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Asplenic Folks - Question

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8 years 11 months ago #56423 by momto3boys
Asplenic Folks - Question was created by momto3boys
So, I'm sure this is probably a good place to find other people who are asplenic like me.

My spleen was removed when I was a child dealing with ITP at age 9 (I'm 42 now). Because this surgery occurred when I was so young, I was never really given advice or management instructions for long term maintenance.

Recently I've been reading about the risks of being asplenic and the recommendation that I should be taking antibiotics for any fevers. I've never done this and am wondering if I've been going so long without taking the proper precautions for life without a spleen.

Any other asplenic folks want to outline what things you do in your life without a spleen?
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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8 years 11 months ago #56426 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Asplenic Folks - Question
You should get antibiotics immediately if you have a fever. You should also get the recommended vaccines.
The following user(s) said Thank You: momto3boys
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8 years 11 months ago #56445 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Asplenic Folks - Question
Mom, I had my spleen removed in 2006. Have been getting the flu shot regularly and just recently got the pneumonia shot, which I was told I should get every 5 years instead of the 10 I thought. As for the anti biotics, I'm not one to rush to the doctor or hospital for every little thing. For the most part, I don't get sick much. I have had a couple of slight fevers and just waited them out. I try to stay away from anyone who is sick.

Hope this helps somewhat!
The following user(s) said Thank You: momto3boys
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8 years 11 months ago #56452 by momto3boys
Replied by momto3boys on topic Asplenic Folks - Question
Thanks for the advice. Sandi I recently read the same thing about immediately dealing with all fevers with antibiotics. That was news to me. I was given the required shots at the time of surgery, but hadn't followed up with the pneumonia shots until relatively recently. Thanks for that heads up Cindy. I'm going to make a note to do that one every 5 years instead of having a larger gap.

I do get yearly flu shots, but staying away from sick people isn't always an option with my kids catching stuff. Luckily they are generally healthy and don't catch much.

I am going to follow up with my hematologist about the antibiotic thing at my next appointment. Maybe I should keep a stash at home.
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The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.


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