Hi, I had my spleen removed almost 3 years ago when I was 17. I was just wondering if either of you have being able to travel to countries such as Africa where Malaria is common. I've been told by my doctor that as I've no spleen she wouldn't recommend it but as I study animals it's included in my university course.
Also I'm scared of the scar stretching when I decided to have children. Have any of the women experienced this?
Any answers would be much appreciated! Thank you, Kersha
Hi, I had my spleen along with my small intestine removed when I was 8 due to trauma. Since then I have travelled to many countries including the Dominican Republic, Maldives & many european countries. I haven't let it get to me and have carried on life as normal, indeed I haven't known anything else.
I have 4 children so the scarring hasn't been an issue, only recently have I been given antibiotics & the pneumovax vaccine. Because it's so long ago since I had my spleen removed (51 years) my doc has just treated me as a normal patient.
The only precaution I now take (but didn't do prior to reading up on the condition) is take a course of antibiotics with me when I travel abroad.
Hope this helps
Linz
hAVE YOUR NECESSARY INJECTIONS, TAKE YOUR LOW COURSE OF DAILY ANTIBIOTICS AND A SPARE COURSE OF STRONGER ANTIBIOTICS AND YOU SHOULD BE OK. aLSO ASK YOUR DOCTOR. tHESE DAYS i ALWAYS ASK TO MAKE SURE i AM NOT PUTTING MYSELF IN DANGER
Hi,
Speak to your GP for anti-malaria medicine before you travel. Your GP may advise you to take a course of antibiotics for you to keep at home to use if you get an infection. Find out if you need an extra meningitis vaccination (types ACWY). Check if you need any travel vaccinations.
You should also use mosquito nets and insect repellent. Avoid being outdoors, especially in rural areas, between dusk and dawn (nighttime), when the mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active. Start prescribed antibiotics course at the first sign of an infection and see your GP as soon as possible.
Hope it helps. Happy journey and take care.
Luis