I had my RD appt. on Tuesday. I've been on 20 mg MTX for a little over a year with no problems, but still had alot of joint damage so Dr and I decided its time to try Humira. I needed to have a TB test and live 50 miles from my RD, so I said I'd get it done at my family doctor's office. I couldn't get an appointment until 6/26, so I called my RD's office to let her know, and they told my that my white cell count was high and I have to see an Oncologist this Tuesday. Has anyone else ever had this happen? I'm kind of freaked out about it. I've never had a problem with my labs before. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
How high is your WBC?
Phats
Nina2three,
I have had high white blood cell counts before. It has always meant that i had an infection somewhere. I think that the wbc are the fixers of disease and/or sickness so in short can be big deal or little deal, just means that the body has sent out an army of defensemen through the blood stream as we sometimes heal ourselves and the body still certainly tries but now more often needs help.
LEV
I saw the Oncologist yesterday. It seems that the eosoniphil (I'm sure I spelled it wrong) level is high and has been since my first blood test with the RD. Why nobody thought it was an issue until now is beyond me. I have two slightly enlarged lymph nodes and my spleen is slightly enlarged, which she said is common with RA. I was hoping it was the MTX screwing me up, but I guess not. I have to go for bone marrow tests on Monday and a CAT scan after they duke it out with my insurance co. She said she'll have to lie about why they want the CAT scan as they won't pay for it with just bad blood test results. Go figure. Still no answer on the Humira yet either. I'm trying to be positive about all this, but its pretty scary. You know something is going to hurt when they tell you that you'll be in pain during it rather than the standard "little discomfort" line they give you!!! If you could all spare a little prayer for me, I'd appreciate it. im sorry your having a hard time right now. I hope they straighten it all out. Prayers being sent your wayThinking of you Nina, and praying that all goes well for you. Hope everything turns out fine for you, fingers crossed. Stay positive.Hi Donna-Rae, You definitely have my thoughts and prayers. It is always scarey when they send you to an "oncologist". I've had similar problems for the last 5-6 years. By the way, my hemotologist is in an oncology office, but I see him just as my hemotologist.
Initially, my white count continued to be high (17K+) month after month. I had a bone marrow biopsy, which revealed myeloproliferative disease. Which means I had too many white cells (a "proliferation," if you will). They continued checking my blood every three months, for a couple of years, because it can develope into leukemia or a few other things. Then, I had a blood test come out perfectly normal, to everyone's surprise, including my hemotologist. It continued to stay that way for 2-3 more testing periods, so they declared I no longer had this disorder. My white count has not gone back up since. (About 2 years.) My hemotologist said he had never seen it just go away before.
Then when the rheumatologist started testing, a new problem arose. It seems I have a high count of a protein. In my case it is IgM protein. This can indicate lymphoma. Started tests, from another bone marrow biopsy to biopsy of my adrenal gland. I have something called MGUS. (NOT lymphoma) This just makes me have a slight possibility of developing lymphoma a some poiint in my life. I have blood work done to test all this every 3 months.
I really don't worry too much about these problems. I don't know why..I guess I'm just not worried about what MIGHT happen. Too many other things to worry about.
I hope all goes well for you. My biopsies were taken from my sternum, so I can't really tell you what yours will feel like. Most likely they will take it from your pelvis, toward the back. Did they tell you what to expect? Try your best to just remember to breathe evenly, and put your mind into somewhere peaceful. Sounds a bit nutz, but it helps me. There is some pain involved, but what I remember most is the pressure.
Best wishes, I hope you have the best possible results.
Gentle hugs and prayers,
Nini
I am so sorry that you are having to go through all of this. Please let usHope this turns out to be nothing terribly serious. Sending prayers your way.
Crispy