I have had symptoms that may indicate MG so my doctor ordered a ACH test which I am waiting for the results. My main symptoms are a very tense neck ( over two years) and weakness in my arm and shoulder muscles while doing things like pumping gas, holding the tv remote, carrying boxes, holding arms out and some difficulty swallowing. The other thing that i have had for over two years while investigating this is a low white blood cell count. Is this something people with MG might have?

Thanks

Hi, I just wanted to say welcome to the forum.

I have never heard of MG causing a low white blood cell count, but I don't know all the ins and outs.

I'm glad you're being tested for MG. If the AChR test comes back positive, that's a definitive diagnosis. But if it comes back negative, it doesn't necessarily mean you don't have MG.

Sorry I don't have any info for you about the white blood cells, but please feel free to ask questions here. There are a lot of helpful and knowledgeable people here.

Abby

Hi, Csense. If you end up having MG, this is a great place for support and information.

Back in 1998, when I was so tired that I was falling asleep everywhere, my white blood cell count was low. It was the one clue that lead me to figure out that I had a B12 deficiency. I'm not saying that's what is wrong with you - it's one of many causes of neutropenia.

http://www.fpnotebook.com/HemeOnc/Lab/NtrpnCs.htm

I can't find the PubMed article I knew about years ago that showed a connection between MG and a low lymphocyte count (one part of the overall white blood cell count differential). Anything autoimmune can potentially affect the white blood cells.

Don't assume that though. Have you seen a hematologist? They might want to do a peripheral blood smear to see if there is anything wrong with the cells themselves. I would highly suggest a folic acid and B12 level drawn too!

Is your weakness fatigable? Does it get worse with activity and better with rest? That's classic MG. I hope you get answers soon.

Annie

I was reading that there is a link between the thymus gland and MG. It said the thymus gland helps produce white blood cells so I was wondering if those with thymus gland problems would have a low white blood cell count.

It has been a couple of years of tests with no answers but it was not until I mentioned to my doctor that some of my speech was not coming out properly due to a stiff jaw ( among other issues) that he decided to ask for a ACH test.

If this comes back negative he did suggest a visit to a hemotologist as the count is getting lower every visit.

I should have my results back in a week and I will post what they came back as.