Hello! I’m a 39-year-old female sharing my experience with low white blood cell (WBC) counts, hoping to connect with others who might be going through something similar. As an RN, I became aware of this issue after three different doctors either ignored my concerns or failed to follow up on my test results over the course of a year. I had been feeling persistently tired and experiencing chronic pain, which led me to visit a rheumatologist. That’s when I discovered my abnormal blood work. For several years, I’ve also struggled with cold sores and often felt like I was on the verge of getting sick, but doctors tended to brush it off.
My WBC levels have ranged from 2.1 to 3.0, and my neutrophils have been between 0.3 and 1.1, trending downward over the past six months. This alarming trend prompted me to seek a new hematologist, as my current one wouldn’t treat me at these low levels, despite knowing I work in a hospital and am constantly exposed to germs.
It’s important to note that mild to moderate neutropenia (neutrophil counts of 1000-1500 and 500-999, respectively) isn’t usually a major concern unless you’re frequently exposed to infections and getting sick. The real worry arises when counts drop below 500 and you begin showing symptoms. Right now, my diagnosis is neutropenia.
I also had a bone marrow biopsy done for peace of mind. I pre-medicated with Norco and Ativan, which helped make the procedure much less painful than I anticipated. My doctor believes my neutropenia is related to my autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
I’ve learned that it’s crucial to advocate for yourself and seek referrals when needed. If a doctor isn’t addressing consistently abnormal lab results and symptoms, it’s essential to find one who will. This journey has been challenging, but I’m determined to find answers and improve my health.