Dear Alice,
My sons are 16 and 18 and have Hereditary Spherocytocis, a disorder that makes the red blood cells spherical instead of "bialy" shaped like they should be. The condition is essentially cured by removing the spleen. They both have had their spleens removed and were prescribed prophylactic penicillin twice a day for an indefinite period of time. This is supposed to protect them in case they become infected with certain bacteria that can be a serious threat for a person without a spleen. With the latest information on the overuse of antibiotics and how it's affecting our health (e.g., healthy bacteria in the gut is killed, resistance builds to other antibiotics, etc.), I'm concerned about this. I've stopped giving them the penicillin daily. What is your understanding of this trade-off? Which is more harmful in the long run, not taking penicillin at all or taking it every day of their lives?
Thank you!