Elevated WBC Count Without Infection: What's Going On?
At 25 years old, I received a diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis alongside ongoing health issues and anxiety disorder. Let me provide some context: Last Saturday, I began experiencing a sharp pain on my left side. The next day, I started my initial dose of Zepbound (2.5 mg) for obstructive sleep apnea. By Monday and Tuesday, nausea had intensified, leading to multiple bouts of vomiting, and my appetite was nearly nonexistent, although I made sure to stay hydrated with water and electrolytes. Come Wednesday, while the vomiting had subsided, the pain on my left side became increasingly severe, prompting me to seek help at the emergency room. After undergoing a CT scan, I was diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis. During my time in the ER, blood tests were conducted, revealing a white blood cell (WBC) count of 14.4 x 10(9)/L, which alarmed me as it’s the highest level I've ever recorded. I'm left wondering why my WBC is so elevated when I don't exhibit any signs of illness; is this significant or a cause for concern, particularly in the absence of other symptoms? Additionally, I have been experiencing mild headaches daily, typically more pronounced later in the day; these began following my first injection. Should there have been any serious underlying issues, would that not have been reflected in the blood tests? I'll share the blood work results in the comments below for further insight.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 7:01:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, especially in conjunction with your recent medical experiences. Let’s break this down to clarify what might be happening.
Main Points:
- Elevated WBC Count: A WBC count of 14.4 x 10(9)/L can indicate an inflammatory response, often due to conditions like infection or stress on the body but can also occur without infection.
- Potential Causes: Factors like your recent diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis, physical stress from vomiting, anxiety, and possibly medication side effects can contribute to elevated WBC.
- Mild Headaches: Your headaches could be related to various factors, including anxiety, dehydration, or even the new medication.
Explanation:
Your elevated WBC count suggests that your body is responding to some form of stress or inflammation. In your case, the epiploic appendagitis is likely a significant contributor, as inflammation can naturally elevate WBC counts. Additionally, physical stress from vomiting and not eating well could also play a role. It is not uncommon for WBC counts to be elevated in the absence of an acute severe illness.
Regarding your headaches, they could be linked to various factors such as anxiety, tension, dehydration, or potential side effects from Zepbound.
Next Steps:
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. Note any changes in pain, nausea, appetite, and headaches. If your left side pain worsens, or if you develop new symptoms like fever or persistent nausea, these would be crucial to address.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Continue staying hydrated, focusing on electrolyte-rich fluids. Gradually reintroduce light, easy-to-digest foods when you feel ready.
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Manage Stress and Anxiety: Consider gentle stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or light physical activity (if tolerated) to help with both your anxiety and headaches.
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Medication Reflection: If your headaches persist or worsen, think about discussing them with your healthcare provider. It’s worth considering whether the Zepbound dosage is appropriate or if adjustments are needed.
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Follow-Up on Blood Work: If your WBC count remains elevated or if symptoms develop, it might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider for further investigation. Keeping a record of your symptoms and how they correlate with your medication may be helpful for this.
Remember, it's always best to listen to your body and communicate any concerns with your healthcare providers. You're doing a good job staying aware of your health, and taking these steps can help you manage your symptoms effectively.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). 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Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.