Considering Golf with an Enlarged Spleen
Hello everyone, I wanted to share that I have hereditary spherocytosis and recently discovered that my spleen measures about 20 cm. I have an appointment with a hematologist coming up, but I'm eager to gather some insights from others. I understand that high-contact sports are generally ill-advised due to the potential for splenic rupture. However, what are your thoughts on playing golf? While it lacks the vigorous movements of other sports, it does require a lot of core twisting, and there’s always a chance of injuries. I fully intend to follow my doctor’s advice, yet I’m interested in understanding how serious the risks might be associated with a spleen of this size. Has anyone here faced a similar situation or have relevant medical expertise to share?
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 5:11:08 AM
OpenHealth AI
Playing golf with an enlarged spleen, especially due to a condition like hereditary spherocytosis, does have considerations to keep in mind. It's great that you're already planning to discuss this with your hematologist, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific health profile.
Key Points:
- An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can pose a risk of rupture, particularly during activities that could lead to trauma.
- Golf is generally considered lower-impact than many other sports, but it does have movements that could potentially cause strain.
Understanding the Risks:
- The spleen is vulnerable to injury, and sports with significant contact or sudden force are typically discouraged.
- While golf is not a contact sport, any physical activity poses some risk, especially if it involves twisting movements and can lead to falls or awkward positions.
Next Steps:
- Discuss with Your Hematologist: This is your most critical step. Share your interest in playing golf and ask about specific risks based on your spleen size and overall health. They may provide guidelines tailored to you.
- Consider Modifying Your Play: If you get the green light to play, you might consider adjustments, like minimizing intense swings or avoiding hilly courses that could increase the risk of falls.
- Pay Attention to Symptoms: Monitor for any side effects like abdominal pain or unusual fatigue while playing. If you experience these, stop and inform your healthcare provider.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as physical exertion can stress your body. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
It's understandable to feel anxious about the risks, but with appropriate precautions and professional guidance, you can make informed decisions about your activities. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Should I Be Concerned?
Greetings everyone. I’m a 22-year-old woman seeking some guidance. For as long as I can recall, I have noticed these "lumps" on my scalp. They generally match my skin tone and appear stable, showing no signs of growth or change in size. Their height ranges from approximately 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch, if measured generously. I’m curious to know if these should raise any red flags for me. Thank you for your input!
Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience
Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to seek insights regarding an experience from my adolescent years, roughly between the ages of 12 and 14. I’m currently 25 years old (female). To give you a bit of context, I encountered a troubling incident while bending down to access my locker; suddenly, my neck locked in a position to the side, rendering it completely immobile. The pain was unbearable. In response, my father thought it best to take me to a chiropractor, which seemed to provide some relief, yet I continued to endure significant pain and noticed an unusual odor that lingered for nearly a week. Unfortunately, this episode recurred a few months later, and I underwent the same routine; once again, I experienced that odd smell and extreme discomfort. Since those two occurrences, I have faced similar issues on only a couple of occasions, during which I opted for hospital care instead of chiropractic treatment. The medical professionals provided muscle relaxants, which effectively alleviated my pain without any bizarre lingering odor. Since those formative experiences, I have been left with a constant discomfort in my right shoulder, which feels strained frequently, and I find that my head tends to tilt towards one side. What could have caused this neck locking issue during my youth, and could my decision to visit a chiropractor instead of a physician have led to ongoing complications? I'm eager to understand what happened during those situations!
Frustration Over Medical Error: My Child's X-Rays Were of the Wrong Foot
[Patient: A healthy 2.5-year-old boy, average height and weight] I could really use some support right now. A couple of days ago, my toddler injured his foot while playing on a slide at the park. Since then, he hasn't been able to walk without pain or put weight on that foot, only managing to take a few steps at best. We visited his pediatrician, who performed an examination and concluded that the issue was with his left foot. She requested x-rays for that specific foot. After the x-rays were taken, the results indicated no fractures, merely suggesting a soft tissue injury that would require rest. However, after watching him struggle to move today, I've realized that he's actually favoring his left foot, while it’s his right foot that he's avoiding! They took x-rays of the wrong foot! 🤦♀️ As a parent, I feel absolutely devastated that this error occurred. I find myself overwhelmed with guilt for putting him through unnecessary radiation exposure. They captured around eight pictures of a foot that isn’t injured at all. The financial aspect—having spent $600 on those x-rays—feels secondary to the worry about the radiation and the continued uncertainty regarding whether there’s an actual injury. I'm feeling extremely upset and incompetent as a mother. Maybe someone could help me understand the radiation risk better? I’m really struggling with this situation.
Should I Be Worried? Firm Lump on Thigh with Expanding Swelling
I’m seeking guidance regarding a concerning issue. A solid lump emerged on my inner thigh just two days ago and has enlarged to about a centimeter in size within the day. It seems as if there are two adjacent abscesses. While it isn’t painful, I noticed some swelling yesterday, which has since increased. I am a 25-year-old trans man, standing at 5'10" and weighing around 170 lbs. I have a history of skin infections, including multiple occurrences of cellulitis and shingles that I experienced when I was 11. Additionally, I sometimes get pimples on my inner thighs. Currently, I receive 0.5mL testosterone injections weekly and take 200mg of sertraline daily. I have also recently begun iron supplements.
Seeking Advice on Staying Active with Heart Palpitations
As a 21-year-old standing 6 feet tall and weighing 135 pounds, I've found myself quite inactive recently due to my studies. I had every intention of returning to my usual workout regimen last week, but I ended up experiencing heart palpitations. My physician advised against lifting weights for the time being, and the earliest appointment I could secure with a cardiologist is not until late February. In the interim, I want to maintain my health and keep moving. I’ve set a daily goal of walking between 10,000 and 15,000 steps. However, without access to weights, I’m eager to discover alternative bodyweight exercises that are safe for me to implement. What are some light or gentle activities I could engage in until I receive my evaluation? I initially sought advice on r/bodyweightfitness, but I was directed here for assistance!