Low WBC, low Neutrophils (absolute), high RBC

[Birdie1948]

I have been sick for over two years now.  I have lost 40+ pounds without dieting. My recent WBC  is abnormally low--and so is my Neutrophils (Absolute) low.  I have a slightly high RBC.   Vitamin D deficiency.  Slightly high Potassium, serum.  Low DHEA-sulfate (16.3). I'm always exhausted, achy,and have consistent  low body temperature (94-96 degrees) especially in the morning!  I'm also experiencing memory fog, memory loss, and confusion. (I take PROZAC for depression) I had a complete hysterectomy 15+ years ago--yet I experience " hot flashes" several times a day (accompanied by nausea, dizziness, extreme sweating, and muscle weakness). I had barr-epstein mononucleosis last year for months.  The accompanying extremely sore mouth has not healed but continues to burn and has deep"fissures" in it --with chronic bad breath! My entire family and my close friends say I have changed dramatically in personality and that my confusion and memory loss are extreme! I will be 65 yrs. old in Jan 2013.  I also have migraine headaches at least 3 times a week.  My vision is "messed-up" quite often--even though I have had 2 "Lazik surgeries.  I have had "flashes" of light (like a lightbulb flash) occur in my vision dozens of times--and street lights at night look like sparklers!  I have 3 bulging discs in my neck with uncinate process spurring, severe right foraminal stenosis with C-6 nerve impingement!   Also:  Grade 2 C6-C7 broad-based central bulge, right posterolateral and
fominal disc protrusion with severe right foraminal disc protrusion and severe right foraminal narrowing;  also a C7-T1
broad-based central disc bulge!  My right hip is worn out and needs replacement! I FEEL ROTTON! I've been scheduled for surgery--but had the DR. cancel at the last minute!  Now I have to go on Medicare because I'm turning 65 years old.  If the DR's that have been "covered" under my 2regular policies haven't offered me much help or solutions for my on-going "bad" health--what hope do I have for finding solutions when I have to go on Medicare?  I've basically "given-up" when it comes to seeing Doctors for solutions!  I am in pain and feel like completely "withdrawing" from the world altogether!  If I didn't believe that suicide is very morally wrong and selfish--I wouldn't stick around in this painful, sick body much longer!   I AM VERY, VERY DISCOURAGED!

[Ken_PA]

Hi, I suppose that it depends on how low the vit D levels are.

Also, a view that contradicts the current hype over vitamin D is shown here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2yEwnZy8B8

Here's a written article:
http://bacteriality.com/2009/08/10/iom/

You'd have to decide which side you believe. It truly is confusing.

Btw, do you react very badly to hornet stings? Have a lot of allergies or sensitivities?

[Birdie1948]

I'm not anorexic or bulimic--though I don't mind being on the thin side (because it reduces the weight "put-on"  my tender joints!- But to my knowledge I've done nothing (and haven't changed eating habits much) that would/could explain this quick loss of weight!  (40+ lbs and still losing)!  I'm generally so very tired/fatigued--that if I don't take stimulants (usually caffeine) I ca't stay awake!  I also get a lot of migraines (at least 2-3 times a week) and take over-the-counter  aceetemophin, with aspirin, and caffeine!  I used to take IMITREX but didn't like the side effects--the combination of aceetemophin, aspirin, and caffeine seems to work the most effectively for me personally!  My endocrinologist says my blood work shows a very low vitamin D level and wants me to take supplemental D vitamins--yet you say this can cause "spurring"!  I'm feeling pretty confused about what I should do--since opinions vary so much from doctor to doctor--and among the host of suffering patients! Thanks for "sharing" my pain--having someone who seems to understand and show empathy--means a lot to me!

[Ken_PA]

Also, it's important to distinguish between weight loss that comes from loss of appetite (anpoexia, which is not the same as anorexia nervosa), as opposed to weight loss with the same amount of calories being consumed.

[Ken_PA]

Well then, your faith will be a big help in bolstering you in what you have to do: which is to educate yourself. You might hit on something that helps you personally, since there is a lot of individual variance in CFS/ME.

Here is the CFS group at Medhelp for starters, where there is a doctor answering questions in recent times: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome/show/1209

But your bone problems might be a separate issue. If you are taking lots of vit D, I'd reconsider that seeing as how vit D causes increased absorption of calcium and you have spurs..

One thing to always keep in mind with CFS: is the hyperimmunity due to an overactive immune system? In that case anti-inflammatories would be helpful. But what if there is a persistent infection? Then dampening inflammation might be counterproductive.

Good luck.

[Mochadelicious]

Hi Birdie,
So sorry to hear of all you are going through.  As Ken mentioned above, it might be good to talk to others who also suffer with this condition.  They can probably help shed some light on the options available to help ease the pain.  I know you've pretty much given up on doctors, but there are some pain specialists out there who may be able to help.  Maybe someone on the CFS forum can direct you to a good physician.  Don't give up seeking answers as you are your own health advocate.

[Birdie1948]

Thanks so much for your encouragement!  I just received an epidural block in the bulging neck discs that were impinging on C7 nerve and causing pain and "frozen" shoulder socket--which made it impossible to use my arm!   Thankfully, this epidural block procedure has helped somewhat to relieve the severe pain I was experiencing in my neck, shoulders,and arms!  I'm going to "check-out" the CFS-ME sites--although if there is only "little" hope for a "cure" or relief--I feel very disheartened and discouraged about the fact I might have to live in this sick and painful state for the rest of my life--the thought is completely emotionally overwhelming!  If I didn't have the strong belief and absolute knowledge that God is "with me" and is helping me to endure--I couldn't/wouldn't feel capable of "continuing on" living!  How do people without this belief, hope, and comfort of "knowing God is real" and that He fully understands all types of pain (because He suffered and descended below it all) continue to value life?--especially with all the horrible things currently happening/taking place--on/in this world we occupy/live in?

[Ken_PA]

Hi. you have many of the classic symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is a dysregulation of the immune and hormonal systems. Brain fog, low temperature, fatigue, low vit D, the association with EBVirus, headaches, chronic inflammation, etc.

More accurately, because of the pain, you might fall under the diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Unfortunately, there is no easy cure. But you might find more than a little comfort in talking online to others in the same situation. (Also, some doctors still insist that there is no such thing as CFS/ME.)

Have a nice Christmas, at least as much as is possible in your situation.