posted
I had some blood work done by my non-LLMD doc. He just sent them to me without any sort of explanation. It always takes my LLMD a few days to get back to me, but I'm very curious about the results. Anyone care to offer an opinion? These are just the lows.
posted
The total WBC (white blood count) which is low pretty much explains all the low items listed above it. All those values are related to white blood cells I think.
A low platelet count probably means that a low RBC (red blood cell count) is not to far behind.
The high RDW (red blood cell distribution width)could possibly indicate babesia, and it most likely indicates anemai. Would need additional testing to find out if this B12 or B6 or even iron deficiency anemia.
Were you on antibiotics when this blood was drawn? -- if not it is of greater concern because antibiotics will most likely lower the WBC even further. A low WBC indicates that your immune system is underactive. Probably need to consider some sort of supplements for this.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
I wasn't on abx when these were taken, but I had been for the previous 7 months and right up to 3 days before. I guess that brief break wouldn't have made any difference.
I've always had a borderline low WBC. Sometimes it would be just within the normal range, other times it would be just a touch below. Now it's really low.
I was tested for nutritional deficiencies awhile back, but for some reason he didn't run them this time. Partly, I think, because my PCP was just running the tests my LLMD asked for. The PCP wants me to come back in for additional tests. Maybe these are on his list.
CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749
posted
hey CT, I was on your blog the other night and was interested that in it you stated you had tested negative for all coinfections. You're on a babesia treatment now. Were you clinically diagnosed or did something come back positive?
Your results may have something to do with the fact that you're treating babesia according to my LLMD.
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
CD57 Thanks for looking at my blog. You've doubled my traffic
I've never tested positive for co-infections. Had a test at some random lab and then again at IGeneX when I had my positive WB for Lyme 8 months ago. My LLMD put me on Mepron and Zith three weeks ago based on symptoms. I have some slight shortness of breath, slight pain in the bottoms of my feet and... something else he said was on the Babs list, but that I forget now.
I think he's guessing, but my insurance covers the Mepron so I figured I'd try it for 2 months and see what happens (yes, I know that's not long enough to kill Babs).
He's pretty confident that I don't have Bart because I can get out and do cardio exercise without significant fatigue. He says that's the hallmark of a Bart infection.
What about my results indicate a possible Babs infection?
CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749
posted
wow, really? i was told that a hallmark bart symptom was the pain in the soles of the feet, and that the ability to exercise w/o fatigue indicated a lack of babesia! sheeessh...
I think my LLMDs take was that in treating babesia, the blood numbers drop, indicating a herx of sorts, or at least hitting your target. have you herxed?
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
It figures, right?! Ask 5 doctors the same question and you'll get 6 different answers. I'll try and clarify when I see him again.
I have not herxed, but according to my log I was only on it for a week when I went off due to getting a rash -- presumably from the Mepron... my LLMD's Physicians Assistant (who I email with between visits) refused to say one way or the other.
Anyway, I'm back on and completing day 2. I hear the 3 week point is where most peeps herx. Can't wait!!
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