Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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Freaking out!!

JennsJo
JennsJo

ive had lupus for 7 years and very little issues. I get blood work regularly and for the past year my white blood cell has been dropping. It's at 1.7 and not increasing. My doc took me off plaqunil to see if it increased and hadn't. He called and referred me to s hematologist! I am freaking out!! Any suggestions?? Thanks peeps!:)

WifeofLupus
WifeofLupus
My husband as diagnosed last year and within 4 months his platelet count dropped from 255 to 32. We were sent to a hematologist/oncologist and have spent the last 6 months spending time and money on all sorts of tests. They did bone marrow biopsy and CT scan that found enlarged lymph nodes that "may" indicate Lymphoma. The doc is just watching for now but after a Lupus flare and 6 weeks of steroids he is back up to over 200. The doc seems to think it is all related to Lupus attacking the blood but we have to jump through the hoops (and money on tests) to make sure. They did not stop his plaquenil though so that is different. Only told him no more ibruprophen and take tylenol for pain. we changed to a Paleo diet and made a huge difference in pain and digestive issues.
bgaineshunter
bgaineshunter
Low white blood cell count is called leukopenia. It occur fairly commonly in people who have lupus. It means you might not have enough white blood cells to fight a "real" infection. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I've had it. Your risk of getting an infection is about the same as it would be if you were taking immunosuppressant drugs.
kat1d1d
kat1d1d
I have had leukopenia for about 6 years now, but admittedly your WBC is really low. While leukopenia is actually in the criteria for lupus, you might follow up
with a hemotologist to rule out anything they would be causing it. In the meantime, wash your hands and stay away from sick people! Good luck, I'm sure they'll figure it out and it will be ok :)