So, blood draws were taken yesterday and results already provided. Everything looks pretty darn good, with only a few things to address or be mindful about. The t-cell count is down a couple of points, but not outside its normal low range. My over-all white blood cell count took a hit and dropped from 6-->4.9. But, that's actually a good thing in the "auto-immune" world.
In fact, it's probably good to mention here that most folks would consider these not so great readings. However, they are actually considered good ones for an auto-immuner. It's just weird like that, but there ya go.
Metabolic panel came out good over-all as well. I've finally given into acceptance over the BUN/Creatinine ratio, which unfortunately sits in the abnormally high range suggesting consistent dehydration. I have taken great pains to be genuinely hydrated most of the time and that includes a good mix of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The magnesium was hand picked by my neurologist in her office so that I might find the type that would work well with my stomach.
But, I also discovered in that 6 weeks I was not on an MS med Jan-Feb while transitioning to a new one - Yours truly did not sweat near as much OFF the meds as I do on them. The difference is so significant I actually thought I had "sweat" adapted, which can happen from prolonged training. But, literally the first week back on a new med and the sweat fest began. I can literally squeeze the sweat out of my sports bra like I'm ringing out a towel. It's un-real especially when you don't naturally sweat that much off the meds.
So, I do what I can, but it is what it is...I apologize to my kidneys in advance is about all I can say.
Now for the things that need to be addressed. My MCHC came out on the abnormally low end of the spectrum, but not too far below. While my MCV sits on the high end, which is indicative of....
drum roll please -----> SPORTS ANEMIA --YAYEEE!
Actually, this made me smile and even chuckle a little. And, no worries folks it's not that abnormal. We're talking .5 points below the normal low range. I suspect it was lower 4 weeks ago after the 70.3. And, if you haven't figured it out already "sport anemia" is very common to the endurance community and also the reason Lance Armstrong dipped into some roids for the Tour De France.
And, no I won't be doing any roids. I get a whole gob full if I happen to have an MS flare up again, so I try to stay away from that stuff while I'm in remission. Needless to say, Sports anemia is very common among athletes. In endurance folks are blasting through red blood cells faster than they can be regenerated and/or often depleted of those micro nutrients that help shuttle more oxygen into the cells. In my case, the blood volume or hemoglobin is on the low side so adjustment in diet is about all that's needed here.
I won't need to take any iron pills as I'm post menopausal and Mom already put Beets on the grocery list.
And, the last thing that I need to be mindful of is the neutrophil count, which was already low after beginning MS meds back in 2017. But, is now in the abnormal zone. Your neutrophils are not T-cells so they're not the main soldiers on the ground fighting off foreign bodies, but your neutrophils are often responsible for helping to fight off bacteria and or bacterial infections.
So, I have finally hit that space in the immunosuppressant zone when I am very literally and technically prone to some infections and may have a difficult time warding off things like common colds, pneumonia, or other bacterial stuff like strep. Since, I don't have kids I should be fine! LOL
But, just in case I am going to get a pneumonia vaccine this year along with all the others. Never hurts especially when you may not have a strong enough army available in your own body to do it.
Outside of that, everything looks really good and I'm happy and relieved. I still have the MRI to go, but everything's backlogged right now for insurance companies so until the prior authorization comes through for that I don't have to hop into the machine, which perfectly fine with me.
However, since the blood tests came out good, I really think the MRI will be good as well. My immune system has taken enough of a hit not to be tempted to attack my brain matter.
So, thumbs up on this corner of the globe. I do hope all of you are having a wonderfully blessed and joyful day! Below shot was taken before wine and sunset out on our back patio! A toast to the last days of summer and the beautiful colors of autumn! :-)
