persistent chills without fever, 4,200 wbc count

[ericems]

had pneumonia september, 05, since then persistent chill feeling regardless of outdoor or indoor temperature, my wbc count was 6.7 sept.8,05, 4.2 10-26-05,(haven't had blood test since) could low wbc count cause chills without fever, if not any other ideas of what could cause this or tests i should take to determine a possible underlying cause, it is a very strong and uncomfortable feeling, thank you, eric

[sk2006a]

I think you're right about the number of people who turn to message boards like this due to lack of insurance.  Heartbreaking to be scared about your health and to be without insurance.  It's just not fair!

[Barbarella]

I hear you!  I think "some" people, not all who log on to health message boards have no health insurance and can't afford to see the doctor and that is why they come here first hoping to find out what it could be.  I'd NEVER take blood in the urine lightly and urge people to go see a doctor.  If no insurance go to a free clinic or to the ER at a Teaching Hospital.

[Barbarella]

You're ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!  Message boards can be nice to discuss each others symptoms and illnesses, BUT it can also scare the hell out of you.  A very good friend of mine was told by yer doc that her WBC was "a little low" it was at 3.3.  He told her not to worry and that he'd repeat the test in 6 months.  This was not enough for her.  She logged on a healthboard on the Internet and asked if anybody also had a low WBC count and the first response she got from a poster was "its leukemia".  She freaked out and was devastated.  It turns out she has NO illnes at all and the doc thinks now that she probably always was on the low side with her WBC count.

You're also right about Labs having different guidelines.  My friend's Lab where her blood work was done says the guidelines are from 4.3 -  11.0.  The Lab my bloodwork goes to says 4.0 - 11.0 "but the docs don't get worried unless it falls below 3.0 or 2.5" I was told when I called them to find out so I could calm down my friend.

[sk2006a]

And, how about the other extreme?  I often see postings re blood in urine or stools, with a reply suggesting that it's due to some minor reason.  That may be, but it sure is cause for a trip to the doctor's office!  Not sure which type frustrate me the most :)

[sk2006a]

why don't you ask you dr. whether he or she thinks the numbers are low.  beware what you find on the internet.  i've scared myself silly several times that way, and for no good reason.  it could be that different labs have different normal ranges.

[ericems]

i just looked at the normal ranges on several websites and it was either very low end of normal or low depending on the reference ranges that were used