Bye bye Skillerence, hello Humira?

[OneBigItch]

Well, after several months I finally got to see my derm to start on humera. However she told me that my lymphocytes we're not high.enough to start. Apparently my levels are 0.8 which is only an increase of 0.2 over several months.

I was disappointed to hear that as I thought my levels would go up much faster after coming off skillerence as it had done previously. Is it normal for it to take so long? I'm suffering at the moment with about 80% of my body covered so I was hoping to start the treatment.

It looks like I have to wait another few months more. Fingers crossed.

[Fred]

Well, after several months I finally got to see my derm to start on humera. However she told me that my lymphocytes we're not high.enough to start. Apparently my levels are 0.8 which is only an increase of 0.2 over several months.

I was disappointed to hear that as I thought my levels would go up much faster after coming off skillerence as it had done previously. Is it normal for it to take so long? I'm suffering at the moment with about 80% of my body covered so I was hoping to start the treatment.

It looks like I have to wait another few months more. Fingers crossed.

Sorry I can't help, maybe the DMF gang will spot your post and offer some feedback.

But I will wish you good luck with Humira when you do finally get to start it, and don't hesitate to start a new thread about your journey is you wish.

[Caroline]

Well, after several months I finally got to see my derm to start on humera. However she told me that my lymphocytes we're not high.enough to start. Apparently my levels are 0.8 which is only an increase of 0.2 over several months.

I was disappointed to hear that as I thought my levels would go up much faster after coming off skillerence as it had done previously. Is it normal for it to take so long? I'm suffering at the moment with about 80% of my body covered so I was hoping to start the treatment.

It looks like I have to wait another few months more. Fingers crossed.

Sorry I can't help, maybe the DMF gang will spot your post and offer some feedback.

But I will wish you good luck with Humira when you do finally get to start it, and don't hesitate to start a new thread about your journey is you wish.

Hi Obi,

Spotted… but can’t say anything about it. Except that 0.8 is indeed a bit low in “normal” situations without medication.
The idea is that after stopping the treatment with DMF, that the lymphocytes will come back to their original values.
Maybe [user=390] does have an idea on how to bounce up your lymphocytes.

[Forest Walker]

Is Prednisone ever used for Psoriasis?  Would that help quiet things while waiting for the lymphocytes to rise?

[OneBigItch]

I've been told to just keep using Enstilar foam until my numbers go up, but as I'm covered I'd get through the foam so fast it would be ridiculous. I'll have to pick my battles.

The doc wanted me to go for more bloods in 4 weeks to see if they'd gone up. If they have only gone up 0.2 in 4 months I can't imagine they'd suddenly jump up another 0.2 on 4 weeks.

Fingers crossed tho eh?

[Caroline]

I've been told to just keep using Enstilar foam until my numbers go up, but as I'm covered I'd get through the foam so fast it would be ridiculous. I'll have to pick my battles.

The doc wanted me to go for more bloods in 4 weeks to see if they'd gone up. If they have only gone up 0.2 in 4 months I can't imagine they'd suddenly jump up another 0.2 on 4 weeks.

Fingers crossed tho eh?

Certainly fingers crossed then..
Really Bill might have ideas how to get them up.
If possible I will try to ask a doctor I know, who might have ideas.

[OneBigItch]

That would be great, thanks Caroline. Anything that I can try to get the numbers up would be great as I'd love to get on the treatment asap.

I'm disappointed that my numbers took so long to just go up 0.2 points. The consultant didn't seem too worried but I am a bit of a hypochondriac so I'll worry until it goes up more, plus I'm sick of being a human snow globe.

[Fred]

Don't know if this helps ?

Quote:

---

increase white blood cells:

• Fish: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are good for white blood cells.
  
• Yogurt: Probiotics and protein in yogurt are good for building white blood cells.
  
• Lean protein: Lean meats contain zinc, which increases white blood cells.
  
• Vegetables: Antioxidant-rich veggies are great for your immune system.
  
• Nuts: Nuts pack an immune-boosting punch with antioxidants, zinc, and protein.
  
• Berries: These fruits contain flavonoids, which increase white blood cells.
  
• Garlic: This little bulb may give your immune system a boost.
  

[Caroline]

Hi Obi,

This is what my doctor says (translated from Dutch to English by google:

I know of no direct way to turn on the bone marrow to faster lymphocyte production.

However, it would be important to check the status of the nutrients that the bone marrow needs to produce blood anyway: folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron.

Can the mirrors thereof be determined and supplemented if necessary?

Incidentally, given this reaction to DMF, I don't think biologics would be eligible either.

Has comorbidity research been done? Like: Smoking ? Low vitamin D levels (N 80-220nmol/l) ? Overweight - with or without slow thyroid function ? High homocysteine mirror ?

—————

Maybe elements in this advice can be checked for you.

Cheers,
Caroline

[jiml]

Hi obi it's a shame to read that since coming off skilarence your lymphocytes haven't bounced back to above 1 and I myself don't know a way to increase them as whenever mine drop low I just reduce my tablets and they bounce back almost immediately, but I think trying the things that Fred has suggested may well help and can't do any harm
But also try supplements that Caroline suggested for b12 , follic acid and iron as they may increase production of white cells
Good luck and hope you get relief from the itch soon