Now, before you think I'm crazy to even ASK this question, I have to say right off that this is NOT a spine related surgery, although, of course I DO have a spine (last time I looked
) and the whole body is always effected by any surgery....
That being said, I have to give you a brief history of what's been going on with my physical health since just about the time I started my job in March. I was commuting fr Trenton to Newark for what turned out to be five months, and it was
totally exhausting for me. I was having trouble walking the necessary block to and from the train stations without getting short of breath, and I felt like I was barely able to go on. Thank goodness, I finally started working in Trenton now, and it's better.
It turns out, I have an anemia called 'hereditary spherocytosis', which is similar in it's effects on the body to sickle cell anemia. Run down, tired, hemoglobin of 9.1 and hematricrit of 25.5. I had to go see an oncologist, who had my blood tested in numerous tests (6 vials of blood needed) and I also had a spleen US, which showed it was enlarged and I also have an 'auxiliary one'.
The ONLY treatment of this is the removal of the spleen. One of the spleen's functions is to destroy 'older' RBC, and I need no help in this regard, my RBC are very fragile, and break just going through my bloodstream. Of course, the secondary function of the spleen is to help fight against infections, which is the part that I'm not crazy about, but many people live without a spleen - that football player, _____ Sims had his removed just the other day because it was ruptured, I think.
So now, all that being said, do you think it's really necessary that I go for a second opinion?? I've known I have spherocytosis for many years now, but it's never gotten to this 'crisis proportion' before. Personally, I'm not planning on it, since I am also in the midst of seeing a nephrologist, and a cardiac doctor. Today I'm supposed to have a treadmill stress test, tho I think my body will rebel, and I will end up going the 'chemical route' where they inject you w/ something which simulates physical exertion....
Thanks for any and all replies, whether you know me or not!!
Feeble hugs, Jacquie
