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,

[FlGuy]

Yeah, and that something may be a "God Complex".  Note to Emily:  Not a religious comment.

[Deb9991]

Bill that is a real good recommendation.  I just got back from the clinic getting my riba.  I went through the whole thing again about the danagers of skipping a dose, and my WBC was still in normal range, blah, blah, blah.  With a piercing glare from the head honcho who runs that clinic, I was told that "your WBC has dropped to low to fast.  This is what the doctor does when this happens, and he has had great success at it.  He's done this for years."  Then she went on to say, that because I probably got a "Very early Rapid Viral Response and I had nothing to worry about.  Don't worry."  Then I said, but, but, but -- end of conversation.  Suggesting a hemotologist wouldn't work -- because I know what I would be told, "this doctors been reading lab reports for 40 years -- he knows what he is doing."  

It was a good suggestion -- and I appreciate your input.

The only good thing is I only have about 6 more days before my next injection.  Alos, I can't help but feel that maybe there is something else that doctor is looking for.  

Debbie

[spectda]

Maybe you can "harvest" some boogers.  I heard that sometimes have staff in them, a nice thriving bacterial strain! LOL

I think if you had something serious deb the doc would have to tell you, I doubt that's it, but that's my take!

Your gonna svr regardless,
-Dave

[Trinity4]

Markers for cancer are generally done by an AFP test.  According to the numbers you have provided us on your blood work nothing is abnormal.  They don't generally look for cancer markers in routine blood work.

I think you are worrying yourself needlessly.  All this speculation could be eliminated if you ask your well known doc EXACTLY what he is basing his decision on to skip the INF dose.  The information you have provided is vague.

Trinity

[FlGuy]

Note tashka's comment.  Might not be as easy a a snivelling brat.

[Deb9991]

Okay -- I'll comb the neighborhood for some sick kid and catch his cold -- hey, this was the best one I've heard!

Darn good, old boy!

Debbie