Suggest Treatment For Severe Fatigue And Joints Pain When Diagnosed With Leukemia

Posted on Mon, 7 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I had a series of cbcs done for my symptoms beginning almost 4 months ago. It began with fatigue and joint ache. That progressed to joint ache everywhere and muscle pain. Next I loss my appetite, I also lost a few lbs(3). I also have swollen painful gums. My latest CBC shows my WBC at 3.9. Prior cbcs were 4.5, 4.3, 5.0 and 6.6 respectively. My other counts were normal. I'm terrified beyond all measure I have a blood cancer. I can't even sleep right now thinking I have acute leukemia or lymphoma. I had a cat scan of my abdomen and pelvis which were normal and chest x Ray that was normal. Ldh was also normal

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. You require further investigation

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. Wbc count has a wide range and can vary from time to time in a same person too. Even a count of 3.9 is normal. With the available information it doesnot look out to be a case of leukemia. In. My opinion you should get yourself investigated for collagen vascular disorder or immunological disorders which can also present like these symptoms. However if you have persistently falling counts, then a bone marrow examination can rule out leukemia as well as other blood disorders.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (6 minutes later)

Can an acute leukemia last 4 months? Wouldn't I be pretty sick by now. My rbc was 4.3 and platelets 200,000 which they say is normal. All other things normal as well except my Ana which was 640. Rheumy ruled out other autoimmune markers which I'm told don't always show right away?? Just tired of feeling sick

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. It may last for 4 months.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. Leukemia may last for 4 months but the person then will develop symptoms like bleeding, fever, profound weight loss and blood abnormalities. Rheumatic disorders can behave in a slow manner only to manifest later completely. You should wait for a month and again repeat the blood tests. Meanwhile check your vitamin d, calcium and liver function tests. Still i believe you dont have any blood cancer.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (7 minutes later)

I was vitamin d, potassium and ferritin deficient. I have no fevers but I do experience sweating at night, chills both at night and during the day

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Start with vit d and iron supplements

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. Your symptoms can be a manifestation of nutrients deficiency too. I will advise you to start with vitamin d and d iron supplements. Review you blood tests after atleast 2 months. Till then just relax.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY