Climbing without a spleen

I'm new to the climbing scene. I was curious if it would be ok to do without a spleen or should I take special precautions.

I absolutely refuse to believe this is a real serious question 

I have an injured spleen but it was not removed. I climb plenty including big long days in a harness. Harness puts a bit of pressure on it but it’s no issue. I’m sure you are fine without spleen.

Spleen free since 2014, still climbing
Yes, there are risks that docs mentioned to you - heat management, certain bacteria - strongly recommend staying away from dogs. I usually check out where emergency rooms are when going on trips - your time window is not that great to get sepsis under control. Do recommend carrying antibiotics.

Tanner Jameswrote:

I absolutely refuse to believe this is a real serious question 

It is a real question. I'm new to both climbing and spleenlessness so yeah.

amariuswrote:

Spleen free since 2014, still climbing
Yes, there are risks that docs mentioned to you - heat management, certain bacteria - strongly recommend staying away from dogs. I usually check out where emergency rooms are when going on trips - your time window is not that great to get sepsis under control. Do recommend carrying antibiotics.

thank you im new to both no spleen and climbing. Thank you for you help. An why stay away from dogs? I have heard there not got to be around but I don't know why. Can you fill me in besides that they are nasty like humans are if not worse 

What does you doctor advise?

Wayne Adamswrote:

thank you im new to both no spleen and climbing. Thank you for you help. An why stay away from dogs? I have heard there not got to be around but I don't know why. Can you fill me in besides that they are nasty like humans are if not worse 

from 

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2009/03/articles/diseases/other-diseases/no-spleen-no-pets/

Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, which are both common  pathogens of humans, are two of the major concerns in people without a functioning spleen.  The most commonly discussed zoonotic disease threats in these individuals are the bacterium Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Salmonella.  Capnocytophaga lives in the mouth of a large percentage of healthy dogs.  Infection in immunocompromised people typically occurs as the result of a bite, but is very rare in other people.

I'd rack up an extra spleen just in case

Wayne Adamswrote:

Thank you for you help. 

There was a link posted up the thread - in a nutshell certain bacteria that folks without spleen have no protection against happily live in saliva found in dogs/cats mouths. If they bite you, you might have really unpleasant consequences. Tics also carry some nasty stuff, but that usually requires less warning - everybody hates tics, while everybody loves dogs. Other no fun bacteria for us - e-coli and salmonela, these are somewhat more known - don't eat raw/undercooked stuff. 

So, I guess removal of spleen was rather sudden and surprising? ;)  Your doctors probably didn't have time for a sit down, follow-up conversation, then.

Anyways, they were supposed to give you 3 vaccines - tdap, hib, pneumococal. Check your discharge papers to make sure you got them all. Follow up if you didn't.
Here is a more extensive list - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/health-conditions/asplenia.html
Notice that some are antiviral vaccines - probability of catching bacterial infection goes up after getting hit with viral infection, and influenza is the worst. So, get that flu shot to minimize probability of getting hit with pneumococal infection(s). 

Keep track of your vaccinations, make sure to get boosters.

There was advise to talk to "your doctor" up thread. Make sure to develop relationship with your doctor's office - having prophylactic/emergency dose of antibiotics is a must, he/she will advise you what to do if you start spiking fever and feeling not well. Keep in mind - statistically asplenia is quite rare, your doctor won't necessarily have 1st hand info what to do.   If you don't have it yet, get yourself a thermometer to check for fever. Read up on symptoms leading to development of sepsis. Keep in mind - if you go to ER complaining about fever/chills/nausea you MUST EMPHASIZE the fact that you are asplenic - standard care protocol is IV antibiotics and blood cultures, not something that is usually given for someone with fever/chills/nausea/sore throat. Considering the state of US healthcare system you might have to be very vocal and be your own advocate.

Other than that - chin up, and climb on.

