Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

Low White Blood Cell count

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Sharmin:
That is good to hear Danniel.  I think that things will turn out for the best.  Given a chance your spleen should shrink.   

Sharmin

PositiveVibes:
Hey ya ! Hope you will shrink your spleen soon and will get to normal transfusion rates. I also have my spleen not removed and I am doing my best to keep it functioning normally.

A few years ago I kept my Hb always above 10. However,, then it suddenly started dropping down and for some period of time i could get it above 8.5 before transfusions. I used to receive 2 units of blood every 3 weeks = this is what my Dr. recommended to me.  Of course, I was told that it might be my spleen causing that decrease in HB. However, my other blood tests were normal (platelets and white blood cells) which are the usual indicators when spleen doesnt work properly.

Then... 2 years ago I came to study in the UK where a hematologist ensured me I should keep my pre-transfused hb above 9.5 and said there is no  need of removing my spleen.

Currently, I have blood transfusions every 21 days and receive 3 units of blood (about 270 ml each). Before  I was not used to having so much blood at once and was really worried it is too much for me.  However, it seems the only way to keep my hb around 9.5

I still do not know if it is normal to transfuse 3 units every 3 weeks. I am reading on this forum that some people last with 2 units for 4 weeks.it is so confusing.  I do not  know how they manage to .
 
What I wanted to say from "my story" is that now I am realizing that receiving enough blood is essential for keeping your spleen in a good condition and make you feel much better ! That is why I advise you to make your doctors realize you need to be transfused more often that before (although I know how difficult it is with some doctors ). Keep my fingers crossed for you !
Keep us informed !

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