Help! Low White Blood Cell Count

[M_Celeste]

My husband had a cbc test completed last week, & the doctor's office informed him that he had a low white blood cell count. They didn't say what the exact number was, just that it was low & they wanted him to come back in today for more test the next day.  He came back in & had more blood test taken, inculding an HIV test.  My question is, what could be causing this?  Could it be HIV?  Here's a little background info on my hubby: he's a 32 year old white male, had his gallbladder taken out about 2 years ago, currently takes Prilosec daily, also takes Zyrtec & Mucinex D for allergies almost daily, has had a persistant fungal infection on his groin area (jock itch?) for at least 3 months that he's treated with prescription drugs & otc powders & creams to no avail, has had diarreah & stomach ache over the last fe weeks, he also recently started complaining that he was having pain in his kidney area. When he had his gallbladder taken out, he was told that he had a "fatty liver" but that it was nothing to worry about. The doc just said he needed to lose weight. He has lost several pounds since then: he's currently about 5'6 or 5'7 & weighs between 150 & 155 lbs, so he's not overweight, but he has lost several pounds recently. He's also in his 3rd semester of nursing school & is under a trememdous amount of stress. Could any of this stuff be contributing to his low wbc?  Also, he was diagnosed with mono about 3 or 4 years ago. Is it possible he's having some sort of reoccurance of this?  And earlier this year, he also had dizzy spells accompanied by a rapid heart beat. He had an echocardiogram & EKG & both were normal. The doctor told him he was probably just experiencing anxiety. Could he have HIV?  We've been together since 2004, & both of us had HIV tests before we got together (I had one in 2000 & another in 2003, he had one in 2000).  In the past, we both had unprotected vaginal sex with multiple partners.  I'm just confused because I'm not having any kind of health problems, but he seems to be having one after another.  I'm getting really anxious & the slow process of the doctor's office isn't helping.  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[M_Celeste]

Update:  Still haven't gotten the HIV test back yet, but he spoke with a nurse about the rest of his labs & was told that he had elevated liver enzymes & protein in his urine.  I pretty sure these symptoms aren't indicative of HIV, so my worries about that have calmed down quite a bit.  He can't get in to see the doctor for another 4 days, so the doc hasn't discussed anything with him.  I'm thinking the elevated liver enzymes might be due to the fatty liver thing, & perhaps the protein in his urine is a sign of a kidney infection, which would explain the back pain & low wbc count.

Has anyone else ever experienced these kinds of symptoms or had these kinds of lab results?  A lot things I look up on the net mention kidney disease, liver disease, renal failure, etc., but there's got to be a more simple explanation!  I'm just confused & worried & wish the doc would hurry up & figure out what's wrong with him so we can get on with our lives.

[bobbiepen]

I had low white cells, and they finnally came up to a "low normal range".  White cells fight infection, and that is why he is having the groin problem, or it could be the soap. Change to a body wash and use one of the body sponges.

For no reason (?) my cells went down and the hematogologist waited, and they went up. I have never had this. Then I started with other ailments. This could be the start of other problems.

Have the doctors check his Vitamin D levels. I bet they are low or he doesn't have any.  Good luck.

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
With a history of mono infection, it is possible to have a low WBC.  In a person infected with infectious mononucleosis the EBV remains dormant in cells in the throat and blood for the rest of the person's life. Periodically, the virus can reactivate without symptoms of illness and can be found in the saliva of infected persons. EBV can also result in lifelong dormant infection in some cells of the body's immune system and can lower the WBC count. You can consult your doctor regarding this. An EBV antibody status may be required.
The other possibilities are some other viral infection, allergy, lupus, hyperthyroid states, hypersplenism, and rheumatoid arthritis. Do discuss this with your doctor.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[M_Celeste]

Just an update:  he has tested positive for HIV, so basically our worst fears have came true.  His doctor tested me with an OralQuick test, & it showed no HIV antibodies.  They have followed up with a blood test, which I am waiting for results on, but the negative oral test is a good sign.  I am just more concerned for him now than anything else.  I don't want to lose him too soon.  He has an appt. with an infectious doctor on Monday.  I just hope we can get this thing under control & go on to live somewhat normal lives.

[M_Celeste]

I just realized that I didn't even thank any of you for taking the time to reply to my question.  So, just let me say, I greatly appreciate everyone taking the time to respond to my query.  Unfortunately, this is not the outcome I wanted, but we all have to live with the hand we're dealt, I suppose.  So wish us luck!

[doctornee medical]

All the best M_Celeste

It was at the back of my mind but did not want to worry you too much as anyways he was being tested for it. Good Luck!

[bobbiepen]

I am sorry to hear this about your husband. My prayers and others will be with him. There are new treatments but I am not up on them. Research your options carefully. Enjoy each day.  Celeste, you need to be tested as well.  May God be with you!

Care and prayer....Bobbiepen