Big 3 and Ongoing Bloodwork for MAC

Hi @kaystrand, sending you positive vibes and I hope you can get to the bottom of this. Did your doctor mention anything about the connection between these drugs and a low WBC count?

@katemn, @Paula_MAC2007, @kwilbur, @heathert, and @tdrell do any of you have any experience with low white blood counts or have some thoughts for Kay?

No white counts. Just fatigue and the rest that goes with MAC although I haven't been formally diagnosed. Had a CScan yesterday. Hope to find out more

The doctor at Mayo is doing a more complex CBC. She said the Rifampin can cause this, but going off the Rifampin would not be good. Next week I'll know more.....hope the meds are working and the MAC is clearing to make all these side effects worth it.

KayS

Hi Kay, I am more familiar with low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) as a result of chemotherapy. The advice that is given for people getting chemotherapy that causes neutropenia includes avoiding people who have colds and frequent hand washing. I'm not sure how low your counts are or how compromised your immune system may be, but I think practising good hand hygiene is always advisable -- not only for yourself but for those around you. We're coming up to flu season, so it's a good reminder for us all.

Colleen
My WBC is 3.5 so not that low. I just read that when on Rifampin it sometimes come back up, so hope the doc does not pull the Rifampin too soon, I trust her.

I work at a homeless shelter, lots of diseases there, but my doc said fine to work there. I do wash my hands and just got a flu shot. My WBC is always around 4, and has been 3.8 on many occasions. I think I run low, so the Med put me under the limit.
I don't want to go off the Rifampin, won't I become resistant if I do? I'll talk to Dr Dulohery next week, and hope we can just watch it for awhile.
Anything I can do to boost it?
Thanks for your help
Kay

Kaystrand....a writer ....THe New Yorker and books....years ago was diagnosed with a hematological condition that left him with lowered WBC count....he did his own experiment.....he found that his WBC count increased when he did activities he enjoyed...in his case it was laughing to funny stories etc and listening to music he enjoyed...,,,,worth the try? Terrid

Sounds like infection through prevention is your best line of defense until you talk with your doctor. I did a quick search for "boost white blood cell count" and consensus is that "no specific foods or diet changes are proven to increase production of white blood cells" https://www.oncologynutrition.org/erfc/eating-well-when-unwell/white-blood-count-diet/
If you read info claiming that a certain food or supplement will help, always check with your doctor if there are any interactions with the drugs you're taking. First and foremost you want them to work.
Please let us know what Dr. Dulohery recommends.

Oooh @tdrell that sounds like good advice no matter what you're blood count is! I agree.

Terri
I love it. I think our immune systems are better when we are not stressed/down etc. so laughing makes sense. Since I was diagnosed I think I've been a bit more down than normal, I've been exercising, doing some volunteering, but I think I'll add this to my recipe to stay positive.

Thanks!
Kay

no I dont, I guess we all react differently tho, sorry to hear that Kay, hope you can get to the bottom of this soon. I am not even sure if they are checking my full blood count, iI think I just have liver and kidney tests.