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January 12
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myRAteam

Are you experiencing high white blood cell counts with rheumatoid arthritis?

High white blood cell counts, including elevated neutrophils (segs) and lymphocytes (lymphs), can occur with RA for several reasons. These elevated levels often indicate your body is responding to inflammation or fighting an infection.

Common Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing high white blood cell counts with rheumatoid arthritis?

High white blood cell counts, including elevated neutrophils (segs) and lymphocytes (lymphs), can occur with RA for several reasons. These elevated levels often indicate your body is responding to inflammation or fighting an infection.

Common causes in people with RA include:

* Active inflammation from RA itself
* Infections (which people with RA are more prone to)
* Side effects from certain RA medications
* Other conditions that can occur alongside RA

What you should know:

While some people with RA experience low white blood cell counts (like in Felty syndrome), elevated counts are also possible and need medical attention. The pattern of which specific white blood cells are elevated can help your doctor understand what's happening.

Important next steps:

Contact your rheumatologist about these results. They'll want to:

* Review your complete blood work
* Check for signs of infection
* Evaluate your current RA disease activity
* Assess whether your medications need adjustment

Don't stop taking your RA medications without speaking to your doctor first. Elevated white blood cells could signal that your RA needs better control, or that you're fighting an infection that needs treatment.

January 12
A myRAteam Member

Yes I have had it before. Like Jayne said it's either been out of control inflammation or and infection.

January 14
A myRAteam Member

I hope your doctor(s) get those back to normal soon. They may clear up without treatment and with time or your doctor may stop some of your meds to speed recovery.

Sounds like you may have inflammation or maybe a virus that can goof with your chemistry. Our Immune suppressants can do weird things too.

Usually our rheumatologists check our labs often so as to be on top of this stuff. Ive had labs drawn anywhere from every 1 to 4 months, depending on which therapy or how much inflammation or illness I was having.

We must self evaluate too and if we notice things like irritated eyes, urinary changes, temperature changes etc, we call our doctor to ask them to order labs right away.

You prob already know that we shouldn't postpone or think a situation will get better. Our immune system can't function as normal if we are on any type of suppressant, on steroids, if we are weakened after an illness, or stopping certain meds.

I've experienced those things and learned the hard way. Bumps, insect bites, or cuts can become an issue just as being around sickly and contagious others when we are immune compromised. It's just difficult to know when others are carrying germs or viruses. Ppl have to go to work, even if sick, to keep their job or their business afloat.

Be careful and safe. Your Rheumatologist and family Doctor will see that your labs quickly return to normal ranges.

January 13
A myRAteam Member

Jayne I've thought about you too! A couple of my grandkids moved in so I haven't done art since they have been here. I've told myself if it's even once a week I will be happy.
I'm glad the art things are in your house now. I'm sorry you gave up your piano. But it's better not to torture yourself.

January 15
A myRAteam Member

Carol, Ive thought about you many times these past months! I'll have to read up on you.

We have moved and now my art and crafts stuff is in the house. Ive done some teaching with grandkids. Woodburning and acrylic paints. Macrame knots. Let go of my piano. My hands are ruined and it just made me sad to look at it.

January 15

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