Concerns About Spleen Health?
At 23 years old, I experienced some unsettling symptoms recently. A few nights back, I began to feel a pain in the center of my chest that later shifted towards the left side. Interestingly, I found that gentle pressure provided some relief. Alongside this discomfort, I also had brief sensations of tingling in my left arm and leg, which faded quickly. The following morning, I awoke with sharp pain beneath my left rib that came in waves, resembling a stabbing sensation that would ease for short intervals. It was accompanied by discomfort radiating through my right shoulder and a dull ache in my upper back. This sensation lingered throughout the day, prompting me to take a nap in hopes of feeling better. Unfortunately, upon waking, the pain persisted. Feeling concerned, I decided to visit the emergency room for further evaluation, where they conducted several tests to rule out any heart attack indicators. This included an EKG, X-rays, and comprehensive blood work. The tests indicated that my potassium levels were low, which raised some alarms. Additionally, when I arrived at the ER, my temperature was slightly elevated at 99.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and my blood pressure was somewhat low, particularly the diastolic reading at 58. The medical staff reassured me that everything appeared normal and suggested I take Tylenol for the discomfort. Despite their reassurances, I can’t help but feel anxious about this vague pain. Should I be worried about the possibility of an enlarged or ruptured spleen? Will the full blood work reveal any underlying problems? The doctors did not express any immediate concern, but I have a follow-up appointment scheduled in a week with my primary care physician to discuss this further.
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 4:03:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after experiencing such unsettling symptoms and seeking reassurance. Your symptoms, including chest pain, tingling in your extremities, and discomfort under your rib, can have various causes. Based on your recent ER visit and tests, here's a summarized response addressing your concerns and next steps.
Main Points:
- Symptoms and Evaluation: The combination of symptoms you're experiencing could have multiple causes, and the tests already conducted seem to rule out immediate heart issues.
- Spleen Concern: There has been no indication from the tests that suggest an issue with your spleen, like enlargement or rupture.
- Ongoing Monitoring: It’s essential to continue monitoring your symptoms and follow up with your primary care physician.
Explanation:
Your chest pain, especially with the relief from pressure, could be related to musculoskeletal issues, stress, or gastrointestinal problems. The tingling in your arm and leg might also be related to anxiety or posture rather than a direct concern with your spleen or heart. The low potassium levels and slightly elevated temperature are worth discussing further but are not directly indicative of spleen problems.
Next Steps:
- Track Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting their intensity, duration, and any associated activities. This will help your doctor assess the situation better in your follow-up.
- Monitor Potassium Levels: Consider increasing your potassium intake through foods like bananas, spinach, and avocados, especially if your doctor suggests low levels are a concern.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Prepare for your upcoming appointment by listing your symptoms, related lifestyle factors (like stress or diet), and any questions you may have. This will help your primary care physician give you the best advice.
Remember, while it’s normal to feel uneasy, you were thoroughly evaluated in the ER, and many concerns were addressed. Your follow-up visit is an excellent opportunity to clarify your ongoing discomfort and gain further reassurance. If symptoms worsen before your appointment, such as increasing pain or new symptoms, reach out for immediate support.
Related Questions
Concerns About Potential Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
For the past three to four years, I have been dealing with a persistent numbness in my left foot. Initially, I suspected it might be due to a pinched nerve or perhaps something similar, but the sensation has never completely returned. As time has gone by, I've encountered additional worrying symptoms: - My feet have started to develop a purple hue, particularly evident when I sit in positions that put pressure on my legs or when I take a shower. This discoloration has become one of the most alarming signs of my condition. - The growth of my toenails has slowed considerably, and they now appear uneven and ridged. - Additionally, my feet have a temperature that feels significantly colder than the rest of my body, and they no longer grow hair as they once did. I do not smoke and I’m not diabetic; however, I have high cholesterol and received an elevated result on a lipoprotein test. The prospect of PAD is frightening to me, as it seems synonymous with a grim future. I have been referred to a cardiologist, but they are reluctant to conduct an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test since I am under 35. I want to remain hopeful and believe I don't have PAD, yet I struggle to identify any other plausible explanations for these symptoms. What could be potential alternatives to consider, if any exist?
