Red Blood Count (HB) = 143[136] (Normal 130-180)
Platelet = 216[298] (Normal 150-450)
White Blood Count (WBC) = 6.2[6.2] (Normal 4 - 11)
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) = 1.984[2.294] (Normal 1.5 - 8.0)
ALT = 101[88] (Normal 30 – 65)
AST = 67[57] (Normal 15-37)
GGT = 66[82] (Normal 15-85)
I am fine today.
Today blood test result is considered normal, with liver enzyme levels slightly out of normal range. However, the chest x-ray taken in the morning still showed the same right pleural effusion. Nothing had changed compared to the x-ray taken two weeks ago.
Doctor is suspecting Tuberculosis (TB) which could result in pleural effusion. He ordered two tests for me this afternoon pertaining to TB; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and Montoux test.
According to Wikipedia:
ESR test is a form of bood test. It measured the rate at which red blood cells precipitate in a period of 1 hour. It is a common haematology test which is a non-specific measure of inflammation. It is commonly used for a differential diagnosis for Kawasaki's disease and it may be increased in some chronic infective conditions like tuberculosis and infective endocarditis.
The Mantoux test is a diagnostic tool for tuberculosis. A standard dose of 5 Tuberculin units is injected intradermally (between the layers of dermis) and read 48 to 72 hours later. A person who has been exposed to the bacteria is expected to mount an immune response in the skin containing the bacterial proteins. The reaction is read by measuring the diameter of induration (palpable raised hardened area) across the forearm (perpendicular to the long axis) in millimeters. If there is no induration, the result should be recorded as "0 mm".
For my case, 5mm of induration is considered positive.
I have to go back to the clinic on Thursday to measure the size of induration and after that, to see the haematologist on walk-in basis. The two test results will determine the next course of treatment.
Doctor stopped the Ciclosporin, the immunosuppressant that was used to treat GVHD today. This is the first time ever I am independent of the drug after bone marrow transplant more than two and half years ago :-) With this, hopefully my immune system will be stronger.
After stopping the Ciclosporin, the next drug to stop is the antibiotic, Bactrin. However, doctor said that I have to take penicillin for life :-(
My next follow-up will be 2 months later :-)
See you next post :-)
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