Splenectomy question

[Guest guest]

I had my spleen removed when I had the total. Sure wish they could

have spared it but because of the blood vessels that connect it to

the pancreas they could not. I am wondering though if having it

removed will increase my risks of getting infections. My books are

old and say to give antibiotics prophylactically after having the

spleen removed. I really dont want to do that. I take tons of vits

and mins. Does anybody have any info on how to boost ones immune

system? Any info ya'll can share on the subject would be

appreciated.

Hope every one is doing well.

Warmly,

[Guest guest]

Hi !

If you are interested I found some information concerning

post-splenectomy on the database UpToDate. I downloaded it to

a MS word document and I can email it to you if this is something

you would like to look at. I haven't read through it but I think it may

answer some of your questions.

Here is the title and the introduction to give you an idea of what

the document addresses:

" Clinical features, management, and prevention of sepsis in the

splenectomized patient "

Mark S Pasternack, MD

INTRODUCTION — Splenectomized patients or those with

impaired splenic function are at risk for a fulminant sepsis

syndrome usually due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. The

importance of the spleen for clearance of bacteria and humoral

immune response, conditions leading to asplenia, clinical

manifestations of infection in the asplenic patient, and the

management and prevention of postsplenectomy sepsis will be

reviewed here.

I am also going to do a search in the other databases that I have

access to and will download any that I think is relevant and will

email them to you if this is your desire. I realize that this

document covers the worse case scenario but thought that the

background information may be helpful to you. Hopefully I will

find some articles that address the day to day concerns about

exposure to " normal " pathological viruses and bacteria.

I hope that you are doing well.......

Laurie

[Guest guest]

Laurie, if you wouldn't mind I would also like some information on this

also. I haven't had time to research this myself. I had my spleen removed

when I had my total pancreatectomy. Thanks!

Darren

dmtolson@...

[Guest guest]

Laurie,

I like Darren would like this information. I too had my spleen

removed when I had my pancreatectomy. My e-mail is

golighlty18@...

Thanks,

Crystal

[Guest guest]

Crystal wrote:

> I like Darren would like this information. I too had my spleen removed when

I had my pancreatectomy.

Laurie,

Please add me to your growing list of people requesting this information..

The reason that I would want it is for my sister in law, Robin. She had to have

her spleen removed when she was dealing with a nearly fatal case of

endocarditis last fall. She had to have open heart surgery to replace the

valves as well, and is now on the road to recovery. Robin asked me for help

in collecting information that would help her in the future. She's not very

computer literate, and since she knew of my involvement here and how much

time I spend researching on my own, she asked me for help with this and

some of her other medical problems.

My email address is beneath my signature.

TIA,

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

hhessgriffeth@...

SC & SE Regional Rep., P.A.I.

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should not be

substituted for professional medical consultation.