Enlarged spleen - tests good so far

[Belial1134]

About 8 or 9 days ago I was experiencing pain on my left side which then moved about the whole abdominal area. Finally got blood work done last week and everything came back good. Doctor had me get a ct scan which was good other than an enlarged spleen (14cm)

Today I had a chest X-ray (negative) and more blood drawn (8 tests in all). I've gotten 3 back and so far everything was good on those. I'm meeting with the oncologist/hematologist on Thursday though my anxiety isn't helping at all.

I turn 40 this year. About 5ft 8 and 173 pounds. Last year I had a bout with LPR (silent reflux) but I got over that in mid October. Not sure if this could in any way be related though.

With all the possibilities of what can cause an enlarged spleen, Im worried. Guess I'm looking for others who had similar issues but had good news when all was said and done?

Thank you for reading

[jemma116]

I have read all the posts, and with the intermittent pains that are being experienced on both sides "Today I actually  have dull aches on both of my sides/back" makes me think of the kidneys.

As no infection has been detected, you still may have a kidney problem.  You do not necessarily have to experience that type of pain/discomfort on both sides at the same time - it could be just the one side, both or intermittent.

If you have not had an ultrasound scan done of your kidney and urinary tact (including the bladder), it may be a good idea to have that done.

You may have kidney stones.  Kidney stones can vary in size from as small as a grain of sand.  They don't cause any problems until they start to move.  Some of the symptoms you mentioned earlier did point to kidney problems and even though there was no urinary infection detected, it does no mean that there is not a problem there.

It is the urologist that deals with this, but your doctor can still refer you for an ultrasound scan.  Kidney stones can make you feel very ill and also cause the sensations of bloating and wind - this is called renal colic.

It is extremely important that you drink plenty of fluids and especially water.  Getting dehydrated is not good.  2 litres a day is usually recommended, but more if you sweat a lot.  The doctor or urologist may advise you to drink a little more than this, so do follow their advice.

[mkh9]

Well, if it is IBS you have to change your diet. It is way too high in meat and low in carbs and not enough plant food. This can also cause a problem for the kidneys. High protein is hard on the kidneys. You really don't need that much of it. The colonoscopy isn't that bad. The doctor gave me pills which doesn' t make you cramp but you don't eat anything that day except You stop eating this at a certain time start taking the pills and lots of water. Then you go but I asked if I could take them a few hour earlier and I got to sleep around 10 p.m. Things settled down around then. If there is a good reason to do it I would. I get it done every 5 years due to family history. I just meant I am better at microbiology but I have experienced a lot of things in my life and also have some background in biochemistry and hematology and immunology as well. So, it doesn't matter. As long as I can help.
mkh9

[Belial1134]

My CPR came back this morning and it was good.

I turn 40 this year.

I actually eat a lot more meat than I do fruit and veggies (more veggies than fruit..in fact, I probably rarely eat fruit).
I also probably drink too much diet coke (I don't drink alcohol).
I definitely eat way too many cookies too :)

In all this time (since late December), I've never had fever, vomiting, bloody stool, constipation or diarrhea.
I felt constipated/full but my blood doctor said that was because of the enlarged spleen pushing against my stomach. I haven't had that sensation in a week or longer though.

I wouldn't say good and bad days but during each day it's more noticeable at different times. When I wake up and for the first hour or two is most noticeable

Today I actually have dull aches on both of my sides/back but I'm not having any cramping or spasming. It's just odd how my symptoms vary but never would I say I'm in pain. It falls under 'annoying discomfort'

I do appreciate the replies even if it's getting out of your area.

I did start a new thread about the colonoscopy in the Gastro forums:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Gastroenterology/To-colonoscopy-or-not-to/show/2448916#post_11907641

And yes, everything I read says the prep is worse than the test. Sounds like I would have to sleep in the bathroom.
I

[mkh9]

Probably a good idea. I have had a couple of colonoscopies. The preparation before is worse than the actual colonoscopy provided they put you under or in twilight sleep. How old are you? I am not saying IBS doesn't exist but I find it is a catch all for some doctors. Another thing that has recently been disproven is wheat gluten intolerance except in rare cases. Do you eat a lot of whole grains, veggies and fruits. Not too much meat. If so, you shouldn't have IBS. If not you can change your diet to include a lot of whole grains. Maybe keeping a diary of what you eat is good to see if there is anything that aggravates it. Are there good and bad days? Do you ever have diarrhea? This is getting out of my forum area but just checking.
mkh9

[Belial1134]

As figured, labs came back good.

Dr wants me to go ahead with the colonoscopy but I think I will get a 2nd opinion from a gastro doctor first.  I made an appt for Feb 6th

[mkh9]

I guess. Maybe he is looking at the colon overall for other things too besides IBS.  We'll see.  
mkh9