Strep 2x in 4 wks - post splenectomy

[Jenny_126]

After not having strep throat in many years (at least 8-10), I think I have it a 2nd time in 4 weeks.

I have a low fever (99.5-101, down to 97 w Motrin)
Tonsils swollen and covered in white patches
Difficulty swallowing even water

I had a splenectomy in 2011 for hereditary spherocytosis.

The last strep infection did not respond to penicillin and within 24 hrs I was at ER w raging infection.

It is a weekend. Should I try to wait til Monday, or call Dr? Dr phone message said "for after hours emergencies" - technically not an emergency... But with no spleen know my risk for OPSI. Any thoughts appreciated

[Jenny_126]

Thank you. Yes, strep has become my life... Sometimes I wish I kept the spleen. Do you have fever often?

[Jenny_126]

And now...blood & mucus great

[Jenny_126]

Finished antibiotics Sunday....throat already hurts!!

[momtothree08]

I have had a spleenectomy and strep is very easy to get when you do not have spleen as well as other sicknesses, because the spleen helps fight off infection. Taking vitamins seems to help boost the immune system and will help wort off sickness.   Be sure that you always let any healthcare provider know you do not have a spleen. I hope this helps.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

If the fever and cough have subsided, its likely that the infection has responded to the antibiotic. It may take sometime for complete recovery. Hope you are still on bronchodilators. Repeated steam inhalations can help loosen up and bring out the secretions, though this should be done prior to meals. Also, eat a good balanced diet to boost up your immune system and to help tackle the infections.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Jenny_126]

Thanks for the replies! Before the weekend, I had no cough or chest pain. I'm feeling pressure on sides of my ribs and pain between shoulder blades. Course of prednisone completed today. Today is day 11 of antibiotics. Still quite tired, and out of breath walking far or up stairs. If still having pain tomorrow will go back before the weekend...days like these I wish I kept the spleen!  Afraid to visit a sick relative in the hospital lest I catch something else...

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament. Post splenectomy can increase the susceptibility to certain infections, as the macrophages (immune cells) which capture the bacteria are not destroyed in the spleen. Hence, you need to take precautions with infections and report to your doctor early when you experience any symptoms like fever. Now, for the pneumonia, take the medications as prescribed and follow up with your doctor. Just a word of caution, upper right lobe pneumonias are more common with tuberculosis, so discuss this with your doctor.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Jenny_126]

And.... Back to Dr. Also have pneumonia in upper right lobe. Yikes.

[Jenny_126]

Thanks!

I ended up testing positive for strep, starting oral antibiotics. Next day, needed IV antibiotics - fever up and felt worse.

On the mend but new experience w strep haven't had - difficulty breathing. Fever down & throat improving after 9 doses oral antibiotic, IV antibiotic and oral steroid. Have inhaled but not helping. Back to MD today I guess...

Why is strep so difficult post splendctomy? Pre- it was just a nuisance... I've felt horrid for 6 days.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

White patches are common in many throat infections. The sore throat and tonsillitis which you had may have contributed to it. In response to the infection the body produces soft white debris which collects in the tiny indentations in the tonsils called crypts. Repeated salt water gargles/betadine mouthwash will help. Mix one teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and gargle. If the patches increase in size or become painful then consult your doctor.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.