Spleen and Liver pain

[Downunda]

Hi All.

My apologies up front for a long message. I really need some help and advice.

For those who remember my story a while back about my teenage son and him shooting a laser in his eye last year. At the time he was legally blind in his left eye. I started drinking again in September. He was living with me full-time then. Long story short…he had a procedure done and he now has “driver license vision”. I quit drinking end of December.

I was sober for 6 - 7 weeks. Had complete FLT and all blood work and both my specialists could not believe how well my results were. Everything completely normal expect for GGT which was a level of 53. 50 and under is normal.

SO…in mid-February, my son takes a bath. I hear a loud bang. I ran upstairs and asked if he was ok. He didn’t make much sense but he replied. I thought maybe he was listening to music using his ear plugs.

I come downstairs and heard a very loud bang!! I ran upstairs yelling his name and he’s not responding! The door was locked and had to kick the door in.

There he was stiff as a board leaning against the toilet water tank with his eyes rolled in the back of his head. There was a large pool of blood to the right side of the toilet on the floor. If the toilet water tank didn’t stop him, he would have fallen through the glass shower door.

I started yelling and screaming. I grab him and he’s not responding!! I lay him down to give him CPR and he starts coming around.

I said, “What did you do? Where is the blood coming from?” He was completely out of it. I look at the back of his head and there’s 3 inch gash. When he passed out, he hit the back of his head on the corner of the window above the toilet.

He inhaled his deodorant!!! He wanted to see what would happen. WTH???

I race him to emergency. Called the ex to meet me there. 2 doctors and a nurse tells us and him he’s very lucky to be alive! Because the chemicals he inhaled makes your lungs slowly stick together.

Once he got him settled down and stitched up, not one person, ex or doctor asked if I was ok!

I was a freaking wreck!! I saw my son dying.

I started drinking again to get rid of that image, the pain and the horrible emotions.

I drank for 3 months straight…again. I finally stopped yesterday.

I now have liver pain and more importantly, which I never had before is spleen pain both on the left side of my rib cage as well as under my left shoulder blade. I get these shooting pains from time to time as well.

So my question is, will these pains settle down now that I’ve stopped drinking?

I’ve quit drinking for good. I now know what it feels like to seeing your child dying or close to it. So I’m strong enough to handle anything without alcohol.

However, I feel I may have really over done it this time and I’m worried.

I have a complete blood work being done in 3 weeks along with my first endoscopy, which now I’m very concerned about.

Any advice please?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.

Dan

[Hidden]

Hi Dan,

We are sorry to read what a traumatic time yourself and your son have gone through.

Unfortunately, no one on the forum can advise about your liver function or symptoms. Have you discussed matters with your doctor?

If you would like a supportive chat and are in the UK, our nurse helpline is open Mon to Fri 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330

Best wishes.

[Downunda in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trust1. Thank you for your reply! I guess what I’m looking for is to see if anyone else had an enlarged spleen and was able to reduce it to normal size.

I have a meeting my doctor in 4 weeks.

Thank you again.

Cheers. Dan

[Str8jacket]

Hi Dan,

Sorry to hear about you and your son's troubles--awful to hear. I'm sure you're aware that pain/tenderness in the left upper quadrant can mean an enlarged spleen, which tends to accompany portal hypertension. Like the mods say, your docs should be able to tell you how everything looks, please keep the forum updated, and hope you get the best possible news.

On a different note, worthwhile advice I've seen is to not dwell on the past, which can't be changed, but to focus on the future. It's easier said than done (I'm not great at taking that advice to heart myself--often have bouts of despair but trying to limit their frequency and duration). Another thing to look into may be counseling for yourself and perhaps your son as well, if it's available. In some cases it can really help folks work through issues. And starting that work sooner can yield better dividends--speaking from personal experience, I wish I had done so years ago. I probably wouldn't be on this forum if I had.

Best to you and yours.

[Downunda in reply to Str8jacket]

Hi Str8jacket. Thank you for your thoughts and advice.

My son has been seeing a counsellor for at least a year now.

I see my Hepatologist in 4 weeks. I’ll certainly update the forum.

It’s very difficult when you live on your own and your entire family support group are in the states.

Thanks again!

