Low neutrophils

[Ifyoubuildit]

Just had a medical and have very low (1.1) neutrophils and need to see a haematologist urgently. I'm going on holiday tomorrow for two weeks and am now panicking! Should I be? I feel so stressed but don't know who to talk to, the doctor at my medical said to see someone ASAP and when I said I was going away she said I'd have to make people aware that I have low neutrophils. What people? Please help!

[imnervous]

Low neutrophils would make you prone to infection, maybe you'd need people who are poorly to be aware to stay away?

[imnervous]

Are you staying in this country?

[Ifyoubuildit]

No going to Spain

[imnervous]

Hmm, I don't really know what to suggest. DS is regularly neutropenic and we have to be very careful taking him places with lots of people, no swimming etc. His is caused by chemotherapy. When he's neutropenic we have to monitor his temperature and he is admitted to hospital with a temp above 38c.

Could you call the doc to confirm their opinion of you going? You may need to let your holiday insurance company know

[Ifyoubuildit]

Thanks - I'm seeing a specialist tomorrow to get some antibiotics. It's all a bit strange, I feel fine!

[Twodogsandahooch]

Hopefully you have seen and been reassured by the haematologist by now. 1.1 isn't that low and not a level to panic about. In certain ethnic groups it is very common to have a count below 1.5.

[Ifyoubuildit]

Thanks twodogs. I have seen the haematologist, I had another blood test and he called me (on holiday) to say the neutrophils had normalised

[Ifyoubuildit]

Imnervous - I want to apologise for being so self centred. It hadn't registered that your son was having chemo. I hope you are both ok. That must be such a nightmare?

[exWifebeginsat40]

I had neutropenia for a couple of years. lots of visits to King's College hospital, loads of tests, and nobody could figure out what was going on. I had to delay a surgery as the infection risk was too great.

and then it all just went back to normal. very weird. glad you're ok OP.

[hollinhurst84]

I have autoimmune neutropenia and would go away happily
Mine were 0.3 on diagnosis and even with treatment I fluctuate between 1 and 2.5 (they're happier if I am over 3)
Basically I'm permanently neutropenic