Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

Is a spleenectomy warranted? My case

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Andy Battaglia:
Addressing the subject of doctors not being up to date on thalassemia treatment, and why I stress annual evaluations at a Center of Excellence each year: Patients in managed care programs are routinely living into their 40's, 50's and even 60's. This is the case because an effort is made to stay current with advancements in treatment and understanding what that treatment should be. A doctor operating with information circa 2000 will not be aware of the changes in treatment during the past decade and will be doing his patients a great disfavor. I am very troubled by the number of patients in the US who are still dying in their 20's and 30's because there is no excuse for it anymore. I feel that every US patient should be registered with CAF and also be directed to a Center of Excellence for an annual evaluation, so that all the necessary tests and scans are done and so that information can be used to adjust the treatment regimens where needed. CAF is doing a great job directing patients to thal friendly doctors and it should always be the starting place when trying to decide where to go. And frankly, there is not a single doctor out there who isn't aware of the duty to always continue learning so that information is always current. Not doing so might let one skate along in terms of treating the common cold, but when it comes to thalassemia, it doesn't work. The amount of research about treating thal is phenomenal and we can expect significant advances over the next 25 years. Doctors need to stay current, and hematologists especially so.

CrazyPharm:
My hematologist is primarily concerned with bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant for oncology patients. That is is "money-maker." It is unfortunate that his Thalassemia patients have to suffer due to his lack of interest in this field. However, he would beg to differ.

Andy Battaglia:
One of my employees was pressured into a BMT to cure lymphoma after he had a recurrence in one spot in his body. 2 1/2 years later, he is alive but nearly died a couple times, spent a long time in the ICU, and still is dealing with the effects of having a unrelated BMT during his mid 50's. He recently told me that if he had the choice, he wouldn't do it again, but would opt for chemo. The BMT was far more expensive than chemo and I have always felt that was why he was pressured to go for a BMT. Don't allow doctors to pressure you into unnecessary procedures. Splenectomy now falls into that category for most thal majors.

DrRajpal:

--- Quote from: Andy on April 18, 2012, 12:25:19 AM ---One of my employees was pressured into a BMT to cure lymphoma after he had a recurrence in one spot in his body. 2 1/2 years later, he is alive but nearly died a couple times, spent a long time in the ICU, and still is dealing with the effects of having a unrelated BMT during his mid 50's. He recently told me that if he had the choice, he wouldn't do it again, but would opt for chemo. The BMT was far more expensive than chemo and I have always felt that was why he was pressured to go for a BMT. Don't allow doctors to pressure you into unnecessary procedures. Splenectomy now falls into that category for most thal majors.

--- End quote ---
great Andy sir,
you have command on each topic.

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