[dudley]

Hi,

My red cells and platlets are dropping. Red count is now 3.57...lab lowest norm is 3.93. Platlet count is 118 ...lab lowest norm is 150. Has anyone experienced this from lupus or meds you are on?

My neuro is sending me to a blood specialist. He thinks I need a bonemarrow test. Could not get an appointment till end of July. I am on a ton of meds. I also have low B12 which I self inject every oyther week (have chrons but in remission). and vitamin D which I take special vitamins for but still half of labs lowest normal number.

Found out that this doc is primarily a cancer doc.

Anyone in similar boat?

thanks
Elaine

 

[Lily]

Hi Elaine :hugbetter:

I'm sorry that this is happening to you, it's hard to judge just why with all that you have going on and the meds you are on I just wanted to send my very best wishes that the blood doc can get to the bottom of it and it's nothing terribly worrying ((((((((Elaine)))))))))

love
Lily

 

[T. A. Bossmeier]

Hi Elaine,

I am not in exactly the same boat as you but have low red count which was dx as anemia of chronic disease.

I also was checked out by an oncologist/hematologist. He did a bone marrow and some blood work to make sure that there was nothing more involved.

I am now taking procrit on a pretty regular basis and it seems to be helping.

Wishing you better health, TAB

 

[Zoi]

Hi Elaine,

I've went through similar batches of low platelets/low red cell count. A bone marrow biopsy sounds like a good idea. There is a variety of treatments out there for such problems, depending on what is making the platelets and red blood count fall. If the lupus is behind this, then getting the lupus under better control should help improve the platelet/red blood count too! There is also injections that the doc can give you to help your blood counts remain stable or rise until this happens.

In my case aps and not lupus was responsible but by getting it under control my platelet and red blood cell count are both very very normal now!

Lots of hematologists work in oncology departments! Please do not panic about this!! The hematologist that did my bone marrow biopsy works in an oncology department and when I went in for plasmapheresis, the hematology department was actually in the oncology ward! This is absolutely normal, albeit a bit strange and potentially mildly panic-inducing if one doesn't know!

Sending loads and loads of hugs (and chocolates!) your way and hoping you feel better soon

:grouphug2::grhug:

:foryou:

Zoi

 

[BigSis]

Hi Elaine,
I was threatened with a bone marrow biopsy when my rbc's and wbc was low (2.3). However platelets were ok.

As my lupus responded to treatment my blood counts improved so i got away with it.
It may be part of your lupus or I think many meds (NSAIDS, antihypertensives and some anti epileptic drugs) can also cause bone marrow suppression.
Good luck and keep us informed:fingers:

 

[dudley]

Thanks for your replies,

I go see blood doc end of July. And yes she is a cancer doc but I have seen her before many years ago. Blood was bad then but some what different. Currently WBC is normal. I never remeber that happening to me. WBC was 2.5 in Jan. Rhummy cut back on chemo (Cytoxin..oral) by a third. Got really sick with a bug...just could not kick it. Could hardly take meds.


New blood test from a few days ago....red blood cells are dropping more...as well as platlets. MCV and MCH are hire. WBC low normal.

I thought I had a Giant red Blood cell test done before but can't find results so I am going to ask Rhummy to run it. Lupus blood work is looking pretty good.

Also going to ask for a potassium (sp) test done. Cramps in feet are getting worse and know into ankles.

If it is not one thing it seems to be another. Plus gaining weight for no reason (thyroid is fine).

Sorry to rant

Elaine