Anyone cruising without a spleen?

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by stillbuilding

Well, I have always thought humans were a weak species. As a vet I have removed hundreds of spleens over my career - dogs and cats mostly.

Never used post surgical prophylaxis ( except for immediate post op infection).

Only rarely any subsequent issues.

The spleen is just one small part of the immune system.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forums lily hhrn

Yeah, I'm starting to think that the medical advice and warnings are a little overblown. My friends dog had his cancer affected spleen removed and went on to live 8 more years before dropping dead from old age.

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by Bulawayo

I lost mine in '79 - every five years I have a pneumococcus vaccine (pneumovax) - and try to be careful about bacterial infections. There are 2 forms of Meningococcal vaccine, Menactra and Menomune; generally age dependent. Menactra is often injected to those <55 years old with a second treatment after 8 weeks. Look this up on the web for further info.
In my case, I take no drugs - just the usual precautions that are sensible for everyone.

We've got meningococcal around here so my gp suggested those for the B and C strains. Not especially cheap, however.

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by tinkrman69

I've had my spleen removed for 30 years. Heaven't taken any antibiotics either. When I get cuts and scrapes of any depth and/or size i wash it and rub garlic oil on it. If it's deep and bleeding a lot I put cayenne pepper on it and it stops the bleeding and disinfects it. it only slightly stings for about 30 seconds, less than alcohol. had strep throughout a couple times over the years, salt water gargle and echinacea three times a day for three or four days, gone. the second time I got it I was working on a black water system. Must have put my hand in my mouth or something. Been all through central america and mexico, went to the Malay in India some years back and hiked through Thailand, about ten years ago. Haven't had to take chemicals. Taking a regimen of antibiotics won't allow the immune system to build.

Agree about the antibiotics. I've some people take them for life which is crazy. The ones prescribed are very low strength and I don't think they impede the immune system.

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[JPA Cate]

Reefmagnet,

I'm glad the issue of taking antibiotics long term has come up. I feel concerned that you are thinking that the low strength ones are going to do you good over time, but I think just the opposite is true. Here's why: You will wipe out all of those bacteria in your body that are sensitive to the antibiotic at that low level, and that will leave all the other bacteria, already tolerant to the drug at that level, to multiply like mad, throwing your whole immune system out of kilter.

You truly may be better served by careful wound cleaning and Savlon after. I know when I take antibiotics, I've been warned to get lots of lactobacillus, more than just in my daily helping of yoghurt. I'm pretty well.

Anyhow, good luck with it, and thumbs up on the vaccinations. Another one I'd add to the list is shingles vaccine. Since we had ours, each of us has (a) not got shingles so far and (b) each has had only one cold sore. We were told that although we might actually get shingles, it would be a lighter case, and since it can make you blind, it was worth it to us. Again, an issue to be worked out with your GP.

Ann

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Reefmagnet,

I'm glad the issue of taking antibiotics long term has come up. I feel concerned that you are thinking that the low strength ones are going to do you good over time, but I think just the opposite is true. Here's why: You will wipe out all of those bacteria in your body that are sensitive to the antibiotic at that low level, and that will leave all the other bacteria, already tolerant to the drug at that level, to multiply like mad, throwing your whole immune system out of kilter.

You truly may be better served by careful wound cleaning and Savlon after. I know when I take antibiotics, I've been warned to get lots of lactobacillus, more than just in my daily helping of yoghurt. I'm pretty well.

Anyhow, good luck with it, and thumbs up on the vaccinations. Another one I'd add to the list is shingles vaccine. Since we had ours, each of us has (a) not got shingles so far and (b) each has had only one cold sore. We were told that although we might actually get shingles, it would be a lighter case, and since it can make you blind, it was worth it to us. Again, an issue to be worked out with your GP.

