Severe Abdominal Distension Following Mom's Splenectomy
A few years ago, my mother, who is 75 years old and weighs 140 pounds, underwent a splenectomy due to an autoimmune disorder. Ever since her surgery three years back, she has been plagued by intense and persistent abdominal bloating that leads to a notable swelling of her stomach. This not only causes her significant discomfort but also severely limits her mobility, making it hard for her to walk. Despite undergoing an MRI, her doctor has been unable to diagnose the problem, which seems clearly linked to her surgery. Frustratingly, even the esteemed Mayo Clinic declined to schedule an appointment for her. It has been incredibly frustrating that no healthcare professionals my mother has consulted have been able to provide even a hint regarding the source of her distress. Currently, she is on two medications: one is a blood thinner, and the other addresses a condition related to atrial fibrillation that she experienced about a year ago. However, it is worth noting that her bloating issues began prior to the onset of her atrial fibrillation.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 11:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
The severe abdominal distension your mother is experiencing since her splenectomy could be due to several underlying factors, including changes in digestion, fluid retention, or issues related to her autoimmune disorder. It’s understandable that this situation is frustrating, especially with limited answers from healthcare professionals. Here's a breakdown of potential reasons and some prioritized steps to consider.
Explanation of Potential Causes
- Fluid Retention: After a splenectomy, the body may experience changes in fluid balance, leading to swelling and bloating.
- Digestive Changes: The removal of the spleen can affect how the body processes food and fluids. This might lead to increased gas production or altered gut motility, contributing to bloating.
- Underlying Conditions: Since your mother has an autoimmune disorder, it’s possible that there are related gastrointestinal issues (like dysbiosis or inflammation) contributing to her symptoms.
- Medication Side Effects: The medications your mother takes (blood thinner and atrial fibrillation treatment) may also have gastrointestinal side effects, including bloating.
Immediate Next Steps
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Encourage your mother to keep a food diary to identify any dietary triggers that may worsen her bloating, such as certain carbohydrates (beans, broccoli, dairy).
- Consider a low-FODMAP diet temporarily, which can help alleviate gas and bloating.
-
Hydration and Movement:
- Ensure she stays well-hydrated, as this supports digestion. Encourage small, frequent sips of water throughout the day.
- Gentle walking or light stretching can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating. If mobility is challenging, even seated exercises might be beneficial.
-
Review Medications:
- If possible, review her current medications with a pharmacist as some medications can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or contribute to bloating.
-
Consult a Gastroenterologist:
- Since her bloating is persistent and affecting her mobility, seek a referral to a gastroenterologist who specializes in post-surgical gastrointestinal issues. Explain her history and ask about comprehensive evaluations for conditions like abdominal adhesions or gastrointestinal dysmotility that may not have shown in the MRI.
-
Consider Over-the-Counter Remedies:
- If appropriate, over-the-counter remedies like simethicone (e.g., Gas-X) may help relieve gas-related bloating. Always check if these are suitable with her healthcare provider or pharmacist first.
-
Relaxation Techniques:
- Encourage practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort.
Moving Forward
Addressing this issue requires patience and sometimes a multi-disciplinary approach. You may need to advocate strongly for your mother to ensure she receives the thorough evaluation and care she deserves. Keeping a well-documented record of her symptoms and any changes following these adjustments might be helpful in her consultations.
Thank you for being such a supportive advocate for your mother. Let me know if you need more information on any specific aspect or further assistance.
Related Questions
Understanding My Symptoms: A Personal Account
I’m sharing my experiences here, as I haven’t received much feedback elsewhere. I am a 15-year-old female, measuring about 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighing between 105 and 110 pounds (47-50 kg). I identify as Hispanic and Cuban, and legally fall under the white classification. I reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and I am a U.S. citizen. I have a diagnosis of Autism and previously had ADD, although that diagnosis has been dropped, which leaves me unsure about my current condition—whether ADHD applies or not. Additionally, I have a past history of anemia, although it is currently not diagnosed. For the past year, I've experienced a range of symptoms that appear intermittently and are often present almost daily. While these symptoms vary, they haven’t subsided. I’ve noticed that both physical activity and caffeine can either trigger or exacerbate these issues. Now, I’d like to detail the symptoms I've been facing. One of my major concerns is my balance; when I stand, I often feel unsteady, and sometimes I even limp. This particular symptom is quite troubling as it occurs frequently. I also experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, which leaves me feeling too weak to move, causing me to remain still for prolonged periods. During episodes of significant fatigue or balance issues, I find myself starting to stutter and I suspect my speech may slur at times. Additionally, my hands sometimes shake, especially when I struggle to walk. There could be other symptoms I haven’t recalled yet, but this is what I remember for now. I will provide updates if I think of anything else, and I welcome any engagement. Furthermore, I’ve noticed irregularities with my heart rate. Initially, when these symptoms began, my resting heart rate dropped from the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s; this lower rate has persisted. Lately, however, even simple tasks such as standing, walking short distances, or rocking back and forth (which I do as a self-soothing mechanism) have caused my heart rate to spike to the 100s. These changes are new, while the other symptoms have been consistent for about a year. I genuinely seek guidance or support, as I feel uneasy relying on AI for self-assessment. Unfortunately, I can't afford doctor visits at this time, and my caretaker has shown little concern for my well-being. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting medical consultations. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m open to any questions.
