Hi to everyone on the forum.
Just been booked in for a splenectomy, end of this month.
Was wondering if anyone can provide any information about what to expect when you have this procedure and also have multiple myeloma.
I will be having laparoscopic surgery, and have been told 5 days hospital, 6-8 weeks recovery time. Also have been told by the doctors only a 60% chance of success resolving my problem of a low platelet count! But we have tried all other treatment options and they have failed,.
Have been going to my yoga classes now for 3 weeks and walking every day so I am a bit disappointed, back to recovery mode for awhile!
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9 posts
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Tori - Name: Victoria
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
Tori, I have low platelets as a result of ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura). I was just given a heavy dose of IVIG, and my platelets went from 60 to 230. Have they tried that first?
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carolynah618
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
I am 75 yrs old and am diagnosed with multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia (presently in remission). I had a splenectomy two weeks ago. I was in the hospital for 2 nights. For me, the operation was uneventful and I am now completely recovered.
My surgery was done laparoscopically. There was some pain the first for days, but nothing like abdominal surgery.
Hope this is helpful for you. You'll do fine.
My surgery was done laparoscopically. There was some pain the first for days, but nothing like abdominal surgery.
Hope this is helpful for you. You'll do fine.
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Ellie
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
Hi Carol,
I have had two treatments of IVIG. Both times my platelets went up, but then dropped back down again over a couple of weeks. Usually they are between 11 and 40.
Ellie, glad that your operation was without any major problems. What was the reason for your surgery, and was it a success?
Doctor has just advised that the operation will be done on the 30th September, so not that long to wait.
I have had two treatments of IVIG. Both times my platelets went up, but then dropped back down again over a couple of weeks. Usually they are between 11 and 40.
Ellie, glad that your operation was without any major problems. What was the reason for your surgery, and was it a success?
Doctor has just advised that the operation will be done on the 30th September, so not that long to wait.
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Tori - Name: Victoria
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
It sounds like your surgery is coming up very soon. Wishing you all the best for a successful splenectomy with good outcomes and better health.
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Toni - Name: Toni
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 51
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
Tori,
My spleen had multiple lesions and was getting enlarged. My doctor was concerned the lesions could contain leukemia cells. My platelet count has been low, but not enough to recommend a splenectomy.
The surgery in itself is a relatively simple procedure. You can find videos of the procedure online. I watched one before I had the surgery.
Hope yours goes as good as mine!
My spleen had multiple lesions and was getting enlarged. My doctor was concerned the lesions could contain leukemia cells. My platelet count has been low, but not enough to recommend a splenectomy.
The surgery in itself is a relatively simple procedure. You can find videos of the procedure online. I watched one before I had the surgery.
Hope yours goes as good as mine!
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Ellie
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
Ellie,
Your situation sounds almost exactly like my father's. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and the doctors are wanting to remove his spleen ASAP (it is the size of a football). I know it is needed and necessary, but I am so terribly scared of how his body will not be able to fight infections as common as strep throat after this procedure.
How are you since your surgery, and can you offer any insight as to what to expect?
Your situation sounds almost exactly like my father's. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and the doctors are wanting to remove his spleen ASAP (it is the size of a football). I know it is needed and necessary, but I am so terribly scared of how his body will not be able to fight infections as common as strep throat after this procedure.
How are you since your surgery, and can you offer any insight as to what to expect?
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Natalie
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
Hi Natalie,
Just an update on my splenectomy ... It was done in September and my platelet count has been normal since October. I did not have any problems with my recovery; I was sore for about 4 weeks, have not had any problems with my immune system, and am feeling a lot better since the surgery.
Please do worry too much. I know it is a worrying time for your family, but I can honestly say it was the best thing I have done. After having my checkups every month and then having to have transfusions every month due to my low platelet count, it took a lot of the pressure and concern away.
Good luck with whatever decision you make, I am sure it will be the right one.
Just an update on my splenectomy ... It was done in September and my platelet count has been normal since October. I did not have any problems with my recovery; I was sore for about 4 weeks, have not had any problems with my immune system, and am feeling a lot better since the surgery.
Please do worry too much. I know it is a worrying time for your family, but I can honestly say it was the best thing I have done. After having my checkups every month and then having to have transfusions every month due to my low platelet count, it took a lot of the pressure and concern away.
Good luck with whatever decision you make, I am sure it will be the right one.
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Tori - Name: Victoria
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Splenectomy with multiple myeloma: what to expect?
Hi,
My godfather has smoldering myeloma which has caused his spleen to become very enlarged and painful, so he's looking for treatments.
Are there any side effects to the splenectomy, particularly if you have the procedure when you have multiple myeloma? Also, are there any medications that help during the recovery?
Thank you so much!
Cheers,
Andie
My godfather has smoldering myeloma which has caused his spleen to become very enlarged and painful, so he's looking for treatments.
Are there any side effects to the splenectomy, particularly if you have the procedure when you have multiple myeloma? Also, are there any medications that help during the recovery?
Thank you so much!
Cheers,
Andie
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andiemyer - Name: Andie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Godfather
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2002
- Age at diagnosis: 51
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