I read an article on the BBC website recently about the illness called coccidioidomycosis. (Try pronouncing that!) It is caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus that lives in the soil. The link to the article is: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23166839 The reason I’m posting here is because the article mentions that people with compromised immunity are at risk for severe consequences from the fungus. It is found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Considering the rate at which people travel the globe these days, a person could visit any of these areas and go back home not knowing what illness has been picked up during the journey.
I personally find it quite alarming that there is such a variety of microorganisms which can be dangerous to an asplenic patient. I’d never even heard of this disease, and surely there are other little known ones that can affect those who are immunocompromised. It makes me feel like daily life is more precarious than it appears to be. One has to learn to strike the right balance between risks that are worth taking, and those that are best avoided.
Life After Splenectomy 
Posted by Ladybug M on September 25, 2013 at 5:32 pm
Interestingly, I just read an article yesterday regarding this same illness, on msn news online. I’m certain something like that would kill me, as I had my spleen removed October 2012 due to a blood platelet disorder called Thrombocyopenia. Since then I have had very low iron,extreme fatigue, and I’ve had strep throat 4 times, now a new dr wants me to have a tonsilectomy. I dont think that this would be prudent at this time. I am 45, so recovery would be difficult at best. I am wondering if I will ever feel better/normal energy again ?
Posted by SummerSun on October 3, 2013 at 2:31 am
Undergoing a surgery when you have low iron certainly sounds risky to me. Are you on regular antibiotics? If you are not, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor who is knowledgeable about the asplenic condition. An infectious diseases specialist will also be able to help you.
You can certainly feel normal again, hope is never lost! If you haven’t done so already, focus all your attention on good food and exercise. Vitamin supplements can also help you; I swear by my daily B-complex.
Posted by Anonymous on April 28, 2016 at 4:00 am
My daughter underwent splenctomy in 2001 and doing well since then. however, she appears like 15 years at the age of 28. If any one can help me to suggest her weight gain and breast developments, so that i can go head with her marriage programme please.
Posted by SummerSun on May 25, 2016 at 12:39 am
Hi there, I was not quite sure how to respond to your question, hence the delay in my response. I would hesitate to link your daughter’s lack of spleen with her appearance. It might just be the way that she is built, and if she is eating well then there’s not much I can say.
The world of Indian arranged marriages is often unforgiving of anyone who doesn’t have what’s considered a ‘normal’ body. I would suggest you focus on improving your daughter’s self confidence instead of trying to change a body which most likely can’t be changed.
Posted by Anonymous on May 25, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Hi dear friend, thanks a lot for ur comments. It was really inspirable to me as well as my daughter.