White blood cell count 1

[wannabestressfree]

Hi all
I have posted before about Crohn's disease, short bowel etc. I have had a total colectomy and now have a bag. It hasn't been an overwhelming success - am passing 3 litres of bile, pus and water like poo a day. Am on 20+ Imodium a day and codeine every four hours. Anyway......
I had a few problems with my eyes and sight last week and saw the gp. We just have a succession of locums but he was lovely. Pulled my bloods and my white cell count was 1 which he is really concerned about. My joints are sore, not painful but achy. My lymph nodes are all up. I just feel 'unwell'
I just wish someone to tell me what to do. Because of the crohns I am just used to getting on with it. I work full time as a teacher and single mum to 3.
Should I be worried about my count?
Should I be at work?
What should I be doing?
Am having bloods etc done again but no appointments until end of March. I just need some advice

Anyone?

Bump for morning traffic

Last time bump

Sorry that none has come on to reply. I am unable to help as know nothing of this. Maybe there is a specialist forum for people with Chrons?

Thanks lagoon I am on one but can't find anything about very low white blood cell count. I have googled it but it suggests aplastic anemia (which the doctor discussed) or leukemia. Don't know what to think/ do/ be pushing for.

The NHS website doesn't give numbers as far as I can see but does say:

"A low white blood cell count may be due to problems with your bone marrow, a viral infection or more rarely, cancer of the bone marrow. However, a low white blood count can also be genetic and of no significance." link

It might be normal for you or the result of a virus. Have they ordered a repeat test?

I think you would have been told if there is anything you need to do, unless someone here knowns better I think you should rest when you can (not easy, I know) but carry on unless told otherwise or you feel too unwell.

Hi my mum has suffered from severe crohns since she was 14, she is 65 now and spent the last 20 years of her working life on disabled living allowance as she found she was too ill to work. I think only you know whether you are up to working or not. The crohns society helped my mum fill in her forms for dla.

Mum found the only thing that helped is high dose ssteroids. She has had 4 major surgeries and lots of immune suppressant drugs but found these made her more ill. The consultants keep wanting her off the steroids but she refuses as these are the only things that help her. She also has regular b12 injections to help with energy levels and immune system.

Yes all booked in thanks oddboots.

Hi fairy
Sorry to hear about your mum. It's not a pleasant illness :( I hope she is feeling ok at the moment. I have dla for life as have had numerous ops and I agree about the steroids. They are beneficial.
I have b12 injections too. I just wasn't sure if the count was indicative of something else or 'just' crohns. Thanks for advice