low wbc

[stayinalive52]

I have hep c2 for 10 years. I get tested every year, and nothing wrong so far. I am not on interferon yet. So, my question is, my wbc was a little low (3.9) when I went for my well woman exam.  My Dr told me not to worry about it. But,could that be from the hep C?? Thank You

[meakea]

Yes, it could be from Hep C.  A chronic virus, such as Hep C, is a likely cause.

[meakea]

Oh, and your doctor is correct that a 3.9 WBC is not necessarily something to worry about but have you ever had a liver biopsy or do you know your genotype?

[meakea]

Thanks Trin...I missed the 2 part.  :)

[meakea]

Trin...been there, done that...lol

[Bulldoggergal]

Hmmmm..usually if you have a virus your WBC goes up...not down.  The treatment will make it go down.  I've had the HepC for over 20 years and a few years ago my WBC went up to 14-17k and has stayed around the 10-13K level.  The thought is that is could be because of the HepC virus.

I do have other autoimmune issues...so it could be something else.  But I also don't have any unusual symptoms...or moreso than the usual unusual...lol.

I wouldn't worry about your WBC being low on just one test if you aren't on treatment...I just thought I'd mention that viral activity will make a WBC go up, not down.  Those WBC cells are killing things (assumng viruses, bacterias, etc.) when the level is higher...

Jennifer

[meakea]

Typically, that's true that the WBCs go up with viral activity but the WBCs can also go low with chronic viruses like HCV and HIV.  

[Kristina538]

My WBC was much higher and healthier in 1995 than in 2005 (I failed tx in 1994 and tx'd again in 2008).      A whole picture of your blood work needs to be looked at though, and a biopsy.   I presumed that because of my high fibrosis, my platelets lowering and my immune system starting to be compromised by my damaged liver (i.e. malabsorption etc), that the WBC had naturally decreased.... my presumption may have been wrong, but my whole CBC's looked better in 1995.  

[Bulldoggergal]

Thank you...didn't know that.  Not sure if that makes me feel better (about the HCV activity) or not...but you are right about looking at the whole picture...not just a part of it.

I wish I could find a doc who was interested in looking at the whole picture...most don't have or take the time...or interest.  

Trying to figure all of this out can make you crazy!!!!  And test results are so individualized...I tend to be a 2%'er...if there's a 2% chance it will happen...then it will happen to me!  LOL

xoxoxo