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Is it Odd to Have Low White and Red Blood Count at Same Time?

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running wild
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2013
Posts : 2188
Posted 1/24/2023 7:07 AM (GMT -8)
Can Lyme or co-infections cause low red (3.55) and white blood cells (2.6) at once? Also low hematocrit (11.9) and hemoglobin (34.5).

Everything comes up as aplastic anemia.
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Garzie
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Joined : May 2017
Posts : 3969
Posted 1/24/2023 7:51 AM (GMT -8)
i dont think its unusual as such to have both red and white counts be low in tick borne illnesses RW

bartonella and babesia in particular mess with blood cell counts

the driver can be not enough blood cells being made - or enough being made but then them getting destroyed by infection

sometimes white blood cells can dip during treatment also - as they gobble up dead and dying bacteria and then die themselves - so it could be treatment related

these things tend to have other clues in the CBC that may shed some more light

can you post the rest of the CBC so we can see what other correlations there might be

overall this particular dip is most often a temporary effect - and worth retesting again in a few weeks
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running wild
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Posted 1/24/2023 8:16 AM (GMT -8)
Thank you for response, Garzie. Blood test results set me off when they aren’t good, and the reds and whites have been low or low normal for a number of years. Rarely are they both at same time. Same with hematocrit and hemoglobin.

With Sjogrens in play, I don’t know what is what. Trying to treat it all but then the frickin kidneys. Thanks for your taking the time to look.

MCV -97 (high end of normal)
MCH - 33.5 (barely high)
MCHC - 34.5
RDW - 12.1
Platelets - 178
Neutrophils-50
Lymphs - 32
Monocytes - 13
EOS - 3
BASOS - 2
Neutrophils Absolute) - 1.3
Lymphs (Absolute) - 0.8
Monocytes (Absolute) - 0.3
EOS - (Absolute) -0.1
BASO (Absolute) 0.1
No immature granulocytes
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dcd2103
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Posted 1/24/2023 8:28 AM (GMT -8)
Looks exactly like my bloodwork (super low WBC, just below normal RBC/platelets/hematocrit/hemoglobin), except for the high MCV. I've got UCTD w/ neuroapthy which is basically part of the lupus/sjogrens complex.
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Garzie
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Posted 1/24/2023 8:34 AM (GMT -8)
as you say RW - its not unusual for you to have low counts of either - and then its just a matter of chance whether you will get low on both once in a while - so i don't think there is any need to read any more into it than that

if you only look for the negative side of any test - you will always find things to freak you out - but i don't think there is any real new news here.

these illnesses cause suppressed counts for lots of people here - differing degrees for different people but the trend is clear

The normal platelet count is between 150 and 400 x 109/L - so again - just low normal - which fits well with the other results - of just general low production of all cell types

MCV on the high side tends to indicate a higher proportion of younger red blood cells vs older - they gradually shrink a little with age - which is consistent with red cells being consumed early
bart will do that - but i have had high normal readings for this one for years - and it doesnt represent anything new to worry about

MCH is as you say only fractionally over the upper limit - most clinicians would take no notice over such a small elevation - and again i have had many similar readings so i don't think its any cause for concern. High MCH value can be caused by anaemia due to a deficiency of B vitamins, particularly B-12 and folate. yours is not really in a danger area type range but for peace of mind you might want to test your B12 and folate levels but that's about it.

i guess what i am trying to say is there is nothing i see here to indicate a new problem of something to worry about - more that these are just expected downstream effects of infection and or auto-immunity - which you know about already - and i dont see any new health consequences or actions needed as a result - except maybe checking your B vits - as its worth keeping those in the normal range with anything to do with neuropathy .

in fact if this test lead you to find hat either folate or B12 was low - that would actually be a good outcome from the CBC results - as its something that may well help you

Post Edited (Garzie) : 1/24/2023 8:37:32 AM (GMT-8)

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running wild
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Posts : 2188
Posted 1/24/2023 9:24 AM (GMT -8)
I thought if you when I saw the results., dcd. Instead of the body helping, it does the opposite. What’s your next thought on possible help?

Garzie - Thanks for your rational explanation. Most of the time I can be rational, but over the years blood test results have become a trigger for frustration and negative thoughts.

The key is finding answers as I, like so many of us, am weary from so many years of this and things getting worse. That’s why I research every possible solution out there - including stem cells.

