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My recent white blood cell count is low - 3.2Gpt/l. I'm having a hard time feeling sick almost all the time for the last two and a half

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Berlin Köpenick, DE

Years now. Hemoglobin is 7 mmol/l and hematocrit is 0.35 l/l. Does anybody else have these numbers and what does it mean? Please be thorough, I've gotta learn and understand because EMTs and most Drs don't know

February 7
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Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

Natasha Duncan I’m surprised your rheumatologist hasn’t talked to you about seeing a hematologist.

February 8
A MyLupusTeam Member

Great advice from @A MyLupusTeam Member about vitamin B complex and iron supplementation if your blood counts are low and your doctor recommends it, Natasha. Might you want to post the results along with the reference ranges? I hope you're feeling better today.

February 8
A MyLupusTeam Member

I agree with Niranjana in that your wbc is just a little low. Mine has been 1.8 at one time. But I got it back up by taking folic acid and ferrous sulfate. It also helped with my Hemoglobin and Hemotocrit. I now only take 1 mg of folic acid and ferrous sulfate 1x a week. As I am vegan so I have to get some iron supplementaion. Ask your PCP how much folic acid you can take and ferrous sulfate. You want to make sure you are eating a good meal when you take iron as it can upset your stomach. I cannot over stress diet and symptom diary. I still do this daily although I am in remission (my flare is diuresis and now I don't do that often any more). But I still do the diet and symptom diary as I can lose 4 pounds in a day and I don't like the way it makes me feel. So, I do the diet and symptom diary every day and stick to the same foods except on the weekend (I love my biscuits, and french fries, and my cookies). Resting like Niranjana told me helped me tremendously. Please ask your doctor about the folic acid and ferrous sulfate and also Vitamin B12, and Vitamin Bcomplex. Love you and praying for you.

February 7 (edited)
MyLupusTeam

What do your low white blood cell count and other blood test results mean?

Your white blood cell count of 3.2 is below the normal range (4.0-11.0), which is called leukopenia. This happens in about 50-60% of people with lupus. Your body has fewer immune cells to fight off infections, which could explain why you've been Show Full Answer

What do your low white blood cell count and other blood test results mean?

Your white blood cell count of 3.2 is below the normal range (4.0-11.0), which is called leukopenia. This happens in about 50-60% of people with lupus. Your body has fewer immune cells to fight off infections, which could explain why you've been feeling sick for so long.

Your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels also suggest anemia, which affects about 50% of people with lupus. Anemia means you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. This is why you might feel:

* Extremely tired or drained
* Weak
* Dizzy
* Short of breath

These blood cell changes can happen because lupus causes your immune system to attack your own blood cells, or they can result from inflammation, medication side effects, or kidney involvement. Why this matters for your health:

Low white blood cells increase your risk of developing infections and make infections last longer. Combined with anemia, this explains the constant sick feeling you've experienced for two and a half years.

A MyLupusTeam member shared similar concerns about low lymphocytes and neutrophils, wondering if lupus alone could cause these decreases. The answer is yes - these blood count changes are common in lupus and often signal that the disease is more active.

You need regular monitoring with a hematologist (blood disease specialist) who can:

* Track your blood counts over time
* Determine if your lupus is affecting other organs
* Adjust treatments to address both the low white blood cells and anemia
* Watch for signs of worsening disease

Don't ignore these numbers - they're important indicators of your lupus activity and overall health.

February 7
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member thanks i make it back from s stat blood draw early this morning before sun came scary crossing the Hwy in my powerr chair it was pitch black out side. Im at the hospital waitung for my son to pick me back up, , ill go get seen im so dizzy & light hesded this morning. Thanks

February 9

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