Forms of Neutropenia

Although my family is affected by Cyclic Neutropenia, it isn't the only form of Neutropenia out there.  It's one of four.  Cyclic Neutropenia, Idiopathic Neutropenia, Autoimmune Neutropenia, and Congenital Neutropenia are all forms of Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN) that affect a person's ability to fight off bacterial infections.  For us, our CN is genetic but it doesn't have to be.  I was diagnosed at the age of 2 after countless infections and admissions.  My mother and half brother are also Cyclic so when planning a familiy we knew there was a chance our children would be also.  When Joeli was born the gene and genetic testing had not been developed so our plan was to watch her close for the first sign after her birth.  It wasn't long and she spiked her first fever which brought her first admission into our local PICU.  Her absolute neutrphil count (ANC) was ZERO!  This confirmed our diagnosis of CN for Joeli.  After a few days in the hospital, broad spectrum antibiotics, and lots of prayers and kisses from Mama and Daddy we were back on our way with a life long diagnosis for our sweet girl.  Many live daily with some form of Neutropenia.  Obviously I know more about Cyclic because that's our diagnosis but I also know that Neutropenia in any form brings a small group of us into the same circle.  The more we share about our own neutropenic experiences the more we know...and the more we know the better our chances at a "normal" life.  I use the term "normal" loosely!