Spleen surgery

[beach311]

My mom had spleen surgery. Had anyone had success with this for ITP. Nothing else so far has worked

[eciardullo]

I wish l new for certain..l had a splenectomy as well but also have been on prednisone, revolade and last med rituxamab, so l don't know what did the trick but my count has been holding at 250ish for the past couple of years. I will have to say that being more educated with itp if l had to make the decision today l would not have had my spleen removed l wish you all the best may God be with you in this journey. On a last note whether this has made a difference or not no one seems to know l have been vegan for over a year now....feel great!!!!!...good luck. ...

[Kzintia]

Hi there beach311,

I had splenectomy in 1992, following unsuccessful steroid treatment. There was not the range of medication available back then that there is now.

Following the surgery, my platelet count levelled in the high normal range (~400) apart from during pregnancy, when it dropped to just below normal (~120).

I have had no further treatment for ITP in 25 years, with only 3 bouts of bruising/petechia in that time, which were very short lived, and cleared on their own.

Apart from the need to take care with infection (keeping antibiotics on hand) and a few extra vaccinations, the splenectomy has not impacted on my life at all.

For me, splenectomy worked very well, and was the right decision.

I sincerely wish your Mum well following her surgery, and look after yourself too (not easy when you're worried, I know)

Regards,

Kzintia

P.s. Just remember success cases rarely get heard because the 'cured' no longer need support, and do not tend to lurk around the forum. The U.K. ITP support group was not around when I had it, and I guiltily admit, only joined when my son was diagnosed a few weeks ago. Xx