Hello. My spleen was removed in 2012 following injury and bleeding. I was always told to be aware of bacteriological infection and I take low dose antibiotics as prophylaxis. What is the function of the spleen in fighting viruses, and does not having a spleen put me in a high risk category for complications arising from Covid-19 infection. Very little information available online!
I am waiting for replays. I am also without a spleen.
I had a splenectomy Feb last year due to blood disorders I have. I tried talking about this on Reddit but I don't think people understand that my surgery was by choice and a better long life decision for me. It's not like I knew about this virus last year.. :( It would be great if we could keep talking. It'll be nice to talk to someone who understands.
I am the same - it's incredible how difficult it is to find information. Here is a link to a relatively positive article which says our specific exposure is to encapsulated bacteria - in particular pneumococcal and we are not more susceptible to viral pneumonia http://www.antimicrobe.org/e30.asp. It seems to suggest that any viral attack response issues is likely to be related to another underlying condition.
The other positive is many patients are victims of what's known as a cytokine storm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140227142250.htm where the immune system overreacts to the infection and causes huge damage to the infected organ - in this case, the lungs. I would assume we are unlikely to have this reaction.
These are the only valuable articles I've found and I'm trying to take positives but it is really worrying.
David
Hello there, I was born without a spleen but only found out last year owing to a long lasting infection which has, thankfully, cleared. I would be very interested in the replies to this. Does it make us high-risk etc - thanks in advance.
I would think that we are at high risk. I sent an email to my MD. His reply was that I am at high risk because of my age. He didn't mention my spleen removal!
I would be interested in knowing the best way to protect myself against illness and particularly Covid-19. I had a splenectomy in 2018 after complications from a routine colonoscopy. I will be following this thread. Thank you.
Yes it would be nice to keep in touch. My spleen was removed 7/2018. I was diagnosed with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma. I am good for now but it will come back. I can't seem to find out if I am high risk without a spleen. I really think it's a problem. Staying in and away from people.
Can I ask about your age? And he really didn't mention the lack of having a spleen? I'm 23 without a spleen. Thanks <3
Maybe but wouldn't our body still try to fight it in other ways?
Thanks for that David
I found this online regarding underlying health conditions & I'm sorry to say that not having a spleen is one of them - take care everyone & best wishes.
Splenectomy is mentioned on here. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults?fbclid=IwAR3gsdj07KjO67_j8LIs4wakXH8DqSNajOYmIgI2iKaJ4h77PPttSoF2oK4
Thank you Pam. Stay healthy.
As I thought, Thank you Carol. I live in one of the 6 counties "on house arrest" Thank you.
I'm 70.....OMG ..
I hope so - as others have said we are on a list you don't want to be on of at risk but heart & lung issues seem to be the two most at risk groups. I am certainly being cautious and don't want to find out the hard way if I can fight it.
Thank you for finding that. Stay safe <3
I have question guys.. I live with my boyfriend and at this time, we don't know when his job will shut down yet. But while he's working he's been trying to protect himself as much as possible so he doesn't bring it home to me. Should I stay with my mom right now? I don't want leave my home where my partner and all my things are. But if I really have to I will. What do you guys honestly think given our situation? Thanks for reading <3
Hi David, Thank you for your valuable information. I heard from another source that Viral infections are not nearly as risky as bacterial infections. The information was from a physician.