Low White Blood Cell Count

[FDK80]

Im seeking help here,

for the last a couple of months I have been testing periodically my blood for WBC count which has been very low (around 1.8 to 2.1 sometimes slighlty higher/slighty lower), plus I'm having (new) symptoms: bone pain, tiredness.


now my doctor has referred me to a specialist, but i have no idea what is this about but I'm so worried.

Untill now im waiting for my oppointment, however I have been able to talk to another specialist who suggests that this might be normal considering my condition -Crohns Disease- and he also thinks my medication has an affect on that.


Guys ! help me here ,,.

 

[DustyKat]

One of the side effects of Asacol can be a drop in your white cell count so that is most likely the medication the doc was referring to. I know I have read of others here having that problem with meds but adjusting the dose normally resolves it.

I can't say that I've heard of Crohn's causing a drop in your white cell count independent of immuno suppressive medication but perhaps others have.

I would be concerned that you are taking Celebrex though. Nothing to do with the white cell count but it is a NSAID and normally contraindicated with Crohn's disease. I would question the doctor about taking it.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Crohn's 35]

Yes, Nsaids are a no no even for healthy people. My husband just got off it 2 months ago, he walks everyday instead of taking pills and he is glad he is off them.

 

[robbo87]

I had a similar problem whilst taking azathioprine so i would assume that asacol will be having the same effect with you. With me to counteract the low cell count my specialist reduced the dose of my treatment, and whilst my white blood count improved, it wasn't a high enough dose to keep my symptoms at bay. he may try something similar with you or maybe look at alternatives.

 

[FDK80]

One of the side effects of Asacol can be a drop in your white cell count so that is most likely the medication the doc was referring to. I know I have read of others here having that problem with meds but adjusting the dose normally resolves it.

I can't say that I've heard of Crohn's causing a drop in your white cell count independent of immuno suppressive medication but perhaps others have.

I would be concerned that you are taking Celebrex though. Nothing to do with the white cell count but it is a NSAID and normally contraindicated with Crohn's disease. I would question the doctor about taking it.

Dusty. xxx

Dusty, the thing is im so worried about the WBC count as i starting to witness new syptoms and getting sick easily. lately i start feeling painfull joints all over my body and thats why im taking Celebrex although its NSAID but there is no replacement.

I just want to know how could i left it up or do something about it.

Thanks for your kindness.

 

[FDK80]

Yes, Nsaids are a no no even for healthy people. My husband just got off it 2 months ago, he walks everyday instead of taking pills and he is glad he is off them.

Im gald that your husband quit NSAID, and i hope he will keeps whats he's doing.

But in my case i cant, the joints pain is my worst nightmare and i cant afford it.

 

[FDK80]

I had a similar problem whilst taking azathioprine so i would assume that asacol will be having the same effect with you. With me to counteract the low cell count my specialist reduced the dose of my treatment, and whilst my white blood count improved, it wasn't a high enough dose to keep my symptoms at bay. he may try something similar with you or maybe look at alternatives.

Robbo87,

I'm pretty sure that Asacol is cousing the problem to me and frankly speaking I dont like this medication and I dont believe it makes any difference !

I explained my self to my Doc. and told him that I want to get an alternative or any Med. instead as the Asacol took it chances and the results aren't that much.

Thanks.

 

[Gav]

Hi FDK80,

I have/had UC before my ileostomy. And about 6 months ago while I was having a CT scan for a kidney stone it was discovered my spleen was midly inflammed and my white blood cell count was low just like yours.

Since I have had many appoitnments with haematologists and they seem to lean towards this being part of the UC. The body is continuing to attack itself even though they have removed my colon. They also say around 2 isn't too low, it's more bordeline. And for me it hasn't effected me in terms of symptoms or immune problems.

Everyone is different - Perhaps it's your meds, but perhaps it's the Crohn's doing it's usual thing of attacking the body. There can be quite a few suspects in this! I had Asacol for 4 years with a perfectly fine WBC. It's only now my body is deciding that my white blood count is fair game.

Gav

 

[FDK80]

Hi FDK80,

I have/had UC before my ileostomy. And about 6 months ago while I was having a CT scan for a kidney stone it was discovered my spleen was midly inflammed and my white blood cell count was low just like yours.

Since I have had many appoitnments with haematologists and they seem to lean towards this being part of the UC. The body is continuing to attack itself even though they have removed my colon. They also say around 2 isn't too low, it's more bordeline. And for me it hasn't effected me in terms of symptoms or immune problems.

Everyone is different - Perhaps it's your meds, but perhaps it's the Crohn's doing it's usual thing of attacking the body. There can be quite a few suspects in this! I had Asacol for 4 years with a perfectly fine WBC. It's only now my body is deciding that my white blood count is fair game.

Gav

Gav, Im sorry to hear all this going on to you but im glad that your found your way through and it seems your much better now.


The thing is im worried that i wont be albe to control more WBC count anymore and im witnessing such a wired symptoms these days, I'm totaly confused and I pray to GOD not to add any more to what I allready is facing,!


Thanks

 

[Swirl]

Sorry to hear that Gav.
FDK80,
I felt a lot of things when my red blood count was down.
Your GI doctor is referring you to a specialist? or General is? Its about time. They should have been done that when they notice it was down. Be glad you're seeing one now, its what they do.

I have to get back into exercising, I stopped and now my blood levels are either high or low.
Make sure you exercise.

 

[Gav]

Thanks guys.

Was at the hospital yesterday to see my haematologist consultant. My latest bloods show my WBC now totally normal. He mentioned that it coincided with a lift in my Vitamin D levels. Now I have been supplementing with Vit D and Calcium for a while, so not sure if that is just coincidence but thought it might be worth mentioning. I looked online after my consultation and found links such as these:-

http://www.livestrong.com/article/490088-low-white-blood-cells-a-vitamin-d-deficiency/

Whether the links are correct or not or if my Vit D levels and my WBC both rising are a coincidence or not, if this info can help FDK80 one person with WBC problems it's worth posting.

Gav

 

[positivemum]

Can I just say thanks for this thread as it has shed some light on why my 14 year old son's WBC is at 1.3

No experts coming forward from the medical profession so thanks for the forum - again

 

[kh216]

You might also want to consider asking your doctor about getting B12 shots. This has improved my energy level and may have even helped my white blood count. I also agree with Gary about taking Vitamin D. If you want, you can get a blood test to check your Vitamin D level.