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Children's health

Low lymphocytes, 19 month old

12 replies

KLou111 · 25/03/2013 16:14

I am seriously panicking here.

My son used to be a terrific sleeper, but for the last couple of months has been waking mega early, so as a last resort I took him to the dr last Wednesday.
He couldn't see anything wrong but as a precaution send him for some bloods on Thursday.

I've had the results over the phone this morning when I rang, and the receptionist told me he needed another fbc in 3 months time.
On asking why, she said his lymphocytes were low. They are meant to be 352.11, his are 331. On asking what this meant she said she didn't know!
Anyway, about 2 hours later I had a call from the surgery from someone else, who said my sons blood results were in and one was fine but the other they wanted him back in 3 months. On challenging her why, she just said, one was slightly abnormal, nothing to worry about. Again I asked her what was the problem, and she wouldn't let on.
I assume that the receptionist shouldn't have really told me the full result perhaps?

Anyway, on looking this up online, one thing keeps coming back, leukaemia. I have been upset all afternoon and honestly don't think I can wait 3 months.
Our son is our world, and I really don't know what to do I am so worried.

Can any of you shed any light on what else this could mean?

Thanks, K x

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StarfishEnterprise · 25/03/2013 16:30

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Trazzletoes · 25/03/2013 16:33

KLou I know it's hard, but try to keep calm. If the Doctors thought he definitely had leukaemia, you would already be at the hospital in all likelihood.

I don't know whether its high or low lymphocytes that are associated with leukaemia, but there are several parents of children with leukaemia on the Children with Cancer thread who may be able to help and answer your questions.

I'll pop over there and try to link to this thread.

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KLou111 · 25/03/2013 16:43

Thanks for your replies. I though it was high that was leukaemia, but on looking it up, it's about white blood cells, and if they are low that could mean leukaemia.
Tbh, I think I am going to go upto the drs before they close and get a copy of the report.

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KLou111 · 25/03/2013 16:49

I've just read an article about tests on a sleep deprived mouse having low lymphocytes, so I wonder if that is perhaps the cause for my son?

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crashdoll · 25/03/2013 16:53

Ok firstly, if they suspected anything serious, they would re-test now, not in 3 months. Normal ranges are just that - ranges - and various things can affect blood test results. I had low lymphocytes from being on immunosuppressive medication and they weren't worried.

Please try not to google, it won't help.

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TabithaMcKitten · 25/03/2013 17:02

Hi

My son was diagnosed with leukaemia last year, so I can fully understand your fear. However, I can assure you that if they had ANY concerns at all relating to leukaemia, you would be in hospital now having a bone marrow aspirate. There is no way at all they would just wait and review in three months, I promise.

I would book a GP appointment to discuss the results though - just for reassurance for you.

I hope that has helped a bit x

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KLou111 · 25/03/2013 18:50

Thank you so much for the reassurance. I've just been blubbing watching him in the bath, the thought of anything bad happening terrifies me.

I am so sorry Tabitha, how is your little one doing x

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TabithaMcKitten · 25/03/2013 19:31

He is doing very well, thank you. In all honesty you wouldn't really know there was anything going on at the moment. He has a great big mop of hair and is racing round like your average four year old! It has been a hard year, but we are all very happy.

I recommend you give him an extra big cuddle, put him to bed, have a big glass of wine and make an appointment in the morning Smile

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PJM18 · 25/03/2013 22:23

Hi. I'm sure leukaemia has high lymphocytes. I'm not sure if its the same thing but my son had to have a blood test repeated due to low white blood count. The doctor said it was most likely due to a virus where the white count is high when fighting the virus then dips before levelling out again. My sons repeat one was normal. I'm sure it will be fine. Has he had a cold or virus recently?

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KLou111 · 27/03/2013 16:30

Hi, I've been in today, and seen the results for myself. The readings were 3.31, and should have been between 3.5-11 for a normal reading.
Also his Eosinophil? is also low.
The notes say check in 3 months to see if any change, suspected low iron levels.
It was only the nurse I saw as I had an appt for something myself and couldn't get in to see the Dr.
She did say if my mind still wasn't at ease, to make a specific appt with the Dr, but if it was something urgent, they would have him in straight away, and it is just precautionary that they retest.
I do feel a lot better, but I do still think 3 months is a long time to wait.

Thank you for your comments x

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neriberi · 27/03/2013 16:46

I have a non-existent WBC at the moment because of a nasty viral infection, my last blood test showed that I'm not actually making any leukocytes anyway If your doctor isn't overly concerned then I wouldn't worry too much. There are several types of white cells and depending on which one is low or high will depend on how doctor interrupts the results etc.

The next blood test at 3 months is probably a precaution, it may also be that if your LO does have a virus it could take their that long to get rid of the it and for their WBC to return to normal.

There are also lots of reasons why people have low leukocytes, for one its not that uncommon for endurance runners to have non-existent leukocyte counts.

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crashdoll · 27/03/2013 19:41

I'm no doctor but that is not too far out of the normal range. Please try not to let this worry you. :)

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