Experiencing Spleen Discomfort After Consuming Copper-Rich Foods: Could This Indicate Wilson's Disease?
Greetings, I appreciate your interest in this discussion. I aim to present my situation clearly while ensuring I provide sufficient detail. Please brace yourself, as this description is fairly lengthy. To provide a quick overview of my health, I am a 37-year-old male without any noteworthy medical history. Here’s a chronological account of potential signs pointing to Wilson's disease: 1. I have been dealing with hand tremors for a significant period, but this issue worsened dramatically starting in the summer of 2023. Tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as flipping an egg or chopping vegetables, became quite challenging. High doses of zinc seemed to alleviate this for some time in mid-2024, but by October of the same year, the tremors resurfaced, albeit with less intensity than their previous peak. 2. I have a history of insomnia, which escalated alarmingly in summer 2023. For several months, falling asleep within the first four to five hours of the night became nearly impossible, and on some nights, I completely failed to sleep. Despite adhering to various sleep hygiene practices—such as managing my wake times, minimizing screen exposure, and cognitive relaxation techniques—nothing seemed to rectify my sleep challenges. OTC sleep aids were ineffective as well; I tried options like NyQuil and melatonin without success. My insomnia was somewhat alleviated following a zinc regimen, which was complemented by magnesium supplements and Epsom salt baths. Even though I managed to catch more sleep intermittently, as of late 2025, this issue has resurged severely. 3. I frequently experienced an irritating itch just as I was about to fall asleep, sometimes occurring multiple times per night. Despite attempts to pinpoint any irritants in my environment, no clear triggers could be identified. Zinc supplementation notably improved this symptom, which I found particularly torturous as it tantalized me with the prospect of sleep then robbed me of it. 4. A new symptom appeared circa January 2025: a pain in my upper left abdomen, presumed to be related to my spleen. This discomfort first became noticeable after indulging in sweets during the holidays. Initially sporadic, the discomfort aligned closely with dietary choices. I found that my spleen ached when I omitted key foods—like eggs and chicken—from my meals, prompting me to increase my selenium intake through dietary adjustments. However, by November 2025, this pain became increasingly acute, especially after consuming foods with high copper content, like avocados, leading to sharp, stabbing sensations. 5. Peripheral neuropathy also developed in late summer 2025, initially manifesting as numbness primarily on my forehead. As I adjusted my zinc intake, the symptoms fluctuated. Resuming high doses of zinc helped at first, but I began to notice that maintaining low copper consumption while continuing zinc supplementation provided greater relief. 6. Concerns about liver swelling and associated discomfort have arisen. While it may have appeared earlier in my health timeline, recent weeks have made it unequivocally clear. High doses of zinc and regular choline supplementation have been part of my routine since summer 2024 due to cognitive benefits. Notably, I suspect I experienced jaundice during summer 2023 as my diet became rich in copper; the symptoms abated after I resumed NAC supplementation. 7. Blood tests for copper levels taken three separate times—showing values at the low end of normal—prompt further investigation, considering the possibility of Wilson's disease, particularly since ceruloplasmin results have been within or near the standard range. 8. Despite normal liver function tests, I have read that Wilson's can result in spleen enlargement without marked liver damage. Symptoms have been intermittent, but the connection between liver swelling and other issues is concerning. 9. Lastly, I have found a dramatic responsiveness to zinc supplementation, which has positively influenced numerous aspects of my well-being, including sensory perception and digestive health. If you persevered through this detailed account, I am genuinely grateful. I find myself at a loss on how to ensure my doctor understands the seriousness of my symptoms in our brief appointments. If my spleen is currently in pain, should I wait to consult with my physician soon? Thank you once again for your time!
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 2:40:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed history, which helps me understand your concerns better. It sounds like you're experiencing a range of troubling symptoms that may indeed require further evaluation for conditions such as Wilson's disease, given the correlation with dietary changes and copper intake.
Main Points
- Symptom Overview: Your symptoms, particularly abdominal discomfort following copper-rich foods, tremors, insomnia, and possible peripheral neuropathy, suggest a complex health issue that may involve copper metabolism.
- Importance of Timely Consultation: Given the severity of the symptoms and their potential link to Wilson's disease, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider.
Explanation
Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that causes excessive copper accumulation in the body, which can lead to liver and neurological issues. The symptoms you're experiencing, such as tremors, abdominal pain, and copper sensitivity, align with signs of this condition. While your blood tests for copper levels have been normal, symptoms related to copper metabolism can sometimes occur even within the normal range.
The relationship between your diet, symptoms, and zinc supplementation is also noteworthy. Zinc can interfere with copper absorption, which may explain some of the changes you’ve noticed.
Actionable Next Steps
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Prioritize Medical Consultation: Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Prepare a concise summary of your symptoms and their timeline. Emphasize:
- The pain in your upper left abdomen after eating copper-rich foods.
- Your tremors and any worsening neurological symptoms.
- The effect of zinc on your symptoms. Make sure to mention any concerns regarding Wilson's disease, as this will help guide the physician's focus during your evaluation.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary leading up to your appointment. Note:
- Frequency and severity of each symptom (e.g., abdominal pain, tremors).
- Foods consumed before symptoms occur.
- Effects of any supplements (e.g., zinc, magnesium).
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Review Your Diet: Until your appointment, consider reducing your intake of high-copper foods (like avocados and nuts) that trigger your symptoms. Monitor your symptoms to see if there's any improvement.
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Stay Informed: Educate yourself about Wilson's disease, its testing (like 24-hour urinary copper tests), and how to discuss it with your doctor. This can empower you during your consultation.
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Support Network: Consider discussing your situation with trusted friends or family members who can provide emotional support as you navigate these health concerns.
Do remember that although your symptoms are concerning, you are taking the right steps by seeking clarity through your healthcare provider. Stay proactive and focused; you deserve to address these health challenges comprehensively.
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