[tnapavlu]

#1059695

Does anyone else feel like their immune system can’t keep up this winter? I have had the flu 3 times this winter and sinusitus once. My Dr.’s tell me it is partly due to my Grave’s and the fact that I just had my orbital. I am so frustrated that I don’t have an immune system like a “normal” person. Just was wondering if it was just me or if any one else was struggling too.

[Kimberly]

#1176850

Hello – If you are taking anti-thyroid drugs like PTU or methimazole, one thing to check would be your White Blood Cell count (WBC) to see if there are any issues there. Reduced WBC count (leukopenia) is one potential side effect of these drugs.

Personally, I’ve had fewer colds and other illnesses since my diagnosis (knock on wood, as flu season is supposed to be particularly ugly this year). When I started taking methimazole, the warning about WBC freaked me out enough that I’ve really made an effort to not skimp on sleep – and to be super careful about washing my hands and not touching public surfaces as much as possible. I was in my gym’s locker room a while ago scrubbing my hands at the sink, and this woman said, “ah, you must work in the medical field.” I told her that no, I was just a germophobe.

Hope that you can *finally* get some relief this winter!

[tnapavlu]

#1176851

Kimberly,

Unfortunatly, I had a thyroidectomy so I’m just on synthroid. However, can this still have any effect on my WBC, should I still have my Dr check this? I can not believe how bad this is, I too am a complete germaphobe and keep shampooing carpets, scrubbing floors and walls, total OCD. LOL! I am at a complete loss of what else to do…

[Kimberly]

#1176852

Hello – The only WBC/Graves’ connection that I’m familiar with is for patients on anti-thyroid drugs. However, it’s certainly worth making a list of all the illnesses you’ve had post-surgery and asking your doctor to dig a little deeper to see if he/she can figure out what is going on.

Take care!

[Author]

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