Dan

[Bootandall]

Hi Dan, how awful what both you and your son are/have been going through! What stands out to me is you resorting to alcohol to relieve your stress. I don't really need to tell you that is very unhealthy but maybe you and your son should go together to talk to someone about the issue. Even though he is growing up, he still is watching you and looks to you for how to get by in life. I don't know about test results, but if you're ever feeling like you're going to drink, having a sponsor or going to an AA meeting can possibly save your life.

[Downunda in reply to Bootandall]

Hi Bootandall. Thank you for your thoughts and advice.

I agree with you 100% on all of what you said.

Thank you again.

Cheers. Dan

[sophiaS1980]

This brings me to tears and I agree with Bootandall, she is a wise woman. I think if you have bloods done since you just stop drinking things will be ok. Make sure your doctor look at your platelets, they tell more about your liver, because 95% of people with liver disease platelets are low. or they go in that direction within 6 months or so. Good Luck, and let us know how you make out with your labs.

[Downunda in reply to sophiaS1980]

Hi sophiaS1980. Thank you very much for your reply.

I was misdiagnosed twice by two different haematologists!! I have hemochromatosis and neither doctor said your not supposed to drink with this disease!!

It only I saw a Hepatologist and he told me.

I then started learning about my bloods and inflammation markers such as GGT. They high for a long time.

I got everything to normal in six weeks, from January-mid February and that’s everything happened with my son. Horrible!!

I’m just wondering if anyone has any knowledge of an enlarged spleen returning to normal size.

Thank you again!

Cheers. Dan

[sophiaS1980 in reply to Downunda]

Hi, if you have hemochromatosis, what are your doctor doing about it? Yes, GGT is a marker used to see if a person is still drinking, now there can be other reasons for the GGT to be raised other than alcohol but if you are a drinker it is the last lab that will go down in range. It usually takes years to get it down to middle range, it usually goes back to normal but in the top range of normal. No one has knowledge if your spleen will return to normal due to you having hemochromatosis, it will depend on how you are being treated. How are they treating you?

[Downunda in reply to sophiaS1980]

Hi sophiaS1980. My Hepatologist told me that GGT markers are a sign of liver damage / cirrhosis.

For my hemochromatosis, I was getting a Venesection every 3 weeks for around 2 years.

Last blood work, my ferritin was at 27. So, now I’m monitored every 6 months for these levels. However, blood work every 3 months.

Thank you. Dan

[Spoons20 in reply to sophiaS1980]

My platelet levels are 223 so not massively above the normal level, I didn’t know that so many people with liver disease have low platelets is this worth mentioning to a doctor or does 223 seem ok

[DM-001 in reply to Spoons20]

Ranges are different depending on where the tests are done but i know when I've had blood tests the normal range is 150 - 450 so you would be certainly well in the normal and good range with 223 (however I'm not a doctor so if you are worried please reach out to your gp)

[sophiaS1980 in reply to Spoons20]

Yes, 95% of people with advanced liver disease has low platelets, the range of platelets are usually 150-450, but it will depend on the lab. Each lab has their own ranges.

[Spoons20 in reply to sophiaS1980]

Just checked the range of mine and should be as you say 150-450 so mine are still not great they are more at the lower scale at 223 although I have no diagnosis as yet

[sophiaS1980 in reply to Spoons20]

That's not at the lower range, are you having symptoms, if not, get a scan and enjoy your life without alcohol.

[Jennydoesntknow in reply to Spoons20]

No 223 is very normal, it is not on the low side.

[Downunda in reply to Jennydoesntknow]

My Hepatologist showed me the range for GGT. The high end of normal is 50. However, I live in Australia, so not sure if we use the same scale / unit of measurement.

Regardless…it’s declining. Well done!!

Lots of veggies and lots of water. You want to get your body in an alkaline state. That’s what I did and continue to do. It’s worked for me.

Keep us posted. All the best. Dan

[Jay986 in reply to Spoons20]

Depending on your healthcare there should also be a chart of previous results, so you can compare over the years and know if you have always been around that or if it has been falling

[Bootandall in reply to sophiaS1980]

Sophia, thanks for the compliment, you're so full of it, haha. 😚 I think you're the one who told me about low platelets, which is medically known as thrombocytopenia. It has several causes, one of which is liver disease, specific explanation follows:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[JanetH67]

Hello Well, I’m having splenic embolization done in 6 days for problematic splenomegaly so I can come back to you later on this…but from what I’ve heard/been told, yes it can go back to smaller size in some cases. Best to talk to your Dr and of course refrain from knowingly causing stress to your liver which then stresses your spleen. I wish you and your son peace and healing all the days ahead.

