Re: Problems with Blood

[Guest guest]

Clair,

I have not email you before but I also have a raised white count too. It has been that way since I have been sick. It runs 12,000 to 13,500. The Dr. seems to think it is from the pred. that I take. Hope things so well with your other test.

[Guest guest]

Clair, I've been a nurse since 1971. There's no way to know what this means without more information. An elevated white count could mean lots of things; what's more important is which white cells are elevated. There are several different white cells. I doubt he's worried about leukemia or something like that, or they'd be acting immediately. But, no matter what he's thinking, it's unacceptable for you to wait & worry for another month. Call the doctor's office, or have someone assertive call for you. Tell them that you were too scared and overwhelmed at the visit to ask questions & that you need to talk to the doctor to ease your mind. Don't let them put you off; if necessary, show up in the office & make it plain that you will stay until you get some answers. Don't be rude or belligerent; you can say something like, "I realize that Dr. Whatever is very busy, but I really need just a few minutes of his time. I'll wait." Settle down in the waiting room (go prepared to wait--take a book, snack, water bottle, footstool or back pillow--whatever you need to be comfortable). And if you feel like crying, don't try to cover it up. They need to realize that you are scared & upset. Be sure to write your questions down so that you don't forget what you wanted to ask. And take someone with you if possible; someone assertive.

Awhile back I needed a form signed and unfortunately I didn't get it until the day it needed to be turned in. I knew it would only take the doctor 5 min. to read it & sign it, but when I took it in at 10am, his nurse told me she'd call me when it was ready, possibly the next day. I politely told her that I needed it that day, and I would wait. I hadn't taken my footstool with me & the waiting room was full, so I couldn't prop my feet up on another chair, but there was a padded bench out in the hall. I told the nurse that I needed to get my feet up & I would be in the hall. I gave her my cell phone # so that she wouldn't have to come out & get me. Then I went out & lay down on the bench, with my tote bag as a pillow. Every half hour or so, I went back in to let them know that I was still there, announcing it pleasantly, but loudly enough for the waiting patients to hear. After 3 trips in there, the nurse brought the form out to me, all done. I have a feeling that the next time I need something they'll take me seriously!

Clair, you deserve the time & consideration to have this explained to you--in person would be best, but a phone call at least. As a midwife, I finished every patient visit with the question, "Do you have any questions or other concerns?" It's a shame more health care providers haven't learned to do that.

Ramblin' Rose

Moderator

Reply-To: Neurosarcoidosis To: Neurosarcoidosis Subject: Problems with BloodDate: Mon, 29 May 2006 21:37:24 +0000 (GMT)

Hi all

I went to see a hematologist on Friday as my neuro-opthalmologist was concered about my consistantly raised white blood count, they did some more boods and said that my platelet count was also high. He said he thinks I have an overactive mone marrow but we would have to wait about 4 weeks for some more results and maybe I would need a bone marrow biopsy. He did say that if it was it was unrelated to my NS but I dont know what it does mean and what treatment I would need, I know I should have asked but I was too frightened of what the answer might be. I can find much on the internet and my next appointment with them isnt for 4 weeks, I know some of you are/were nurses so any information good or bad is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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