The Spleen: Function, Removal, and Recovery After Injury

Question
I am 19 and was recently in an accident with a 1200 pound steer and broke two of my ribs.  One of the broken ribs ruptured my splien and caused me to bleed internally.  Becuase it was a bad rupture the surgeon had to remove it.  The surgeon told me that i would be okay, and that a human doesnt really need the splien.  What does the splien do? Can I still do everything that i normally did?  Thanks for any help

Answer
Hi Ben,
Well, a human DOES need a spleen. It's main function is to destroy "old" red blood cells every 90 days. This isn't a problem as this can be accomplished in other ways. What you DO need to know, is that you will have to get Pneumonia Immunization as the Spleen's absence can lend one at more risk to catch Pneumococcal Pneumonia. See your primary healthcare provider about this issue.