Haven’t had B-12 tested in a while, nor folate. Will ask doctor about it. There seems to be a conflict with those who have performed test groups with people that have kidney disease and B-12 supplementation. Some say only very low doses of B-12 are advisable, while others dispute that

Are you still feeling better, Garzie?
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dcd2103
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Posted 1/24/2023 10:35 AM (GMT -8)

running wild said...
I thought if you when I saw the results., dcd. Instead of the body helping, it does the opposite. What’s your next thought on possible help?

You can take as much b-12 as you want, its not toxic in large doses

I actually started taking hydroxycobalamin IM shots 2 weeks ago. My b12 is always low. while it doesnt stop the autoimmune attack, i have noticed that my allodynia/nerve damage feels better for a few days after the shot, and i dont think its placebo since i wasnt expecting that. There's evidence it helps w/ regeneration.

Right now I'm planning on asking my neuro to move IVIG to once every 2 weeks. I'm much better than I was this summer w/ my immune system, where I was flaring non-stop uncontrollably every day, but i still have some flares now. Some evidence a larger dose once every 2 weeks is more powerful.

The issue seems to be right now that even when i'm not flaring, i'm in pain in my hands and feet from nerve damage. I've come to estimate that 60% of my pain now is from nerve damage, and not active inflammation. 3y ago that number was more like 10%. And hwat happens is even a miniature flare for a day, and everything is raw again because the nerves are already damaged, and I'm starting back from 0 having undone any healing that might have occured.

So healing nerve damage is also a priority for me now. I'm going to get a prescription for Clemastine Fumarate for that.

There are several studies and a couple on going ones showing that Clemastine remyelinates nerves in MS. Winsantor who is still tryign to get funding for their phase 3 trial for Pirenzepine has proven that pirenzepine regrows nerves.

Both Clemastine and Pirenzepine have action on the M1 receptor, and inhibiting it seems to induce nerve growth through a mechanism which has been dubbed "cholinergic restraint"

This video is pretty cool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6p5e2tcr9q

Shows the actual myelin rings growing using a electron microscope
https://ibb.co/tbdc7bk

Of all the 100s of drugs this researcher tested for nerve regeneration, every single one that was effective was an M1 antagonist, with Clemastine being the strongest
https://ibb.co/s2dpgxm

I'm also part of a group which is synthesizing a selective HDAC6 inhibitor through some connections at a lab. There's evidence that HDAC6 inhibitors can regrow nerves in pretty poweful fashion by literally rebuilding the tubulin to the dead nerve and refeeding it. One of the companies working on an HDAC6 was able to show near full restoration of nerve function.

Obviously neither of these cures my disease and rights my immune system, but I'm trying to reverse some of the extensive damage to lower my pain, and with reduced flares from the IVIG i should be in business.

All in all better than i was a few months ago tho, i think. The HBOT really did help calm the arthritis a bit, knock on wood, and the ivig has calmed the daily nerve flares. If i just didnt have this extensive f'ing nerve damage may i could have a few pain free days

Post Edited (dcd2103) : 1/24/2023 10:45:22 AM (GMT-8)

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Garzie
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Posts : 3969
Posted 1/24/2023 10:43 AM (GMT -8)
i understand RW - but try not to focus on a negative interpretation

i do not see any actual reason for concern here

when we are ill and have blood tests its normal to have some things come back a little high or a little low - that's to be expected - but there is nothing alarming here.

in fact just as often i hear people say - "how can feel so awful and my tests come back within normal range" so if we are not careful we can get into a place where no matter what results come back we are unhappy

so i would focus instead on other things - like what you can do today to make myself feel better or improve my health and wellbeing - eg some time outdoors, some exercise etc -

low B12 and Low folate can actually contribute to neuropathies - and given that you may be eating a somewhat restrictive diet to favour the kidneys - its possible they have got a little low - so worth checking that out.

if it does turn out to be low - and there is concern over kidneys and supplementation - i would either find foods i can get them from - that are OK with kidney issues - or supplement with normal doses - (i.e. not megadoses ) i would be surprised if there were kidney issues with normal doses of B vits - with B vits the RDA's are fairly low mg range - but some supplements are 100x this amount so there may well be room for a happy medium.

good luck

PS - yes - i have had a couple of colds that took me out of my exercise routine for a few weeks - but i am now back at it and in the best place i have been since getting ill with lyme / bart in 2015.
its a slow and challenging process - never as quick as i would like - but i am making measurable progress so have to celebrate that.
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running wild
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Joined : Mar 2013
Posts : 2188
Posted 1/24/2023 5:04 PM (GMT -8)
Dcd - You have tried so many things to find relief. And there have been times you have felt somewhat better.

The IVIG seems to have really made a difference, so hoping the Clemstine Fumarate keeps adding to that.