[Downunda in reply to JanetH67]

Hi JanetH67,Thank you for your reply. The very best wishes to you this week! Please keep us posted on how you go…as I will also.

Cheers. Dan

[Bootandall in reply to JanetH67]

Hi Janet, l have splenomegaly too and am curious what constitutes"problematic"? Please do keep us posted, and good luck! xx V

[JanetH67 in reply to Bootandall]

Just checked in a bit ago. Over the past 3 years I’ve had chronic GI bleeding due to the severe portal hypertension and splenomegaly. Tomorrow’s the big day 🙌🏻

[Bootandall in reply to JanetH67]

Best wishes for a successful procedure!

[Yellowsydney]

Hi don't know if this is any help I had a liver transplant due to NASH cirrhosis, I had a very large spleen pre transplant and still have an enlarged spleen 4 years post my transplant surgeon says it never shrinks back to its normal size, I get pain in my left shoulder from it.Hope so is calm in your life from now on

Hilary

[Downunda in reply to Yellowsydney]

Hi Yellowsydney,Thank you for you reply and experience.

My spleen pain has subsided about 70% within 2 days after I stopped drinking. I was getting the left shoulder pain as well.

Can they not remove it after a transplant? Hope you’re doing great otherwise. Cheers. Dan

[Elenaevent]

Your son will feel much better if he sees you recovering from alcohol addiction. Think of him. Not of yourself. I may be sound harsh but this is how it is....

[Downunda in reply to Elenaevent]

Hi Elenaevent. Thank you for your direct thoughts. My kids rarely saw me drink.

With that said, the very post I ever shared was what started it all…I was in a very abusive relationship for 16 years. She physically, mentally and verbally abusive to even in front of our kids. I stuck around as long as I could to protect them. I used alcohol as my “emotional coat of armour” as I never knew who I was coming home to or who was walking through the door. It was absolute hell. On top of that…I have haemochromatosis. I was misdiagnosed twice by two specialist who never mentioned that I’m not supposed to drink with this disease.

I’m off alcohol 100% and will never go back.

All the best. Cheers. Dan

[Bootandall in reply to Downunda]

Dan, you're a survivor. That does sound like hell on earth. l am glad you and your son have a second chance to find happiness. 🙂

[Violet74]

I had that shoulder pain it came from my spleen. OK now thank the lord was so painful. Also have had 2 endoscopy treatments. Over 2 years now since diagnosed with cirrhosis just go with the flow. Remember you are in charge and you will be fine

[Downunda in reply to Violet74]

Hi Violet74. Thank you for your reply and sharing your experience!

How you doing now?

Cheers. Dan

[Hidden]

God love you, you haven't half had a time if it. Fingers crossed your results are much better than you fear 🤞

[Downunda in reply to Hidden]

Hi Helpcare66. Thank you for your reply.

I believe I’ll be ok.

Can you please describe your experiences?

Thank you. Cheers. Dan

[Hidden in reply to Downunda]

The only experience I have is losing my sister last year to alcoholism. She was never officially diagnosed with liver disease, but she was an alcoholic and we believe she succumbed to her years of alcohol abuse. She suffered breast cancer twice, a traumatic brain injury after drinking alcohol and she had all the classic symptoms of liver disease: peripheral neuropathy, massively swollen belly that came on practically overnight, couldn't eat, nauseated, slept all the time, turning day into night, hallucinations, saying spaceships were coming to visit her in the garden, alienated a lot of people due to her eventual obnoxious personality when under the influence. Her hair was falling out and she had tremours. She was paranoid, and life turned into one big conspiracy. She drove us mad with it. Her docs had tried to get her to go to rehab but she said she had no inclination to stop. The last time she was spoken to about it was October 2019, when she was drinking 83 units a week and that's after cutting down and years after her brain injury and episodes of cancer. She was unable to look after herself in the end, needing constant care. She eventually took to her bed with a supposed trapped nerve in her back at the end of 2019, eventually dying at the beginning of lockdown in March 2020. She hadn't wanted to see us for quite a while but when she collapsed just before she died, her partner had no-one to help him pick her up coz docs wouldn't come to the house, so we went to help him and that's when we saw how bad she was. It was a pitiful end. She was beautiful and fun and alcohol took her away 💔

[Downunda in reply to Hidden]

Hi Helpcare66I am so so very sorry for your lose!!!

