Neutropenic

This year is going by too fast already!  Our wedding day will be here before I know it.

I have been so busy lately.  But right now, I’m sitting on the recliner WITH both of our dogs, just relaxing.

Friday, I saw my pcp and we discussed my wbc count, which had gone down. I am neutropenic again. In some people with lupus, your body attacks your white blood cells. I’ve had low counts for years, even before I knew I had lupus.  It has dipped the lowest in the last year and a half.

Neutropenia is an abnormally low count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight off infections, especially those caused by bacteria and fungi. So basically, the lower your neutrophil count, the more vulnerable you are to infection. I try to make sure I wash my hands as often as I can, and definitely avoid people if I know they are sick! 

I was neutropenic at the end of 2011 and had to get Neupogen injections. It wasn’t too fun.  I won’t be getting them again if I can help it. I go for more bloodwork today to see if it has changed at all.  I just wish there were something I could do.  But there isn’t.  I have been bruising quite a bit lately too, and my pcp recommended to stop taking fish oil for awhile, as the Prednisone and fish oil together may be making my skin thinner along with acting like a blood thinner.  Bleh!

On to more positive news!

I am so excited because I ordered a BodyMedia Fit Link this weekend, and I should be getting it in the mail here in the next few days.  My BodyBugg conked out on me a few months ago, and as it had really helped to keep me informed about the amount of calories I burned, I decided to go ahead and get another one like it!  I will let you know how I like it once I strap it on my arm!! So excited!  I feel much more motivated now to get the rest of this weight off, especially since that DAY will be here before I know it!

Well, I am off to do some cleaning before I head to the lab and then to work! Hope you have a healthy day!