What could this all be?

[Diane007]

Hello, I am new to this site (this is my 1st post)....

I am experiencing fatigue, unexplained weight loss, swollen glands (neck,groin,armpits), severe lower back pain, and tingling in my hands/feet. My Dr. did blood work- the CBC showed Low WBC-2.7, Low Neutrophils-38%, High Eos-8%, and LOW "Alert" Neutrophils Absolute-1.0

After these results my Dr suggested an HIV test. I did that and it came back negative. Now I am going to a hematologist/oncologist. My GP wrote a script for a bone marrow biopsy/aspiration. Is this necessary and if so, what could be the cause of all of this??? Any ideas or any similar experiences would be great. Thanks so much!! : )

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
It’s good that you finally have your diagnosis.  Please continue regular check-ups with your doctor, and report any new symptoms that you may be experiencing.
Stay positive.

[Diane007]

I FINALLY got my diagnosis!!!!

My blood tests came back from my rhuematologist and I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthrititis and sarcoidosis. Just wanted to update : )

Finally an answer to all this madness!

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
I understand what you are going through.
If a referral to a rheumatologist will give you a better diagnosis, by all means have yourself seen by one.  That will give you peace of mind.
Good luck.
Hope for the best always.

[Diane007]

Well I had my appointment with the hematologist and my WBC had gone up into normal range although the monocytes were elevated. He was not concerned and almost dismissed me completely untill I broke down crying about how desperate I was for help. I explained what I had been going through for the past 6 yrs. with my health and once again another dr. pointed me towards lupus/R.A. which my previous docs had ruled out. My aunt swears all my symptoms match up to hers and she was only diagnosed through a muscle biopsy. I have an appointment next Tues. with my rheumatologist to talk to him about this test. So looks like I will be moving to the lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis forum....thanks again for your help and take care!

[Diane007]

Two of my aunts have Lupus. One of them has a very mild case and does next to nothing for it, and the other aunt has a severe case and she is frequently hospitalized. Lupus was my first guess years ago, but after 2 negative tests they ruled it out.

Rheumatoid Arthritis also runs in my family (same 2 aunts & grandfather). I was misdiagnosed with that a few years ago when all my problems started and took prednisone for over 1 year. Then when I switched doctors to get a second opinion (over a year too late) the new doctor said that by looking at my x-rays they could tell I definitely did not have RA, but Osteoarthritis instead.

My bloodwork has always been abnormal, but this is the 1st time my WBC has been this low. Also I have gone from a healthy 120 lbs to a very skinny 102 1lbs. without
changing my diet.

My appointment with the hematologist/oncologist is tomorrow. I will follow up and let you know what happens.

Thank-you (all) for your posts, I really appreciate it!!!

[therealbill]

Diane, my daughter is having a ton of tests. You are headed in the right direction with the hematologist/oncologist.  You will find your problem this way and it may take time. We are looking at LUPUS.  My counsin (her DAD was the oldest of 3 kids) and her brothers daughter who is 30 just showed up with LUPUS. Look into your background and see what may have skipped generations.  B12, IRON shortages that are sever can also cause the same problem.  SO A SERIOUS BLOOD WORKUP IS ABSOLUTELY CALLED FOR.  My counsin, she was 40 and it took 2 years to diagnose her... she was in desperate trouble but they finally found it.

IN THE CASE OF MY DAUGHTER, we are seeing all sorts of doctors and still working to figure this out and she is 15 years old.  

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Your blood test result points to a hematologic problem.  One of the diagnostic procedures that should be done in order to give a definite picture of the bone marrow is BMA (bone marrow aspiration).   This will tell you why you have a low white blood cell count.  Other diagnostic examinations would be a peripheral blood smear, biopsy of the lymph node.
I agree with your doctor to have you seen by a hematologist for further evaluation.
Good luck.

[Jennifer375]

It could be alot of things Diane,, but yes a bone marrow biopsy is the quickest surest way to tell just whats going on.

I will tell you though that in MY personal experince, if a bone marrow test is done correctly its NOT painful. You should first recieve in the hip a large topical skin injection to numb that area,, then anouther will be applied much deeper once the topical has taken. I actually kinda watched the proceedure the second time I had it done and if blood doesnt gross you out its kind of interesting. Next once your GOOD AND NUMB (youll object loudly if your not, so DEMAND you are if you dont think so its YOUR body) then youll feel some weird noises and feel like your getting pushed around on the bed a bit,,, a little suction sensation,, and its over with just a bit larger than usual blood draw sized spot to stick a bandage on.

Whats important is that you understand WHY its being done.. and right now it doesnt sound like the doctors giving you alot of information on that. Remeber,, this is your body. Be sure your doctor is really communicating what is being done and why.

*Bows with respect*