dx with mild AA

[Becky S.]

Hi, I was dx with mild AA Dec. 2007, not the Christmas present anyone would want. I am not on any treatment at this time but my white count is at 2.7 and platelets at 74,000. My counts have been dropping fast since last May. My biggest question today is: Does anyone know exactly what triggered their AA. I have been going crazy trying to figure this out - just my personality I guess! All answers welcomed! Thanks!

[Wendy Beltrami]

Hi Becky,
We believe our son's AA was triggered by his Hep B vaccine. He got the series of 3 shots in May, June and November of 1998 and was diagnosed 12/4/98. There are many that I have met in the past 10 years through the old AAMDSTALK and at AAMDSIF conferences that have the same suspicion due to the timing of the vaccine and the onset of symptoms. Grant was 6-7 when he got the vaccine but there are many patients of all ages who I have corresponded with over the years that suspect this vaccine played a role in their AA.

This vaccine may be safe for many but it was not safe for my son.

The really ironic part is that the disease Hepatitis B itself can cause aplastic anemia.

Wendy B.
mom to Grant age 16
12/4/98 dx AA
MUDBMT scheduled for 9/11/08