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Low T-Cell - Bone Marrow Biopsy
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Nov 15, 2022 | Replies (162)Comment receiving replies
Hi @loribmt! I have been going through some hard time health wise and thought to come back to the forum as it has been helping me out a lot (mostly you!)
Since a month or so my symptoms have been strong in my stomach/throat and the tiredness very difficult with work. I am going through another gastroscopy next week and sonography and still waiting for the genetic testing which might take a few months still. I have also been thinking that some of the infections might not have been found in my blood test since my CD4 is so low that I need a big amount of blood to test positive for a test. That’s also what they are investigating.
2 months ago, I decided to accept another job opportunity which is a big career step for me with a salary that double. I accepted the role thinking I was feeling okay but now I doubt my physical ability to do it and Im not even excited as its giving me stress. I can still revert to the previous job most likely if I talk with my boss if I do it very soon. Its a great job as well (been there for 3 years). I do feel very heartbroken and confuse what to do, when I have good days I’m grateful but when I have bad days I just want to hang in there and enjoy this stability. Having a new high position job is demanding, and also risking to be in probation.
I would really like to hear some advice from you, and your experience handling sickness and work. I need to take a hard decision right now.
I hope you are good and still enjoying live very much. It looks like you did become a major contributor to this forum. Big congrats! Its so valuable.
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Aw, Maria, I’m so sorry to hear you’re still struggling with this! It was the same time last year when we first met, so this is sad to hear you’re not very much improved and that there still is no diagnosis. This is so disappointing and frustrating for you. And with a new job… oh gosh, I don’t really know what to say.
When I went through all of my illness I’d already been retired for many years. So working and obligations weren’t an issue.
I’m so proud of you for taking on a new job but this sounds like a real stressor for you. In my humble opinion, and I may be wrong, but if you can return to your previous job that might be better for you?? The stress would be less, you’re not going through that demanding probation period where you need to be in peak performance mode. You know your boss, the people you work with. I have a sense that it may at least bring you a level of predictability and peace while you deal with this unknown health situation. Does that make sense?
Hopefully other members in Connect, who are going through similar situation, will be able to offer you some better advice. But from my “old bones” perspective, your previous job may offer some calming stability.
You are a medical challenge to your doctors, that’s for sure. That low T cell count is usually an indicator of an infection going on. Or something is slowing the production of these all important cells in the first place. The T-cells are a major part of your immune system that fights infection and prevents you from getting ill. When that count is low, you are more susceptible to any and all infections. So you do need to be cautious to avoid illnesses, get a lot of rest and eat healthy, which I know you’re a already do.
I remember you tested positive for latent EBV. Does your doctor feel this may be contributing to your low count? I hope they can isolate the cause of the low white blood count and find some relief for you.
Was everything else on your latest CBC ok? How are your other blood numbers?