I had my blood tested two week sago, just before starting the mtx injections. My liver is good but my while blood cell count is high as is my absolute neutrophilis count. I had no idea what that was so googled it and I still don't really understand. It has me worried though that all the sites that talk about the neutrophils cells were cancer and luekemia sites.
Apparently the white blood cell count goes up when you are fighting an infection. I understand that the while blood cells are made up of other cells, these neutrpholis cells are one of them. I think I understand that these cells typically fight bacteria and fungus but the information is really confusing and I'm usually pretty good any deciphering the medical jargon but this one has me confused. I don't belive I have any sort of infection anywhere.
Anyone got any ideas on what it can mean? The rheumy wrote on the lab report, ok for now-whats that supposed to mean? I see her again in 2 weeks so will definitely talk to her about it.
Another question I have is that with RA our immune systems are in sort of overdrive, right? I understand the drugs I'm on-placquenil, steroids, humira and mtx all in some way lower your immune system. However, since all this started, I haven't caught a single cold or any other sort of "bug." I work with the public and my hubby is currently sick but I never seem to catch anything, am I just lucky? I wash my hands like mad and should buy stock in Lysol wipes but I just don't understand how I can miss all the crude that goes around? Mind you, I'm sure not complaining about it, just curious. Maybe the drugs are not working and my immune system is still on overdrive?
Michele, You are asking all the questions many of us ask ourselves regularly. Now I get open sores but not really any sicknesses since being on the immune suppressants. HMMMMMMMMM. I just don't know but don't get your self all worked up before you get some real answers. Stress is definitely bad for your immune system and RA. I AM an expert on that. I hope you get more answers soonBeing on all those drugs make you immunocompromised. It means you are at a higher risk of getting sick. The fact that you take all those precautions works in your favor. Washing hands is the biggest prevention you can do.
Keep well.
Being on the steroids can also increase your white cell count.
Thanks, I actually just read that the steroids can cause that. I bet thats what it is from. I've just weaned down to 8.5mg but had been on 30 just a month or so ago.
I've been watching for the open sores, especially since started the mtx injections but so far, so good!
Just so you know, when you are looking at things that say an elevated WBC can be indicative of CA...that is an extremely high, high #. Not like 20 or 25...like 450....big difference. Dont let to much reading freak you out. Michele are you taking folic acid with the mtx? It is supposed to prevent the sores. I was prescribed 1mg daily. Yep, I take a 1mg pill and I'm also taking prescription pre-natals vitamins which have another 1mg in them! Haven't had the mouth sores yet but I have had a lot of hair falling out, I hope its just temporary!!!