Unexplained Left Chest Pain, Electric-Like Jabs in Lower Back, and Unusual Headaches
Hi there, I’m a 15-year-old experiencing some peculiar health issues lately. A visit to my doctor led to a diagnosis of anxiety and poor posture after I complained about headaches and strange, electric sensations rising through my head. However, after that appointment, I became aware of pain in my heart and strange discomfort in my left chest accompanied by difficulty breathing. Initially, I thought these symptoms aligned with anxiety, but they persisted long enough to cause concern. To rule out any serious conditions, I underwent a blood test, which fortunately came back normal. Despite the positive results, I continued to feel unusual pains in my heart region and a peculiar ache in my lower abdomen. The doctor had previously mentioned my poor posture and identified an issue with my occipital nerve, which I’ve somewhat addressed. Now, though, I find myself having intermittent back pain and brief discomfort just beneath my left lung. These pains are indeed strange; they don’t always last long, sometimes just fading after five seconds or they might stick around for several minutes. I tend to spend a lot of time in bed and don’t often leave the house, yet when I do, these pains still occur. Thankfully, they aren’t debilitating, but I can't help but feel anxious thinking something might be significantly wrong with my health. It’s unsettling and I’d prefer not to dwell on such thoughts. To summarize: I experience chest pain in my lower left quadrant, specifically near my lung, alongside a mild but uncomfortable sensation that waxes and wanes. Additionally, I suffer from headaches located on the upper left side of my head. I apologize for any grammatical errors as I used voice-to-text for this message. Another detail that might be relevant is that I have recently quit vaping, now almost 22 days ago, and I wonder if this could be part of the recovery process.
Expectorated Large Tissue with Blood
At 28 years old, I experienced a fever the previous night, after which I had no other cold symptoms. To my surprise, today I coughed just once and expelled a significant piece of tissue mixed with blood. Following this alarming incident, I sought medical attention at an urgent care facility because I developed a headache immediately afterward and felt a peculiar "butterfly" sensation in my chest. The healthcare professionals did not conduct any laboratory tests or imaging studies, instead opting to prescribe antibiotics for what they suspected might be an infection. Is this an appropriate response to my situation? This is quite concerning.
Understanding Kidney Pain: Should You Be Concerned?
As a 15-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB), I've been dealing with acid reflux, although I've been neglecting to take any supplements. I also have scoliosis, which I doubt is linked to my current issue. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my kidney area, specifically in my back, where my kidneys are situated. My mother suggested that this discomfort might indeed stem from my kidneys. For several months now, I haven't pinpointed the cause. I typically consume about 1 to 1.5 liters of water daily, and occasionally I drink cola, though I've reduced that due to my reflux. I sometimes have peach juice or plain tea, but those drinks have become quite infrequent. Despite my fluid intake, it seems my pain level remains consistent regardless of what I drink. The pain primarily affects my right kidney, but during more intense episodes, I also feel discomfort in my left kidney. I've tried lying down and applying gentle pressure to the area, which provides a bit of relief. Aside from occasional bladder discomfort today, I haven't experienced any additional pain that relates to my kidneys, aside from the persistent back pain from scoliosis and the usual stomach and chest pains from my reflux. Is it necessary for me to consult a doctor about this concern? 🥺 I am hesitant to go unless it's truly serious because I was hospitalized last summer due to undiagnosed tics and twitches—likely anxiety-related—and I spent the entire winter seeing doctors for this issue and my scoliosis. I’m also worried about missing school due to more medical appointments, especially since my doctor has a packed schedule, and I'm uncertain if she would prioritize my concern if it doesn't seem urgent. When I was hospitalized last summer, tests including urine and blood analysis showed no significant issues, so I'm unsure whether this warrants another visit now.
Persistent Shin Discomfort
For the past year, I have been grappling with ongoing discomfort in my shins. Despite consulting multiple physiotherapists and doctors, I have yet to find a solution to my problem. My routine has included extensive strength training targeting my hips, glutes, calves, and lower leg muscles. I've also taken steps to improve my running form and have experimented with various recovery techniques, such as foam rolling and using massage devices. No matter what I try, the pain persists, specifically on the inner side of my lower legs. Initially, I suspected that I was suffering from shin splints. However, given my varied attempts at treatment and the lack of improvement, I am starting to believe that the issue might be something different. Even mundane activities, like walking around at home, have become increasingly uncomfortable, not to mention my inability to ride a stationary bike without experiencing pain. If anyone has any insights or recommendations that could assist me in alleviating this issue, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your help! I'm a 20-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 70 kilograms.