can neutrophils look/function abnormally

[Chirley]

Hi, I just received my last blood test result.

My Hb was 66 which means it dropped 44grams in 17 days. My doctor said this was ""a bit of a worry". Retics 10 and platelets still normal at 160 but still trending down.

I was more concerned about my ANC which has always been between 0.5 and 1.0 with the occasional dip below 0.5 The second last test it was 0.4 but this time it was 0.2 at this rate, in 2 weeks time (my next blood test) it will be 0.0 The haematologist said that yes it was ""a concern" but that my neutrophil function was fine.

I didn't realise that there were degrees of neutrophil function. Can anyone explain it to me in laymans terms please. I've Googled it but I didn't find anything that was simple enough for me to understand.

I had a 4 unit blood transfusion yesterday and I'm booked for another BMB (?number 6 or 7) and another 3 unit transfusion for 2 weeks time.

I'm starting to want to stop the watch and wait thing and start having some treatment but that "is not an option" at this stage apparently. (don't know why)


Most of you would be in Spring now, I wish you all lovely, warm, sunny days.

[Birgitta-A]

Hi Chirley,
As far as I understand all types of blood cells can be dysfunctional - my platelets for example are both few and dysfunctional.

I think your doctor is right when he says that your neutrophil function is fine - your neutrophils are so low that most patients should have severe infections with so low counts.

It is difficult to tell if you need treatment because you are bleeding and the low HGB can be due to increased bleeding. Have you tried Cyklokaprone?

Good with a BMB that hopefully will show that nothing has changed!
Kind regards
Birgitta-A