have been told since getting splenectomy im i should apply fo dla is this true in advice ,

[andrea_41]

[Hidden]

No, a splenectomy on its own does not count as a disability for benefit purposes.

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

Nor does a Splenectomy entitle patients to get free prescriptions in the UK. This is particularly unfair and very costly as most asplenic patients will need to take antibiotics for the rest of their lives (at least according to current UK medical advice) itpsupport.org.uk/splenecto....

This is a particularly unfair situation and whilst I am not asplenic (luckily Rituximab worked for me in 2010 and I have been in remission ever since), I think it is something that we as ITP patients should campaign for ie free prescriptions for those who have undergone a splenectomy for ITP. After all it is not as if the ITP patient has much choice once they get as far as having the spleen removed. It is not as if it can be reversed.

[Hidden]

I agree but would go further and would rather have free prescriptions for anyone with a chronic condition like ITP. Some ITP patients have to constantly treat and it gets very expensive. I am 'lucky' in that I get free prescriptions on the grounds of needing treatment for the residual effects of past cancer but otherwise my ITP treatment over the years would have cost me a fortune.

So rather than campaigning for the splenectomised why not for all ITP patients?

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association in reply to Hidden]

I agree CamdenGirl and I will discuss it with ITP Support Association HQ to see if we can start up a campaign for free prescriptions for all ITP patients. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Will keep you posted.