What Could This Bump Be? Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 22-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. I currently don’t take any medications and have no significant medical history. Recently, I discovered two small, white bumps on my finger, which appeared around two days ago. They feel firm, much like the sensation of a splinter lodged underneath the skin, and they stick out slightly above the surface. One bump is located at the joint of one finger, while the other is positioned at the tip of another finger on my opposite hand. These bumps are neither painful nor bothersome, but I’m curious to know whether I should consider having them removed or if they might resolve on their own over time. I would appreciate any guidance regarding this matter. Thank you!
Frequent Headaches and Unusual Symptoms
Greetings, I’m a 20-year-old female. Lately, I've been suffering from unexpected headaches almost daily. Additionally, I've begun to feel nauseous during car rides and when experiencing movement. Even potent odors, like the smell of cooking, tend to trigger these headaches. No amount of ibuprofen seems to alleviate the pain. I don’t currently have a physician, and I can confirm that I’m not expecting a child.
Concerns About Rhabdomyolysis?
Background - F34, residing in Texas, USA, is currently trying to get back into shape after a period of inactivity. After an intense workout on Wednesday that included squats and lunges, I pushed myself too hard. Following my strength training, I spent 15 minutes on the elliptical, leaving my legs feeling weak and shaky. Since then, I've experienced difficulty walking, sitting, and even rising from a seated position. Although I have dealt with muscle soreness before, this time feels different and more intense. This morning, I woke up experiencing post-nasal drip and a sore throat, which raises concerns about possibly coming down with a cold or flu. However, I am also aware that rhabdomyolysis can present with flu-like symptoms, making my situation more confusing. By the evening, my condition seemed to worsen, as I began to feel chills, generalized body aches, swollen lymph nodes, a headache, and nausea, though I haven’t actually vomited. While I believe these symptoms correlate with a potential cold or flu, there is significant symptom overlap that makes me uncertain about the level of concern I should have. So far, my urine appears normal—slightly yellow but not the tea-colored hue often associated with rhabdomyolysis. I also conducted a COVID-19 and flu test this evening, and fortunately, the results were negative. I am left wondering at what point I should be alarmed enough to seek medical attention for rhabdomyolysis. As long as my urine remains normal, does that mean I'm in the clear? If it weren’t for the flu-like symptoms, I would feel reassured by the appearance of my urine, but now I’m second-guessing that. Any guidance on what symptoms to monitor for or when it might be appropriate to seek medical evaluation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Is This a Hemorrhoid or Something Different?
Greetings everyone, I'm a 24-year-old male weighing 82 kg, and I’ve noticed a small, pinkish growth at the edge of my anus that appeared last Wednesday. This bump doesn’t seem to be deeply rooted, is only mildly painful, and mainly causes an uncomfortable sensation when I cough or tense the area. Notably, I haven’t observed any pus, significant swelling, or fever accompanying this. Currently, I am on a regimen that includes sertraline, Bifilac (a probiotic), and omeprazole. It's worth mentioning that I had an abscess before—located in my abdominal area—and that experience was quite distressing. Because of this, I find myself feeling anxious and concerned that I might overlook any early indicators this time around. Interestingly, the same day the bump appeared, I also began experiencing nasal congestion and a general sense of fatigue, resembling mild cold or viral symptoms. Do you think this situation aligns more with the characteristics of a hemorrhoid or perhaps a skin tag (papule), rather than an abscess? What typical signs and sensations might accompany early-stage hemorrhoids? I apologize for any discomfort caused by this topic, but I’m not looking for a diagnosis, just some insight into whether this aligns with common issues. Thanks for your help!