I just got some labs back and it showed that my WBC count is at 1.3. The doctor also said that my neutrophils are pretty low but he didn't tell me what they were. These labs were not done by my primary care doc so I'm wondering if this is anything that I should follow up with him on? The person who gave me the results said that once someone's WBC count goes below 1.0 they start to really have them take certain precautions - I'm not sure what this means besides the usual handwashing, etc.

Any thoughts??

Could someone please share their experience or knowledge about this... that would be great! I'm seeing my doctor on Monday and keep getting all kinds of different info, which is fine with me b/c I'm interested in hearing what others have gone through. I did find out that the normal range for wbc is 4.5-10.5 so I do know that I'm really low at 1.3

Lizzy, I understand your concerns. My son has recently had some quite serious health issues. He was tentatively diagnosed with CRMO (chronic, recurrent, multifocal osteomyelitis). Shortly after having 2 bone biopsies of his tibia (shin bone) his WBC plummeted, to 1.3, also. The docs re-checked his blood counts very frequently for a couple of weeks. His WBC slowly started coming back up on its own. This past Wed I requested they check it again b/c he's been extremely fatigued. His count is up to 4.05, much closer to normal, but it has taken 2 months to get there and still would like to see it higher. There are MANY things that can cause a low WBC. I am definitely NOT saying you are facing something like what my son has. However, the rheumatologist consulted with hematology/oncology and they believe he had a virus that was suppressing bone marrow production, resulting in a low WBC. They initially believed he had leukemia, which we are so thankful was ruled out. I asked what we could do to help bring his counts up, and they had no suggestions. We were just careful about not exposing him to the public so that he wouldn't catch anything. "Normal" WBC on his lab reports is listed as 4.5-11.3 (or maybe its 4.3 - 11.5). Make sure you get copies of all your lab work, test results, etc. so that you have them to reference in the future or for any specialists you consult with if necessary. I'm not sure any of this is helpful for you, but this has been our recent experience. Good luck to you, I hope it isn't anything serious!

Thanks so much for sharing! I've been looking around for someone who has experienced this and what they've done so your post was really helpful. I see my primary care doctor tomorrow and he's going to repeat the labs - I'm hoping that the first set was just a lab error or something! But if it's not it's good to know what to expect.

I saw my doctor today and he did another CBC and we'll get the results tomorrow. There's not much for him to do or say until he confirms the results. He said that if it's still that low that they'll probably do a bone marrow biopsy. I'm not sure what they'd be looking for in the bone marrow but maybe something is slowing the growth of the white blood cells.. Anyway, I can't wait to get the labs and see if my wbc are in fact this low!

Lizzy, I was just wondering if you had found anything out about your WBC? I hope you are doing well. We are taking our son to a naturopath this afternoon and back to his rheumatologist tomorrow. Take care, and keep me posted! Thanks, Sandra

Sorry I didn't update sooner! My wbc's came back at 3.4 so there was a definite improvement and it seems likely that the first test was a little off!

Hi Lizzy

I just read your post about your low white blood cells. Im glad yours have gone up. I too have had low white cells for the past few years. Mine was low Neutrophils, they call it Neutropenia. My Neutrophils went down to 0.9 at one stage and I was really worried I had something sinister.

No Dr could tell me why my cells were so low. They tested me for a range of things and nothing come up. They said sometimes it just happens, or I may have had a virus that disturbed my immune system, Ive also read it could be stress.

I resorted to a Naturopath, have been taking herbal supplements for the past year. My white cells have gone up. My overall white cells are now around 3.5 (very close to normal but just under). They have steadily gone up, but I would like to see them go even higher.

I am healthy, feeling strong. I do believe in taking my supplements. And Im trying to eat healthy, fruits, vegetables, and red meat 2-3 times a week.

Anyway refer to my thread if you want more info.

Good Luck with your white cells

Michelle (Australia)