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Splenectomy and Covid-19

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PatinetzeroJ
PatinetzeroJ

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!

1 like, 84 replies

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  • ChocolateSilk
    ChocolateSilk PatinetzeroJ

    Edited

    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.

    • karenjk
      karenjk ChocolateSilk

      Edited

      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.

  • Wheelo
    Wheelo PatinetzeroJ

    Edited

    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

    • ChocolateSilk
      ChocolateSilk Wheelo

      Edited

      Maybe but wouldn't our body still try to fight it in other ways?

    • Wheelo
      Wheelo ChocolateSilk

      Edited

      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.

    • karenjk
      karenjk Wheelo

      Edited

      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.

    • Roystan
      Roystan Wheelo

      Edited

      wow what an informative article, Wheelo, thanks. I had my spleen removed aged 6 (I'm now 46) due to hereditary spherocytosis. I often struggle with post viral fatigue but have never really been able to find much information online. thanks for this, it is encouraging 🙏

  • carol80650
    carol80650 PatinetzeroJ

    Edited

    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.

    • karenjk
      karenjk carol80650

      Edited

      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!

    • ChocolateSilk
      ChocolateSilk karenjk

      Posted

      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 ❤️

  • anniebee124
    anniebee124 PatinetzeroJ

    Edited

    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.

  • carol80650
    carol80650 PatinetzeroJ

    Edited

    image

    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.

    • karenjk
      karenjk carol80650

      Edited

      As I thought, Thank you Carol. I live in one of the 6 counties "on house arrest" Thank you.

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