Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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My white blood cell count had been alarmingly high for several years before and during my MS dx process. I am wondering if there is any correlation between high white blood cell counts and MS. I pulled the following from the internet (which can sometime be dangerous):
"White blood cells defend the body by attacking and destroying antigens, such as viruses, bacteria and other infections. They are produced in the bone marrow and are always present in the body. However, the number of white blood cells will usually increase significantly when they are fighting a disease or infection. A person's white blood cell count can be measured, and is sometimes used to determine if the body has an infection, or to find out if the body's immune response is working properly. (MS is generally believed to be an autoimmune disease...further)
The lesions or plaques of multiple sclerosis are areas of tissue damage arising from inflammation, which occurs when white blood cells and fluid accumulate around blood vessels. This inflammation causes destruction of myelin."
Has anyone else experienced an elevated level of white blood count cells for any persistent period of time prior to or with your dx of MS?
"White blood cells defend the body by attacking and destroying antigens, such as viruses, bacteria and other infections. They are produced in the bone marrow and are always present in the body. However, the number of white blood cells will usually increase significantly when they are fighting a disease or infection. A person's white blood cell count can be measured, and is sometimes used to determine if the body has an infection, or to find out if the body's immune response is working properly. (MS is generally believed to be an autoimmune disease...further)
The lesions or plaques of multiple sclerosis are areas of tissue damage arising from inflammation, which occurs when white blood cells and fluid accumulate around blood vessels. This inflammation causes destruction of myelin."
Has anyone else experienced an elevated level of white blood count cells for any persistent period of time prior to or with your dx of MS?
It wasn't until I got the numbness spreading throughout my body and admitted to the hospital in June of this year did they figure it out.
I had that issue with my blood work for 4 years.
when you say high how high are you talking?
(Next 5 types are in order of amount found in the body ending in Basophils that are found in the lowest amounts)
+ Neutrophils- bacteria elevate them
+ Leukocytes- bacteria, viruses, toxins, & tumor cells increase them
+ Monocytes- Help detect Antigens
+ Eosinophils- parasites or autoimmune diseases can elevate them
+ Basophils- Part of allergic response
Lymphocytes (3 subtypes):
* B cells - cause 5 different types of Antibodies ie Allergic response IgG (Chronic allergens that can start 3 days after exposure)
IgE (Acute right now response that kill some people)..IgA, etc, etc
* T- Cells - AUTOIMMUNE reactions involve these when they go haywire
* Natural Killer Cells - Kill cancer cells, etc.
If you have an autoimmune condition you may have elevated T-cell
Lymphocytes & possibly elevated Eosinophils, etc. This is why I have advocated getting testing to find out what food are chemicals may be contributing toward triggering these parts of the immune system and others that contribute toward damaging inflammation. It is not a cure but is adding to the problem.
I wrote Autoimmune Success if you want to read more.
Best wishes to all.
But since you aren't on interferon, I have no idea why your levels are high. But I would definitely follow up on it and make sure that you don't have an infection or that you are not having a MS relapse.
What MS therapy are you on? Are you on one? It might be a good idea to be on one. But it may lower your blood cell count but if you are having an infection, if may be good to have a high count so that you can fight whatever you might need to fight.
Please let us know what is happening.