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Haematologist referral.

Posted , 3 users are following.

mark_44806
mark_44806

Hi guys. First time posting here and could really use some help. Since November 2016 I had a full blood count test come back with a high count of lymphoma? I have been sent back for probably 5/6 more blood tests from then until present day. Last week my gp referred me to see a haematologist and got an appointment in June. On the last visit to my gp he physically examined me and found nothing. I don't deal with health/gp/hospital visits well at all and am going out of my mind with worry. The only thing I notice wrong with me is fatigue. If any members have a similar experience or any experts could shed any light on this I would be very grateful. Thanks in advance.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • vincent43462
    vincent43462 mark_44806

    Posted

    Hi Mark!

    What are your white blood cell, haemoglobine, platelets and neutrophils readings over time? I went down with fungal pneumonia in Cambodia in 2010, and they discovered that I had a non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which turned out to be Hairy Cell Leukemia. I am still very much alive and kicking. If your readings are particularly low on these you might have a similar problem, but I am not a medic, so you would need to see an oncologist to check this out, but your GP ought to be able to consider such a possibility. Good luck! Vincent

    • mark_44806
      mark_44806 vincent43462

      Posted

      Sorry i have no idea on the readings my GP isn't telling me much i am going to make another appointment this week to get more info. Thanks for your reply Vincent.

  • Purpledobermann
    Purpledobermann mark_44806

    Posted

    Hi Mark! Your full blood count test came back with high lymphocytes. Not lymphoma. smile High lymphocytes typically indicate that there is an active viral infection in the body that your body is fighting or have recently undergone a viral illness.

    It would help to know what the follow-up tests were for as well as whether there is any change to your lymphocyte levels since that first test? Do you remember anything that your doctor mentioned to you during your visits at all?

    You may have been afflicted with some virus or there is something else at play like a chronic infection or something more complex. It is important to feel comfortable asking your doctor questions because they typically do not offer pertinent info freely. Otherwise, yes, you will just worry yourself senseless.

    With the info you currently have, it is difficult to guess what your doctor is working to exclude and in which order.

    I do hope it is something simple and that you feel better soon.

     

    • mark_44806
      mark_44806 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      He did mention that the level dropped to around 5 in January but went back up to around 7 by February if that means anything? Thanks so much for the replies I really do appreciate it 🙂

    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann mark_44806

      Posted

      If you are referring to a count of 5000-7000 then yes it is notable and the fact that it did not drop to below 3000 or so is a sign that something is up.

      Your doctor will probably be testing for various viral infections including the ones you were likely vaccinated for as a child (immunology tests), bacterial infections, then testing for more severe conditions such as CMV, Mononucleosis, Tuberculosis (though these are unlikely without other symptoms), and then the serious conditions such as HIV and leukemia. Finally autoimmune conditions that cause a persistent inflammatory response.

      Do you have any other symptoms other than fatigue?

      Have you been ill around the time that first bloodtest was taken? Any underlying health issues? Anything else relevant you can think of? Any unexplained fever in November or since November? Any rashes? Any sinus trouble, pain or swelling anywhere? Digestive problems? Anything at all?

      I would like to hope that this is something simple like a heavy virus or a combo of couple of viruses that your body is fighting off and that you will feel better soon.

      Please do let me know how it goes and how you are.

       

    • mark_44806
      mark_44806 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      I have had recurring flu like symptoms for over 7 months on and off along with the fatigue. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict but been clean almost 15 years now. Only recreational drugs no intravenous. That's about all I can think of that's relevant.

    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann mark_44806

      Posted

      No your past recreational drug use is an unlikely contributor unless it gave rise to serious complications at the time you were still using that have been left to brew since then.

      Past alcohol use - well I am assuming the doctor has checked your liver function during blood test and done liver imaging? Just in case you have some fall out there like fatty liver, cirrhosis or something.

      Have you had a chest x-ray yet? To check the heart size, lung condition etc?

      Have you had any fever with those flu-like symptoms?

      Do you have any pets? Dogs, cats, rabbits? Any tick bites you can recall?

      Are you exposed to any chemical fumes, powders or materials at work?

      Just brainstorming.

       

    • mark_44806
      mark_44806 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      I have two dogs and a cat I was thinking some kind of allergy after a little research on Google. No fevers with the flu symptoms at all just aching joints, headache and blocked sinuses.
    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann mark_44806

      Posted

      Allergic inflammation is possible but you would have other indicators elevated in addition to lymphocytes....usually. Any exposure to fungi (mold?)

      Have you ever hadd a tick attached to you?

    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann

      Posted

      I just realised you said June! Could they not schedule a haematologist any sooner - I understand how the waiting and not knowing can be nerve-wrecking...

       

    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann

      Posted

      ....but then you would have leukocytosis and not lymphocytosis...

      sorry I am all over the place today.

      Do you know any of your other counts? eosinophils, WBC, neutrophils?

      Or are these not shared with you?

    • mark_44806
      mark_44806 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      No ticks that I'm aware of. No mold or fungi. No other results have been explained in any detail. I am going to make an appointment with the regular locum tomorrow and see what he thinks about it all.

  • mark_44806
    mark_44806

    Posted

    Hi guys thought I would post an update for you. I saw the haematologist earlier today had some more blood tests done having not had any for about 8/9 weeks and had a physical examination. I have to go back in 4 weeks time to get results but the doctor seems to think it was reactive and no treatment will be needed. Bloods have been sent to a specialist. I will post back with more information as I get it. Once again thanks for the replies.
    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann mark_44806

      Posted

      Looking forward to hearing your results. 4 weeks? Does everyone take their time like this where you are LOL.

      Hope you are feeling better meanwhile?

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