Wes1212

I havn't seen this discussed much but think it is pretty important info for those on tx:

"Neutropenia is the term used to describe your condition when your neutrophils (blood counts)have dropped very low. The term "nadir" is used to describe the lowest point that your blood cells drop to after you receive treatment."

I brought "nadir" to my doctors attention and asked him what it was and if it applied to me before considering changes in dose or using blood builders ...etc... My blood counts went way low, but we didn't change anything and the counts leveled out at the nadir. It is important to avoid risk factors for infection such as people with colds, eating food that may have been handled in stores ...etc...

My blood counts went quite low (to the point alot of doctors either reduce dose or start the blood builders) during tx but my doc told me not to worry so much because the counts had probably reached the lowest point they would--the "nadir".

I really believe that some doctors aren't familiar with or considering the "nadir" and alter treatment when it may not be necessary.

[This message has been edited by Wes1212 (edited 07-03-2003).]