Hi RoyalGirl,

Just wanted you to know your post had been seen by someone.

I'm not a qualified medic, just going on what I did learn about the spleen when training.  There is an Ask The Nurses sections on here and they might know of recommended nutrition sites or something.  From my basic knowledge your main concern in not having a spleen would be preventing bacterial infection as much as possible.

If I relate that to days 7-14 of undergoing chemo (when your immune system is at its lowest) then the things I'm particularly careful about are cracks in my skin and mouth ulcers.  Both are very easy ways for bacteria to get into our system.  To protect my skin I moisturise day and night (hands and feet especially) and drink plenty of fluids (water, juice etc.).  For good mouth health I do my teeth after each meal and gargle either with saltwater or a prescribed mouthwash.  I don't touch my eyes, nose or mouth with my hands at all; I don't take public transport at that time or venture into crowded public places (too difficult to avoid the non-mouth covering sneezers!!!!) and I wash my hands very thoroughly; I'm also particularly careful if I am doing DIY or preparing food to really limit the chance of getting scratched or cut.  Foodwise I would think it's just about keeping your immune system healthy so I'm not sure if you need to do anything beyond general healthy eating, ensuring fruit and veg are clean before eating, and being sensible about alcohol intake.

There is a MacMillan page on avoiding infection... www.macmillan.org.uk/.../avoiding-infection.html  Cancer Research have this page on cancer and infection but some of it might give you ideas on prevention... www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../the-immune-system-and-cancer

That hopefully gives you some stuff to think about or pointers to qualified sources of information.  And hopefully others might have been in your shoes and comment with tips given to them by their medical team.  My vague recollection from years back would be bacterial infection being the main concern so then I would think it's the 'common sense' approach to keeping generally well.  I hope my memory's not failing me on that, sure others will jump in if it is.

Would be interesting to know if your care team mentioned anything about being careful re. bacterial infection?

LJx

Hello Royalgirl and thank you for your post,

When a spleen is removed people can be put on low dose antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection. This is especially the case for the first 2 years after it has been removed and/or if the patient's immune system is not working properly. 

There isn't anything specific to add to your diet, eating a good healthy diet  with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit is the best thing to do. You should always have the vaccinations that your doctor has recommended, this will provide protection against more serious types of infection.  Because some infections are spread through touch having a thorough hand wash technique is also a very good way to lower your risk.  The NHS has some good information about splenectomy (removal spleen) and the risk of infection, click here   to see it.

It is important that if you are worried that you are developing an infection to let your doctor know as you may need to start antibiotics quickly.

You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care

Caroline