Hi guys. I was first diagnosed with anaemia, during a routine blood test when I was 8 months pregnant with my first child 4 years ago. It was initially kept under control with iron tablets and folic acid. Subsequently, I was then diagnosed with an autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, occuring during pregnancy. With the arrival of my second child 2 years later, when he was 7 months old that I actively started haemolysing again with a blood count of 7. I was breast feeding at the time and was told to stop immediately, and put on 40mg prednisolone daily. Initially this helped, but after two failed attempts to wean me off without haemolysing again, a splenectomy was advised. I was told if I had been elderly, then my doctor would of been quite happy for me to remain on prednisolone for the rest of my life. I'm 34. The long term effects of taking prednisolone would be an increased chance of developing cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis later in life. This of course scared the hell out of me!! Two weeks ago I had a laparoscopic splenectomy and am now in recovery. Hopefully the scarring will be minimal, although it looks at the moment like a game of 'dot to dot'! I'm getting stronger by the day, but am worried as to whether I made the right decision to have my spleen removed. I'm now on 2 daily doses of penicillin (antibiotic) for the rest of my life. Currently on 10mg prednisolone daily, folic acid and lansoprazole. I hope to be off these in the next few months. I have been told I have to have the 'flu' vaccine every year, as well as pneumovax, hib, and menningococcal every 8 years. As soon as I show any signs of being ill, be it cold, cough, sore throat and temperature then I have to see the doctor immediately. I'm now so frightened of getting ill! I've told all my friends and family to stay away if they are showing any signs of illness. How do I live my life like this? I cannot avoid people for the rest of my life. I have two young children who naturally will become ill due to close contact at nursery or school. We all get ill from time to time, it's only natural. Did I make the right decision by having my spleen removed? Is it safe to take penicillin for the rest of my life? I read somewhere how it could effect the liver. It would be great to hear from anyone who has or is going through the same situation as myself,and from people who have had their spleen removed for any other reason. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
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