MULTIPLE Symptoms - Low WBC

[confusedtoolong]

Hi Doctor Kevin,
I have been having a range of symptoms ranging from WORSENING Tingling/ Crawling Sensations over body - unbearable at night. It is getting very bad.
A week ago I had LOW WBC - 4.4 ( the lowest acceptable number is 4.5). Specifically my granulocyte count  is 1.6 (the lowest acceptable number is 2.3).
I have chronic headaches with the tinglings, especially when the tingling happens in my scalp.
I have a chronic CLEAR WATERY runny nose. Sometimes I have a DULL chest pain.
There is a recurring pain under jawline RIGHT SIDE ONLY
Oddly enough, my BOYFRIEND of 7 years also have mild crawling sensations, chronic nasal discharge, receding gums, and 6 months ago had low neutrophils BUT HIS TEST 1 month ago is NOW BACK TO NORMAL. WHAT IS GOING ON? There is more:
In October 2001, I slept with an AFRICAN man of unknown HIV status. I have since tested three times at the same clinic for HIV...all NEGATIVE. I am concerned BECAUSE OF ALL THESE SYMPTOMS, the HIV test did not detect a subtype exclusive to Africa. IF NOT, what could possibly be causing these symptoms???
I AM CONSTANTLY Worried because of not knowing what's going on. My Parasthesia/ Peripheral Neuropathy is becoming so bothersome...that I feel like I am losing it. PLEASE HELP!!!
I feel that you will know how to tell me to proceed. I have read so many of your responses and I feel very confident in your analysis. THANK YOU...sorry this is so long.

[confusedtoolong]

Does anyone know if vaccines taken 15 minutes before a CBC test, can affect the WBC results? If yes...how? I would appreciate insight from someone who went through similar experience. Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have a constellation of symptoms that may, or may not, be related.

First, regarding the HIV, if 3 tests have been negative, it's unlikely you have the disease.

The WBC is low but within the range of lab error.  Repeating the test to see if it stays low, or not, should be done.  If the abnormality persists, a referral to a hematologist for a possible bone marrow biopsy can be considered.

The persistent nasal discharge can be due to allergies, which can be tested for.  Further evaluation, with a sinus CT scan for instance, can also be done in conjunction with an ENT referral.

Finally, there are a variety of causes for paresthesias.  Metabolic causes like TSH and B12 abnormalities should be tested for.  I would also consider a neurology referral with nerve conduction testing to exclude peripheral neuropathy.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[confusedtoolong]

I also forgot to mention that 15 minutes before I had my blood drawn for the CBC test I had both a yellow fever and hepatitis vaccine (for travelling purposes). I doubt that would have an effect on my CBC...but my wandering mind thought of that. Please advise about this possibility also in your response.

Also in the above post..I wasn't clear about subtype. I was actually asking you if you think a subtype was missed on the Elisa test.?????????? My most recent test being about 1-2 months ago.

Thanks Much Doctor.