" topic.    


He can get the flu shot.  There is no problem with that -- but do post a new question and tell us what his blood counts are

frijole

[KeyholeKate22]

My son is on hep c treatment and seems to be having all the side effects at week 5. No trace of the virus in his blood which is good news but awful to see him suffering so many side effects and low blood counts. My worry is that there is huge differences of opinion as to whether he should have the flu jab and I am so confused and can't give him the answer if the experts can't even agree.

[Bill1954]

Unfortunately, a lot of patients undergoing HCV treatment develop a mean cough; usually a dry hack. This can be attributed to either the ribavirin or low hemoglobin; hopefully, the Procrit will help him get some relief. Make sure he mentions this to his doc; they might have other ides to help as well.

Take care—

Bill

[Bill1954]

There is a list of acronyms used here listed on this page under “commonly used HCV acronyms”; you can find it in the box “most viewed health pages’ or click on this link:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64

Welcome to the forum—

Bill

[Mplsgirl57]

Can someone tell me what these abbreviations mean?

SVR
Tx

Also, does anyone else suffering from coughing during treatment?  

[thegypsy9164]

Hello Jane,

My RBC went to 7.1.  You've had good information provided here from others and I'll not remake the wheel.  At 7.1 I felt like death.  Everything hurt, I had a hard time breathing, I passed out and was on the border to repeat that every minute and other not real fun stuff.  They did a transfusion on me, gave me a couple bags of blood and my treatment was temporarily interrupted.  That was a week ago.  My RBC is now in the 10's and I actually have some energy again.  Had enough to get out in the yard and get dirt under my fingernails (yeehaa!) this past weekend.  I almost went to the dropzone and did a couple of skydives but I'm not strong enough yet to resume my passion quite yet.  Work closely with your doc on the RBC. I understand how sick you can get with it being too low.  Good luck and make responsible, informed decisions.
Joey