I can’t even imagine how horrible that would have been for you and the entire family.

Very sad.

How you doing holding up these days?

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m sure it was very difficult to share.

All the best to you. God Bless. Dan

[Hidden in reply to Downunda]

Thank you so much. We are doing ok but still have days where we feel like maybe we could have been more forceful with her and done more, but sadly it was ultimately her decision to make and her decision was she didn't want help. We still get bouts of anger too : anger at her for getting herself into that state and anger that we felt she wasn't properly diagnosed. We felt that should have been in a hospice, as her partner was 68 and dealing with it all on his own. But as it turns out he knew nothing of her docs attempts to get her into rehab.It's a sorry tale and one that brought me to this forum. I wish you well on your tests and results and yes, I think counselling could benefit you and your son enormously. I wish my sister had got some. ❤️😘

[Downunda in reply to Hidden]

Hi Helpcare66. Ya know…I just couldn’t even fathom something that you, family and her partner must have went during and now afterwards. 🙏🙏

Thank you for your kind words. My son has been seeing a counsellor for over a year. It helps but only if he tells the truth and not something the counsellor wants to hear. He’s good at that and a damn good negotiator as well.

My middle child is 16. She been self harming.

I honestly do not understand this generation of kids!! It’s not “social media”…it’s “anti-social media” and it clearly affects them!! She sees the same counsellor as well. The counsellor told my ex and I that we must remove most of their social apps down one. We did that. She said it’s because at their age, their frontal lobes of the brain are not fully developed. So they cannot process nor understand how to process their feelings.

My ex and I are very successful people. We grew up with great families and friends. Our kids don’t miss out on really anything. We don’t spoil them though.

The oldest is now in University. She had issues as well but has out grown them or at least learned out to deal with her feelings in a more mature manor.

I really hate technology that kids are exposed to!

I could see a counsellor but I have friends in the US I talk to.

I’ll you know how my bloods and endoscopy go.

Take care. Chat soon. Thank you. Dan. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[Hidden in reply to Downunda]

I'm so glad your kids have a counsellor and that you have friends to talk to. That will really help.

I know what you mean about "anti-social media". My son was bullied from the end of primary school to 2nd year in secondary school and wanted to kill himself. Thankfully, we are very open as a family and we encourage him to talk to us when we know he seems preoccupied. You just know, don't you? I have had my own mental health issues, having had a breakdown when I was 19, so I'm an old pro! Luckily he is now a caring, considerate, sweet, completely rounded young man, who has just graduated from uni with a BA (Hons). and his bullies have actually came back to him on social media and apologised and said that they have come to nothing.

You seem to have brought your children up very well. It's just so sad that it's outside influences that can make life so hard for them. Thankfully the majority, like your eldest and my son are living proof of how strong it can make you.

Please do let me know how your bloods and endo go.

Take good care of yourself and keep positive.

Sending loadsa love 🙏❤️🤗

[Downunda in reply to Hidden]

Hi again,First of all, thank you for your kind words.

Secondly…WOW!!!

I’m so sorry to hear what happened to your son and you. Great to hear he pushed on and has accomplished graduating from Uni!!

My oldest will be 19 next week. She’s in International Business Law. Great degree to pursue in this messed up world!! 😁

I’ll certainly keep you posted.

God Bless…🙏🤗

[Hidden in reply to Downunda]

😘

[Downunda in reply to Hidden]

Hi. I found my blood work results that were taken on the 4th of Feb. what exactly am I looking for regarding “platelet count”?

Thank you! 🙏

[Hidden in reply to Downunda]

I'm not sure about that, sorry.

I only know about certain ones, as my younger sister is going down the same road 😩

Didn't know any of my sister that died's results, apart from the doc saying that her blood results were fine but that the cells themselves might not have been working properly.

Kinda makes you wonder why they put so much faith in them, if that can be the case.

Wish I could be of more help. 😕