A friend had a scooter accident and is having her

[ikojo]

spleen removed. How serious is it to have your spleen removed? She is one of the nicest people I have met in quite some time. I hope she is well soon!!

[sammythecat]

1. I only know from anecdotal evidence.

I know 2 people who have had their spleens removed, have physical jobs, and have no negative effects that are apparent.

The starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had to have his removed last season. He'll return to the NFL this season.

Maybe a high altitude climber might be affected because the spleen stores red blood cells and those activities require a plentiful supply.

My guess is she'll be fine and largely unaffected by this, but I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will chime in here and maybe I'll learn something as well.

There's always Google. Google knows everything. :)

[ikojo]

2. I've asked the google and found out that those

who have their spleens removed must be very careful about infections and getting their vaccinations.

As I said this person is so sweet and I hope she'll get back on her scooter once she has recovered. I hope they are able to remove the spleen laparascopically. What I've read online indicates that method offers the quickest recovery period.