Low White Blood Court

[Deb9991]

My clinic finally called me and told me that the reason I have to skip my IFN injection for just this week was because my WBC was getting low.  I asked if this was going to effect my UND status, and they told me "absolutely not."  My WBC was 4.0 out of a normal range of 3.6 - 10.6.  So, it is getting a bit on the low side, obviously.  I was also told that skipping one dose would probably bring it up.  I've heard so many things, that I just don't know what to think.

What if skipping a dose does not bring it up?  I guess I'll have to go on another medication to bring it up?  I've heard a lot about low HGM and platelets, but not much about WBC.  

I also called a nurse at Roche over the weekend, and she made a bet with me that it was because my medical providers were concerned about my WBC -- she was right.  

Any info about my low WBC at this point would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Deb9991]

James -- I agree with you.  They likely are looking at something else -- I just have that gut sense, which is kind of scary.  It could be totally unrelated to HCV -- like markers for cancer.  They are doing this for a reason -- this is a respected and well known doc in town.  

There is a reason, and I'm beginning to feel that more and more.  There has to be a reason.  No doctor would risk a patient's chances for SVR until something was going on.  I will find out, after that next blood test.  

HCV may not be my biggest problem -- it could be something else.

Thanks so much for you wisdom and help.
Debbie

[FlGuy]

Good idea, Bill

[Bill1954]

I believe Deb has already stated she wasn’t going to consider changing her treating GI right now; so I won’t g there. However, there might be an acceptable option.

Deb— could you call their office and request a referral to a hematologist, so that another office could manage your blood? This would take the responsibility out of the GI’s office and put it squarely into one that routinely manages blood irregularities.

This ought to let the GI who is treating you save face, perhaps get you into an office that will manage this more aggressively, and give you a bitter shot at success.

Just thinking out loud here; this might have been mentioned above too; however I haven’t taken the time to read through everyone’s comments.

Good luck,

--Bill

[nygirl7]

I remember when my doc wouldn't prescribe procrit.....but it was so totally needed and I would NOT dose reduce for anything.  It took some work and convincing through research (kindly provided by the folks in here) and I am so glad I listened to the guys in here rather than my own 'scared' 'not knowledgable' doctor and got it.

I doubt I would be cured if I had not kept the entire dose.  It did take work and dedication but it was well worth it (and that was right when I had a six point drop in my hemo in ten days and was almost dead...but perseverance paid off).

But it's each individuals choice as to how much of additional risk they are willing to add to their potential failure rate.  Personally, I was not and am glad I listened to the folks who guided me and not the doctor who just did not know better.

[FlGuy]

I might be willing to trade HCV for a bacterial infection.  The way the doc is conducting treatment Deb might be left holding the HCV bag.

[tashka]

Unfortunately, getting sick with viral infection will not increase WBC. She would have to get something bacterial, like pneumonia, which I would not recommend doing.