Garzie- Awesome to see you continue to make progress and you are in best place in years. Improvement breeds hope.

My guess is I’m low in folate. I do supplement some with B vitamins, with main being 12.
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RainyCloud
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2018
Posts : 2777
Posted 1/24/2023 6:01 PM (GMT -8)
dcd I've used Clemestine in the past when I had an allergic reaction to Plaquenil, I believe it was called Tavegyl or something similar. It was the only thing that brought me relief. I hope it goes well for you. I've sent you an email about something you might be interested in trying for nerve regeneration (Dihexa).

running wild seems like you're getting great advice already in this thread, so I'll keep it short. The only thing I wanted to add is to be really careful with (if not avoid) stem cells when you have Lyme disease. I've heard some horror stories from people with Lyme who took stem cell therapy. I can try to find those stories again if you are interested. I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling with all of this.
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running wild
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2013
Posts : 2188
Posted 1/24/2023 6:05 PM (GMT -8)
Dcd - You have tried so many things to find relief. And there have been times you have felt somewhat better.

The IVIG seems to have really made a difference, so hoping the Clemstine Fumarate keeps adding to that.

Garzie- Awesome to see you continue to make progress and you are in best place in years. Improvement breeds hope.

My guess is I’m low in folate. I do supplement some with B vitamins, with main being 12.
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running wild
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Joined : Mar 2013
Posts : 2188
Posted 1/25/2023 10:39 AM (GMT -8)
Rainy - You posted while I was getting my response ready, so I am just now seeing it.

Stem cell use for a different problem can still cause reaction with Lyme? Not doubting but making sure.
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RainyCloud
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Joined : Mar 2018
Posts : 2777
Posted 1/25/2023 11:11 AM (GMT -8)
Hey running wild, I'm not sure I think they were for Lyme as it was on a Lyme forum.
I found 3 of the reviews again:

Somebody said...
6 months ago. Still being flared from them.

I got fetal stem cells, in Ukraine, and wow. Never again. DO NOT DO IT. IT IS DANGEROUS. It is a total gamble and if it doesn't work out you will be sorry.

Are you sure people recovered from the stem cell flares?? I am feeling almost suicidal that I've ruined my life forever.

I got a crazy anti inflammatory effect from them which felt amazing BUT also started flaring at the same time. Over time, the anti inflamm effects are fading but the flare continues, and each month it's like they stirr up different symptoms.

What they made worse: hair loss, periods stopped for a few months, flu like feeling, energy envelope (get exhausted after talking now even), acid reflux, neuropathy so much more worse, random aches and pains, insomnia WAY worse, totally reversed circadian rhythm, protein in urine I could go on and on.

DO NOT DO IT consider yourself warned. I don't care about recovery anymore. I want to go back to the pre stem cell me.

And:

Somebody said...
Just wanted to write this to spread awareness. I’ve had Lyme since 2019. Did antibiotics for a year, got better, got on herbals and symptoms started coming back in March. My friend told me stem cell in Mexico with doctor calzada cured her, so I went. I’ve been desperate for 3 years to get my life back. I trusted the process completely. The clinic was beautiful and they used ozone therapy for 4 days, stem cell injection shots for localized places of your choice, and then IV stem cell your last day.

My main symptom was trigeminal neuralgia, which affects the nerves on your face, so I got stem cell shots in my face. BAD move. I came home from Mexico and trusted the Herxing process. After about a month and a half, I realized it was a full blown flare, not herxing. I had severe MS symptoms, seizures, and not might have to get my gallbladder removed. My face looks completely different because the shots moved the infection into my eyes, teeth and nose. It’s been absolutely ****** brutal.

Again, I’m just writing this so people know we are all different, and what might work for one person might not work for another. I’d do anything to have my old symptoms back.

Good luck 🤍

And:

Somebody said...
I got stem cells in July. Most of the symptoms are in my face. It’s been ***** BRUTAL. All of my neuro issues were gone after initially treating for a year with a doctor. Got stems- not my most has collapsed, jaw shifted and have to get braces, MS symptoms when I came home that gave thanks fully gone away. I’ve been too afraid to get back on antibiotics again. Been doing natural stuff but it isn’t touching it. May go to lymestop. Stem cells are a ***** death sentence.

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running wild
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2013
Posts : 2188
Posted 1/25/2023 3:41 PM (GMT -8)
Rainy - You posted while I was getting my response ready, so I am just now seeing it.

Stem cell use for a different problem can still cause reaction with Lyme? Not doubting but making sure.
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