London Calling ..............!

[belindabea]

I have Idiopathic Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia. It has taken two years to diagnose this condition. I have had two hemolytic crashs in that time where my HB has suddenly dropped to 6 and last time it went to 7. It took 6 weeks for my blood to rise to 8.9.

My white blood cells and platelets are low too, does anyone else have this combination?

The hemotologist is putting me on PREDNISONE ,has anyone had any side effects from this drug?

If this drug does not work, removal of the spleen is a possibility, I would love to hear from anyone who has had their spleen removed.

Any information would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Belindabea
LONDON

[Les44]

There are a few postings on the anemia thread with regards to AIHA. On the thread entitled "Blood Disorders" if you go back aways you will find a topic entitled "....how long autoimmune hemolytic anemia"
There is a large number of postings there where you will read about the experiences with the condition and also find a number of discussions around prednisone which is the primary treatment of choice for this.
I wish you well. I've had my hemoglobin drop to below 6 so I know it's anything but fun. I'm now a full year in remission with HgB consistently around 12 but remain positive for the antibodies that caused the problem in the first place, so blood tests continue. I am very happy to say I'm no longer on prednisone.
So do some reading and stay in touch. There's some really terrific people to lean on here!
Les

[belindabea]

Hi Les,
Thank you very much for your helpful reply. I shall go to the thread you recommend.
I am glad to hear you are fine now, with a HgB of 12, you must feel fantastic!
Glad you no longer need to be on Prednisone, its very reasurring to know that it works.

Many thanks,
Belindabea

[The Missus]

Hello,
I just wanted to write you to let you know my experience with having my spleen taken out. You and I have a bit of a different disease...I have ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpurra) which means I have a unusually low platelet count. I was diagnosed at 11 years old and put on Prednisone at that time. It worked for a bit but I had some unpleasant side effects. I was taken off it, had my blood checked once a month, told to stay away from anything "physical" that could bruise me etc. At 17 years old, my doctor decided to remove my spleen. He advised me to take Penicillin every day for the rest of my life. Not to realistic, so, at 26 years old and no Penicillin, I'm doing OK. Supposedly, when your spleen is removed you are an easy target for getting sick and whatnot. I've found that I haven't been any sicker than anyone else I know. The only exception would be last years case of Mono that I got some how. Let me know if you have any other questions and if I can help you out in any way. Cheers!

[belindabea]

The Missus,

Thank you very much for your helpful reply. It`s very reassuring to know that you can lead a healthy life without your spleen!

I had Mono a couple of years ago and I firmly believe it was this that kick started all my health problems (catching Mono at 48 is not good). Up until that point I was perfectly healthy and had not been to the doctor for 15years.

I too have a slightly low platelet count around 120.

Good health to you in the future,

Belindabea