Edit - to save you some time on google -

5 things I should know about living with asplenia or hyposplenia 

• A fever (a temperature of 38.0° C or higher) is dangerous for you. It could be the start of a lifethreatening infection
• You are at risk for infections that can get worse very quickly. 
• If you get a fever and can get to a hospital within 2 hours: 
• go immediately to the nearest Emergency Department for medical care, blood tests, and antibiotics. 
• If you get a fever and you CANNOT get to a hospital within 2 hours: 
• take one dose of a prescribed antibiotic by mouth, such as: amoxicillin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin 
• then go to the nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible. 
• You should get vaccines to try to prevent infections from certain bacteria and viruses.

From - https://smh.andornot.com/media/documents/PDFs_Database_Collection/73570_PE_Living_Safely_wIth_Asplenia_RevAug27_2018_V3.pdf 

I also do not have a spleen. I ruptured mine 10 years ago and it was removed. Other than getting re-vaccinated after the operation (as mentioned above) I don’t take any special precautions and live life to its fullest. Climbing is fine

amariuswrote:

There was a link posted up the thread - in a nutshell certain bacteria that folks without spleen have no protection against happily live in saliva found in dogs/cats mouths. If they bite you, you might have really unpleasant consequences. Tics also carry some nasty stuff, but that usually requires less warning - everybody hates tics, while everybody loves dogs. Other no fun bacteria for us - e-coli and salmonela, these are somewhat more known - don't eat raw/undercooked stuff. 

So, I guess removal of spleen was rather sudden and surprising? ;)  Your doctors probably didn't have time for a sit down, follow-up conversation, then.

Anyways, they were supposed to give you 3 vaccines - tdap, hib, pneumococal. Check your discharge papers to make sure you got them all. Follow up if you didn't.
Here is a more extensive list - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/health-conditions/asplenia.html
Notice that some are antiviral vaccines - probability of catching bacterial infection goes up after getting hit with viral infection, and influenza is the worst. So, get that flu shot to minimize probability of getting hit with pneumococal infection(s). 

Keep track of your vaccinations, make sure to get boosters.

There was advise to talk to "your doctor" up thread. Make sure to develop relationship with your doctor's office - having prophylactic/emergency dose of antibiotics is a must, he/she will advise you what to do if you start spiking fever and feeling not well. Keep in mind - statistically asplenia is quite rare, your doctor won't necessarily have 1st hand info what to do.   If you don't have it yet, get yourself a thermometer to check for fever. Read up on symptoms leading to development of sepsis. Keep in mind - if you go to ER complaining about fever/chills/nausea you MUST EMPHASIZE the fact that you are asplenic - standard care protocol is IV antibiotics and blood cultures, not something that is usually given for someone with fever/chills/nausea/sore throat. Considering the state of US healthcare system you might have to be very vocal and be your own advocate.

Other than that - chin up, and climb on.

Edit - to save you some time on google -

From - https://smh.andornot.com/media/documents/PDFs_Database_Collection/73570_PE_Living_Safely_wIth_Asplenia_RevAug27_2018_V3.pdf 

I don't have a doctor can't afford that atm. So no climbing i guess

Wayne Adamswrote:

I don't have a doctor can't afford that atm. So no climbing i guess

I’m wondering if you are eligible for Medicaid and could get the protective shots you need that way.

I’ve climbed without a backbone for years

Terry Ewrote:

I’m wondering if you are eligible for Medicaid and could get the protective shots you need that way.

Probably but they want you to jump through hops. Not trying to be a smart you know what. 

Tanner Jameswrote:

I absolutely refuse to believe this is a real serious question 

Why is it on so many threads, the 2nd comment is very snarky and it gets a ton of thumbs ups? Does not reflect very well on the "community" here. Although, almost always you can sift through and find sincere people offering help, as on this thread, and that is very cool.

Wayne I wish you all the best in yer health and climbing! 

Frank, please PM me with what you are saying