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2 weeks ago I had a major migraine and I couldn't get in with my normal doctor so I saw one I hadn't seen before.  He was stumped as to what was wrong as it didn't seem like just a migraine as my skin was aching (felt bruised all over), plus I seemed to have a fever (my head was really hot, but I had cold shivers) - I was in bed for 3 days.  This other Doctor took blood but wasn't too concerned and said don't worry about coming back (which seemed odd, why take blood anyway!).

Then yesterday he called me to come back in for my blood results and he tells me that I have a low White Blood Cell count.  Of course he gave me no idea as to what that means just said that its concerning and that he needs me to get another blood test in 2 weeks.  As he didn't explain anything to me (reasons, possible causes etc) I started to have kittens.  My brain kicked into overdrive and of course over-reacted.  (the words White Blood Cell problems scared the beegeebas out of me - so I paniced and started thinking I was going to die - or suffer a lot before death) (I know I over reacted but hey what else was I supposed to think when a doctor says "its concerning"....

So today I went to my normal doctor who says its nothing to worry about as previous bloods tests in the past couple of months haven't shown any irregularities, but that we will know more after the next blood test in 2 weeks.

So although I have calmed down a bit and put my will aside for the time being I am still a bit confused.

My normal doctor says that my WBC was probably low as it was using them up to fight against the possible infection in my body.  My Aunty (who is a nurse) said that my WBC should have increased when you are sick and fighting off infection etc.  I know I should trust my doctor, but its hard when I'm getting conflicting answers.  Should the WBC be up or down when sick???

Also my doctor said that because my last blood test (July) is normal, this drop in WBC isn't anything to worry about as anything major wouldn't just happen over night..  This is also confusing as I thought that if you got sick it just happened?  If it doesn't happen overnight means its already in your system - how can that be when people are diagonised with illnesses they never had before?  Wouldn't it just happen over time? 

So wondering if anyone else has had WBC issues that can help shed some light on this matter for me.

I know everyone is different and it probably is absolutely nothing to worry about, but some more information would be helpful...

cheers,

Carley

 

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Started 2007: 89
Started 2008: 75
End March: 70.1
End Goal: 65ish

~ "Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." ~

As a migraine sufferer I will suggest a 3 day headache is worth investigating.

 

How much you are into pain and suffering is a personal thing.

 

The current medications get mine under control within less than an hour normally.

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I would go ahead & go to the new dr & see what he has to say. He may have found something the other one has missed. It's happened to me before -- one dr catches what the other either missed or was too lazy to investigate.

You owe it to yourself to go & find out what's happening. I have low WBC as well, but I also have a couple of auto-immune illnesses that cause it (nothing drastic -- just Hashimoto's hypothyroiditis & PCOS).

There might be something else in your blood count as well that combined with the low WBC, could be a concern. Just be glad the new dr actually cared enough to call you back in to discuss the results. 

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Sally

I agree with the others, go to the new doctor....it certainly isnt going to hurt.

One thing lve learnt in the past is sometimes doctors dont always look for everything, especially if in the past nothing has been wrong.

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Cherie

hey thanks guys.  I completely agree the new doctor is being more thorough. 

I think I'll go to both doctors after next blood test just to see what they both say (second opinion can't hurt). 

least I'll get peace of mind (hopefully).

cheers, C

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Started 2007: 89
Started 2008: 75
End March: 70.1
End Goal: 65ish

~ "Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." ~

I also discovered i not only have an overactive thyroid and the medication is giving me too many bad side affects and my WBC is also low and has been going low for a while.

It was basically a  case of come back in 6 weeks for a blood test wich i havnt done yet.

My brain is working overtime because i have other symptoms of god only knows what and i can berly function on a day today bases and im in bed pritty much at 2pm every day and im only 21 years old.

My brain is also overreacting coming up with all these possbilities that i may or may not have and my specialist appointment isnt for about a week.

Its driving me nuts.

when the doctors ask you to return in 6 weeks for a follow up blood test (or check up or whatever) you really shouldn't dismiss that.

make sure you have the blood test before your specialist appointment.