Ann

I hear what your saying. Unfortunately loosing the spleen only part of the story so far and I've got a series of treatments coming up over the next 6 months or so that are also going to knock my immune system for a six. :-(

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[mcdermitt]

Hi
HAd mine removed in 1965 did not take any thing for it Dr. Said other organs would take over onthing told to stay away from drinking still working every day no side efects. Never had any ill efects from it. Had two knees replaced rotator cuff sewed up. Hernia fixed Dr never seamed to worry about
Splean being removed'

[groundtackle]

Still have my spleen but I've removed maybe 100 or so from mostly dogs over the years usually because of splenic hemangiosarcoma. Never saw a complication of any significance except sadly the cancer has a way of coming back either on the liver or the heart.



Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

I hear what your saying. Unfortunately loosing the spleen only part of the story so far and I've got a series of treatments coming up over the next 6 months or so that are also going to knock my immune system for a six. :-(

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

I understand, RM.

Good luck with it, and be of good cheer as possible. Set yourself up for lots of little pleasures.

Lousy time of year to be confronting those issues. No good time for it, though.

All best wishes to you, as well as good luck, which is always a help.

Ann

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

I understand, RM.

Good luck with it, and be of good cheer as possible. Set yourself up for lots of little pleasures.

Lousy time of year to be confronting those issues. No good time for it, though.

All best wishes to you, as well as good luck, which is always a help.

Ann

Cheers, and yes a lousy time. I've enjoyed the layup, nevertheless.

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Bulawayo]

Hi Reefmagnet.
The are five principal groups of meningococcus, A, B, C, W135 & Y. It is not usual to experience meningitis and septicaemia simulataneously. Beware that the fatality rate can be high even in first world countries - typically 5-10%. Youngsters are particulary at risk as can be the elderly. Of those that recover it is also typical that 15-20% may suffer damage to a major organ and can affect memory, vision or hearing permanently. The loss of a limb or digit is also likely - especially where septicaemia is involved.

Many people carry the meningococcal bateria in the back of their throats - this can be good and can assist with developing resistance. However, these same bacteria can be transmitted via sneezing, kissing etc. These bacteria can break into the blood stream and infect the meninges and also result in septicaemia.
Ann identifies the down side of taking antibiotics regularly. Taking antibiotics regularly can destroy other 'good' bacteria and can lead to the bacteria being antibiotic resistant. Far too many people take antibiotics inappropriately - typically trying to treat a virus. Antibiotics are not affective for colds, bronchitis etc (typical throat infections) and in the sailing community many ear infections, or even viral gastroenteritis (commonly called stomach flu).
In my opinion, vacination is well worth the cost.
If I can help, please PM me and I can give you chapter and verse.

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

We've got meningococcal around here so my gp suggested those for the B and C strains. Not especially cheap, however.

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by Bulawayo

Hi Reefmagnet.
The are five principal groups of meningococcus, A, B, C, W135 & Y. It is not usual to experience meningitis and septicaemia simulataneously. Beware that the fatality rate can be high even in first world countries - typically 5-10%. Youngsters are particulary at risk as can be the elderly. Of those that recover it is also typical that 15-20% may suffer damage to a major organ and can affect memory, vision or hearing permanently. The loss of a limb or digit is also likely - especially where septicaemia is involved.

Many people carry the meningococcal bateria in the back of their throats - this can be good and can assist with developing resistance. However, these same bacteria can be transmitted via sneezing, kissing etc. These bacteria can break into the blood stream and infect the meninges and also result in septicaemia.
Ann identifies the down side of taking antibiotics regularly. Taking antibiotics regularly can destroy other 'good' bacteria and can lead to the bacteria being antibiotic resistant. Far too many people take antibiotics inappropriately - typically trying to treat a virus. Antibiotics are not affective for colds, bronchitis etc (typical throat infections) and in the sailing community many ear infections, or even viral gastroenteritis (commonly called stomach flu).
In my opinion, vacination is well worth the cost.
If I can help, please PM me and I can give you chapter and verse.

Cheers. I've got the B and C strains on order, along with hep c and already had the regular stuff. I discussed the antibiotics with a specialist today and they agreed with the kills good and bad argument, although until I get another aspect of my condition tested over the next couple of days they suggested I stick with them for the moment. Should the test results be ok, they agree it will be fine for me to discontinue them which is great because I hate taking pills of any sort!

Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app