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Splenectomy and doctors

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hannah54008
hannah54008

I had a splenectomy at about 18 months old after being involved in a car accident. 23 years on I take my penicillin when myself or people around me are ill. I am always so cautious when I'm ill and visit the doctor because for every illness going, websites such as the NHS one always say if you have no spleen see your doctor! However, I often feel like it makes no difference when I go for an appointment with doctors often refusing to give me antibiotics for a throat infection (today) or an ear infection (a couple of months ago). I know they say it's viral, but I was under the impression that we should be given antibiotics as a precaution! What are everyone else's experiences of this?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Wheelo
    Wheelo hannah54008

    Posted

    Hannah, I'm not in the UK, I'm in Ireland and I have not had anything like your experience. I have a recurring prescrition for antibiotics and would always take them if I feel unwell - regardless if it's viral. I always feel it is taken seriously and factored into my assessment / treatment. My doctor documents my vaccinationdates and is pro-active in advising when the're due.

    Maybe you should change doctor 

  • pauline72496
    pauline72496 hannah54008

    Posted

    Hello Hannah. I have had splenectomy also. My prescription is Penicillin V x 2 times a day. That is everyday for life. When I have a raised temperature or possible chest infection or any infection I am seen same day by GP practice. Since splenectomy I have ear infections which are sometimes bacterial and sometimes fungal. I am seen straight away at onset if symptoms. If its bacterial infections i am treated with additional antibiotics. I get infected insect bites in the summer I am seen same day and treated with additional antibiotics. Also I have regular vaccines for flu, Pneumonia, Meningitis c and now this year , the Meningitis b vac is now on vaccination list for asplenia. I believe these treatments are laid down for all on nhs. Hope this helps. All the best - Pauline
  • AmberJay
    AmberJay hannah54008

    Posted

    Yes you have to have antibotics every time your sick with anything to prevent infections and secondary infections.
  • jocelyn123
    jocelyn123 hannah54008

    Posted

    I am treated the same way. Then I get sicker and sicker, and develop secondary infections. If the doctor would just give me antibiotics to begin with, I wouldn't get that sick. I feel the doctors I see don't take spleenectomy serious.

  • pauline72496
    pauline72496 hannah54008

    Posted

    Hannah. My inderstanding of the rule is that the doc should see you straight away with a raised temperature. I got sore throat 21 days ago and no raised temperature. I ignored it and it had caused a chest infection 7 days later. Ive had 21 amoxicillin 500mg over 7 days which haven't worked and am now taking

    another 7 days course of Doxycycline. Still no improvement whatsoever yet. I have 4 days to go. This is the result of acting like I did when had a spleen. I am very unwell. Always go to the doctor for any infection. Virus can cause congestion in lungs and bacteria will grow in congestion if no working spleen.

  • pauline72496
    pauline72496 hannah54008

    Posted

    Hannah. My inderstanding of the rule is that the doc should see you straight away with a raised temperature. I got sore throat 21 days ago and no raised temperature. I ignored it and it had caused a chest infection 7 days later. Ive had 21 amoxicillin 500mg over 7 days which haven't worked and am now taking

    another 7 days course of Doxycycline. Still no improvement whatsoever yet. I have 4 days to go. This is the result of acting like I did when had a spleen. I am very unwell. Always go to the doctor for any infection. Virus can cause congestion in lungs and bacteria will grow in congestion if no working spleen.

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