Blood Work,,, Advice TnHepGuy, All

[honey1616]

Hi,,,I didn't want to start a new thread but for some reason I couldn't post a comment on existing thread???  Anyways,,,Just got back from Dr and I'm really upset.  My bloodwork was all acceptable but my hubby's neutrophils dropped to .....0.6.  Dr said he is to stop treatment totally today.  That it is so low at this point that it is dangerous.  Funny thing is,,,he has been doing so good and not having problems so this was such a shock to us both.

I asked about neuopogen and Dr said at this point he would need to stop and redo bloodwork next week. I even tried to get a prescription saying it might take awhile to get filled if pharmacy had to order so I would not be leaving that office without prescription in hand!  Dr. Said  We will see after next week and I'm not familiar with it and will have to do some research by weight etc... I tried to argue saying there was several people that continued with this and we could even do bloodwork in 3 days to monitor.  Then he says,,,Ms,,Your husband could die if this gets lower,,,So Drop it!  Anyways,,I guess I'm really upset because I'm scared if he stops totally,,,that is 6 months down the drain of hard work!  What happens if you stop say for a week or 2,,,,would you all think?  Ending on a positive note,,,,6 months pcr for him,,,,undectable!

[Plutonium-kid]

Hey Honey,

Sry to read about your hubby's problems & I'm pleased that you're doing well. I can't answer your question directly, BUT  I can say that if I was in your place, I would  suggest to the Dr a temporary DOSAGE reduction for hubby rather than terminating Tx in lieu of the FACT that he's responding WELL to Tx.
What's this Drs rationale for not placing your hubby on Neupogen & why is he so stubborn about it??? Pls suspect his motives.

In addition, get additional opinion(s) from other experts ASAP....I wouldn't abandom Tx without additional advice.

Good Luck,
the kid......

[raheem]

From November 2003 through May 2004 I had neutrophils at 576, 444, 451, 658, 432 and 564.  We did reduce the interferon dosage to 135mcg in December but the neutrophils stayed low.  I had no infections, colds, sinus problems etc. that can be typically associated with the winter season...at least for me. I did 48 weeks of tx from June 2003 to May 2004.  Push for a slight interferon dose reduction and/or Neupogen.  My doc said there is little evidence that cutting the interferon dose at 6 months (half way through tx) reduces chances of being a SVR. However, keep the ribavirin at full dosage. By the way, your doc sounds like a jerk.  I think others can direct you to studies regarding low neutrophil counts and infections.  Hope this helps.