I'm trying to find out more about the connection of the Spleen and CLL.

[fayeander]

I was diagnosed with CLL in 2015. After six months chemo treatments, I am now on a three month check-up schedule. My labs seem to be good at this time. The labs are not a concern at this time. I am concerned with the pain I have in my left side, rib cage area. It's just an uncomfortable pain, but at times it can be very painful. I just had a check-up a few weeks ago. My doctor checked for swelling, but no swelling of lymph nodes and for the spleen. I actually forgot to mention the pain because at the time it was not hurting.

Has anyone had this type of pain when diagnosed with CLL? Or had problems with the spleen? I just dread going through all those tests that they want you to do when you go in for something like this. I have swelling in my abdomen, I usually relate that to perhaps weight gain, but my weight is actually down a few pounds.

[Newdawn Administrator]

As you've had treatment and your labs are good, I think you should push this with your doctor fayeander. I have spleen pain from time to time and it was confirmed on an ultrasound that mine is slightly swollen. However I'm untreated, Have you had an ultrasound or just a physical examination? Any swelling in the abdomen should be investigated so please mention it to your doctor.

This is an excellent piece from Chaya Venkat on all things spleen related;

updates.clltopics.org/706-e...

Hope you get it sorted soon,

Newdawn

[fayeander in reply to Newdawn]

Hi Newdawn,

Thanks for your reply and for referring me to the CLL Topics. In the CLL Topics I read that a swollen spleen can make you feel like you are sporting a slightly pregnant look without being pregnant. This is exactly the way I feel and look. I have even started to wear big tops and that's definitely not me. Although I am 69 years old, I have never been over weight and diet is not a word used in my home. Not to mention that I am 5'10" tall so that helps keep the weight circulated.

Do you think if I have a swollen spleen that it would be a little painful even in the right or middle, even though the majority of the pain is on the left side, definitely the left side.

Now, I may be getting a little less than positive attitude, thought all this may be behind me. I thrive on reminding others to keep a positive attitude. Changes can certainly change your way of life in two seconds.

I think I was just hoping this would go away and really thought it may be something I ate causing bloating. Don't think so now!

Thanks again for your info!

fayeander

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Fayeander: If I were you, I would call the Drs. office to ask about the pain. Better to have the information from the Drs. who have all your records. You will be more likely to have fewer problems if, when You have one, it gets treated sooner than later.

I have spleenic lesions that Drs. attribute my pains to. I have had those for about 8 years off and on.

But have been told to go to the emergency room if I have a massive pain in the area of the spleen. thankfully I have not had that happen.

[fayeander in reply to cllady01]

Hi cllady01,

Thank you for your reply. I just replied to Newdawn after going online to CLL Topics. Very helpful website!

I suppose I may be going back to my oncologist for an ultrasound!

Thank you again for your reply!

fayeander

[Rafe]

Best wishes, one other thing to check is for kidney stones. Chemo can cause an increase of uric acid, leading to kidney stones. I had been on allopurinol during chemo, but as soon as I was off it, I developed stones. Take care.

[Jackistired]

I have the exact same pain. I was seen this past Monday and was told that my spleen was not swollen. Not sure what is going on.

Jack Dx 11/16