OpenHealth Q&A

Elevated White Blood Cells, Neutrophils, and Low Iron Saturation: A Year of Symptoms

Hello everyone, I'm a 31-year-old woman, standing at 5'4" and weighing 148 pounds. I was diagnosed with celiac disease back in 2008, alongside dealing with asthma, over 75 allergies, eczema, oral herpes, bipolar disorder type 2, ADHD, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. For the past year, I have been receiving allergy shots and have noticed some improvements. Additionally, I've been diagnosed with a 2.2mm Rathke's cleft cyst. I've also faced hyperprolactinemia for a number of years, but I'm unable to take medication for it due to the risk of triggering manic episodes. My medication regimen includes Vyvanse at 70mg, Wellbutrin at 150mg, Vraylar at 3mg, Clonidine at 0.4mg, Valacyclovir at 500mg, Zyrtec, Breo Ellipta, NuvaRing, and liquid iron (Floravital) twice daily. I also use Albuterol as needed, take Klonopin at 0.5mg as necessary, and have Zofran 8mg on hand for nausea. Over the past year, I've experienced numerous troubling symptoms, such as significant hair loss, easy bruising, an increase of 25 pounds, breathlessness, and muscle fatigue during exercise — a stark contrast to my previous ability to skate 14 miles effortlessly. I frequently feel nauseous, struggle with insomnia, and often wake up throughout the night. No matter how much I sleep, I always feel exhausted. My lymph nodes have been consistently swollen for years, which I attributed to allergies. I do experience depression, but it’s relatively mild for me. I’ve also undergone some surgical procedures including a right labral reconstruction in 2023 with allograft, a tonsillectomy in 2015, and a left salpingectomy due to an ectopic pregnancy in 2020. I dealt with a second ectopic pregnancy in 2021, which required treatment with methotrexate. As for my lab results, my thyroid panel, lipid levels, and liver function tests came back normal. However, there were abnormalities in my complete blood count (CBC) and iron levels, which were tested on December 10, 2025. An ANA test conducted last year was normal, and I have tested negative for COVID-19, flu, and EBV. On November 24, 2025, I received multiple vaccines including Tdap, MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B all at once. I'm concerned that these vaccinations might have contributed to my unexpectedly high white blood cell count. My frustrations with my healthcare providers have grown, as they don’t seem to take my concerns seriously, often attributing my symptoms to stress. I’m exhausted from dealing with these persistent health issues and perplexed by the recent surge in cold sores, which have increased dramatically this year — something I previously experienced only once annually. I began taking Valacyclovir in January 2025 to manage this recurrence. Despite visiting my primary care physician five times since August 2024, I still feel unheard and dismissed. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation.

Answers (1)

12/14/2025, 3:30:53 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex set of health challenges, and it’s understandable that you feel frustrated and exhausted. The combination of high white blood cell counts, low iron saturation, and your range of symptoms warrants attention and thoughtful consideration. Here’s a structured approach to your situation focused on clarity and practical steps.

Summary of Your Concerns:

1. High white blood cell count and neutrophils: This often indicates inflammation or infection.
2. Low iron saturation: This can contribute to fatigue and weakness.
3. Multiple symptoms: Including hair loss, breathlessness, swollen lymph nodes, and a history of significant medical issues, which can complicate your health management.

Explanation:

Elevated white blood cells can reflect a range of issues such as infection, inflammation, or even stress responses. Your low iron levels can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue and weakness. The diverse symptoms you're experiencing may interrelate due to underlying conditions such as celiac disease, allergies, or the impact of medications.

Immediate Next Steps:

1. Track Your Symptoms: Start a detailed symptom diary for at least two weeks. Note when symptoms occur, their severity, factors that worsen or improve them, and any changes in medication. This will help in identifying patterns and triggers.

2. Focus on Nutrition:

   • Iron-Rich Foods: Since you are taking a liquid iron supplement, ensure you’re also consuming iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Pair these with vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
   • Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, which can help alleviate fatigue and support overall health.

3. Manage Stress and Sleep:

   • Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine to improve sleep quality. Minimize screen time before bed and create a calming atmosphere in your sleep environment.
   • Mindfulness: Engage in stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga.

4. Monitor for Additional Symptoms: Watch for any new symptoms that may arise, such as a significant change in your overall health, increasing difficulty breathing, or severe fatigue.

5. Consider Seeking a Specialist: If your primary care physician isn't addressing your concerns, you might benefit from seeing a hematologist or an internal medicine specialist who can provide a second opinion and more focused assessment regarding your blood results and symptoms.

Ongoing Communication:

Since you’ve mentioned feeling unheard, it might help to express your concern clearly during medical visits. Bringing your symptom diary can facilitate a more productive dialogue.

Take things one step at a time, and remember that it’s important to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system. Feel free to reach out for any further guidance or clarification on specific points. You’re doing the best you can amidst these challenges, and self-awareness is a crucial part of your health journey.