Concerns About Spleen Health
*NOTE: Correct title should reference the SPLEEN, not “Olsen.”* I have some concerns regarding my spleen and whether an enlargement would be detected through blood tests. Last Saturday night, I consumed a glass of wine and subsequently experienced a dull yet intense pain on the left side of my torso beneath my ribs, which was quite tender to the touch. After drinking some water and allowing some time to pass, the discomfort subsided. However, three days later, I had another glass of wine, and the pain returned, even stronger than before. It reached a point where I almost felt the need to visit the emergency room due to the severity of the ache and tenderness, which made movement difficult. After lying down for a few hours, the pain eased but remained tender to some degree. The following day, I contacted my nurse and underwent blood tests to assess my liver function and a complete blood count (CBC). My nurse informed me later that the results appeared normal. Despite abstaining from alcohol since then, I’ve experienced intermittent pain over the past few days, though it has not been as intense. This discomfort seems to be in the general area where the spleen is situated, prompting me to consider whether further tests are necessary. Additionally, I've had some nausea and an upset stomach for the last couple of days. I’m left wondering if it would be prudent to pursue additional investigations and what those might entail. For reference, I am assigned female at birth, weigh approximately 135 lbs, stand 5’7" tall, and I'm 30 years old. I also have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a pre-existing condition, for which I'm currently taking prednisone, plaquenil, and colchicine.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 9:20:28 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort that has raised valid concerns about your spleen and overall health, especially given your history with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here's a summary of the main points and what you can consider as next steps.
Summary of Main Points:
- Your symptoms of left-sided pain and tenderness could relate to an issue with your spleen or other abdominal organs.
- Blood tests can indicate certain issues, but they may not always detect spleen enlargement directly.
- Intermittent pain and gastrointestinal symptoms justify further evaluation, especially with your lupus background.
Explanation:
The spleen is located on the left side of your body, beneath your ribs, and can become enlarged (splenomegaly) for various reasons, including infections, certain autoimmune conditions like lupus, or liver issues. Your recent blood tests showing normal liver function are reassuring, but if pain persists, additional testing might be warranted.
While alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach and lead to discomfort, your symptoms—particularly under the influence of alcohol and your underlying health issues—warrant careful monitoring.
Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Keep a diary of your pain – noting its frequency, intensity, and relationship to meals and activities. Also, document any related symptoms like nausea or changes in appetite.
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Hydration and Diet: Ensure you're well-hydrated and consider avoiding irritants (like alcohol and spicy foods) that may exacerbate your stomach discomfort.
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Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief if it's appropriate for you (as per your healthcare provider's recommendation) to manage discomfort.
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Follow Up on Tests: Discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of additional imaging tests (like an ultrasound or CT scan) which can help assess the size of the spleen and other abdominal organs more directly, particularly given your ongoing symptoms.
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Monitor Changes: If your pain worsens, if you develop new symptoms (like fever, significant changes in bowel habits, or difficulty breathing), seek urgent evaluation.
Your ongoing symptoms, especially with your lupus condition, should not be taken lightly. Make sure to maintain an open line of communication with your healthcare team and advocate for further testing if your symptoms do not improve.
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