I recently had my spleen removed. First of ist very rare to ahev a tumor in your spleen. Seconsly most tumors in splens are malignant. I was very fortunate to have a hamartoma (i'm liekely to be the onyl perosn in the U.S. who had a benignhamartoma intheir spleen thsi year...that's hwo rare it is). Aside form goignthrough blood clots related to it, I still have something to worry about. My immune systemis so low! I have been vaccinated gaint certain viruses, but teh chaces of getting an infection anywya is like the chance sof a car crash. You ahev tobe careful. Most doctor sonyl know the basics about post splenectomy life.  Information is too recent.  I was wodnering if anyone here weras a respiratory mask inplace sliek trains/buses/planes. I'm afraid to attract too much negative attention from the police (trust me theydo watch you when you ahev amask) and I don't knwo if I shoudl tell passengers beside me that I don't have a contagious disease.
I wish thsi never happened...without your spleen , you feel tired all the time. Any reccomendatiosn woudl be helpful, becaus eyou cna be presse dup against people during certain house in thes eplaces. ( there was also a recent tb outbreak and another perosn with tb came to a ny hospital...the second is not na outbreak. I'm sorry to brign such a negative subject up...but doctor just aren't helpful, form lack fo knowledge and experince in this subject.

Wow, Sarah, I'm sorry you've had to have this experience!  My dad had his spleen removed because he had complications from an appendectomy. He is very careful and takes his antibiotics whenever he is exposed to a sick person.  He lives in a small town so his exposure is probably less than yours.  As far as I know he's never had any problems and not worn a mask in public.

Maybe you could tell people you're highly allergic to explain wearing a mask.  We are talking about your health afterall, so wearing a mask may be of value to you.  Also, if you're not bothered by wearing the mask in public, most people won't be bothered by it.  If you're uncomfortable, they will be, too.

Good Luck!!

I agree with sakina... It's your health, and possibly your life. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, by all means do it. I'm sorry you've had such a rare and crappy thing happen to you.  You definately want to be worried about TB (although I'm sure you already knew that!) It's also a good idea to take anything you bring into your home, whether from a store or a trusted friend, and clean it thoroughly with antibacterial solution before putting it into use.

Your health is the most important thing you need to take care of.  I know of people who wear masks to protect themselves from airborne viruses, etc.  Although it may look "strange", I figure everyone around knows that that person is vulnerable and are just taking care of themselves; which is what you need to do.

Good luck and I hope you can get your strength up so you can fight the "ickies" that are all about.