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

Jacquie,

<hugs>

Sounds like you've been thru the wringer these past few months, between your commute and your health issues. I've gotta say that for myself, I have a pretty good working relationship with my doctors, for my spine or for my other health issues. Now, my cardiologist I trust implicitly. If he were to tell me that I needed to have something done to fix it, I would not hesitate to go with what he advised. He's known my case for years, has an excellent record and is highly recommended.

I don't know what your relationship is like with your onc/heme doc, but if you've had this for some time, and you have had close follow up with this one doc, I see no reason to jump for a second opinion right away. It would be different if this were something new and they were proposing immediate surgery, ya know what I mean? Only you and your doc can decide whether having a splenectomy is the right, but from what I understand, most folks go on to live quite normal lives, barring the need to be be up to date on all vaccinations.

Me, I'd wait and see what's the "big picture" results, after you're finished with your cardiac work up (make sure your ticker hasn't been affected), make sure your kidney's are a'ok, get all the blood results, and then go from there. Good luck Jacquie, and hang in there.

Theresa

And you still dance at the club....

Welcome Jacquie!!!

joe

Thanks, Theresa, for your ideas and suggestions...The only thing is, I only JUST started having Sx of the fatigue/dizziness/SOB from the anemia this year, and then we found my hct & hgl were so low. I only saw the hemo/onc for the first time earlier in the month. I also do know, however, that the splenectomy is listed in medical journals, etc, as 'always necessary' in the case of hereditary SPHEROCYTOSIS, AND I HAVE TWO FEMALE COUSINS AND AT LEAST ONE UNCLE WHO HAD TO HAVE IT DONE. (sorry for the caps, writing a quick note on break at work!) I have done a great deal of reading and research into the topic, too.

ncdude - YEP, I can still 'shake it' with the best of 'em, but I run out of gas a lot quicker these days .

Hugs, Jacquie