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[M1k subsidy] Will a health care practitioner tell me my low WBC count requires medical treatment by Jan 1 2024?
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Ṁ1.4kṀ10k
resolved Jan 1
Resolved
NO

Yesterday, I had a check-up with a new doctor, and got some blood work done. My white blood cell (WBC) count was 3.7 k / uL, which is just below the normal range of 4.0 to 11.0. I checked past results that were taken with a different doctor's office, and it turns out that since 2019 my WBC count has fluctuated between 3.4 and 5.0 (with one blip at 6.0). This wasn't flagged as abnormal, because that office used a lower reference range.

My doctor described the result as "just a little bit on the low side but overall nothing significant concerning at this time" has told me to re-test in a week or so "to make sure it is not a continuing trend", at which point I assume my WBC count will be hanging around 4.0 or so.

For reference: I am a 29 year old man, height 5'8", weight 168 lbs, BMI 25.0, vegan diet. I haven't noticed serious health problems, but have not been super energetic at work (which I have chalked up to the difficulty of the job). Late last year I tested at low ferritin levels, which I then brought back up into the normal range by supplementation.

By "a medical practitioner" I basically mean the medical system, if someone who happens to be a doctor tells me something socially that doesn't count. "Medical treatment" means medicine or surgery, not "exercise more" or "eat some vegetables".

Happy to answer questions in the comments.

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Got tested, and apparently my result was 6.8 - higher than I've tested since 2019. I wonder if it's because I was vaccinated for flu and COVID last Wednesday?

@DanielFilan My doctor writes:

Your white blood cell count is now within normal limits so all is good.

Does more (different) testing count as medical treatment?

Any low-grade fever, or visible inflammation of lymph nodes?

@ShreyasKapur Not one that's persisted since 2019. I was feverish last night after getting a covid and flu shot (after the blood draw).

The Mayo Clinic says that causes of a low WBC count can include:
Aplastic anemia

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy

Epstein-Barr virus

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

HIV/AIDS

Infections

Leukemia

Lupus

Rheumatoid arthritis

Malaria

Malnutrition and lack of certain vitamins

Medications, such as antibiotics

Sarcoidosis

Sepsis (an overwhelming bloodstream infection)

Tuberculosis

I tested negative for HIV at the same blood draw, am not taking antibiotics, and have never undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy.