ET and enlarged spleen

[Franklyspeaking]

Being relatively new to this forum (since Jan 2020) I am learning more and more about ET, but have not seen anything about pain occurring just below the left rib cage. I have been experiencing this for the past month and a bit of research indicates it could be my spleen working overtime due to increased platelets. Is this common, serious, or what should I make of it. Have an enquire into my heamotologist but would like to hear from this community.

[Paul_1971]

Hi

Its definitely possible. Many of us have some enlargement, but for many the biggest issue it causes are slight discomfort and a loss of appetite as it can rest on the stomach making you feel full.

Your consultant will probably do a physical exam to see if he/she can feel it then if they suspect it they will probably send you for an ultrasound to determine the size.

Its usually the size of a adults fist roughly speaking, mine is about 22 cm in length, but doesn't cause me too much discomfort nor no loss of appetite.

We appear to be well past the time that an enlarged spleen would be removed as the reason its enlarged is its doing a job, as you say with it handling excess platelets. There is more understanding today of the job it does.

Unless its causing you significant discomfort I think the approach is more likely to be a monitoring one, if indeed they do determine there is an enlargement.

Hope you get the answer soon, as of course any uncertainty is cause for worry in all of us.

Best Wishes

Paul

[Franklyspeaking in reply to Paul_1971]

Thanks so much. Will speak to my dr on Wed.

[Tomsgranny]

Hi there. An enlarged spleen is fairly common in cases of MPNs - my daughter has ET and her spleen is very enlarged (probably due to the fact that her condition was undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, for a decade or so). I have PV which was picked up quite quickly and I have a slightly enlarged spleen which causes a dull ache quite often. But I’m sure your haematologist will reassure you - it isn’t a cause for concern as long as your condition is well managed.

Take care

Tomsgranny

[piggie50 in reply to Tomsgranny]

Love your user name 😍

Judy x

[Dovme]

My haematologist measures my spleen each visit using an ultrasound

I had an intermittent pain on the left side for around two weeks, it turned out to be acid reflux. Probably because l was taking my aspirin without food but l got some prescription antacids of the doctor and it cleared

Best to get it checked by a doctor

[Wyebird in reply to Dovme]

Mine was checked by ultra sound when first diagnosed and examined about a year ago but nothing since. Has yours changed size?

[Dovme in reply to Wyebird]

No still the same size. I am back in July guess he will repeat then.

[Trueblue8]

I was diagnosed with ET early last year. Prior to this I had prolonged pain in my left hand side below the rib cage. After several visits to the doctor I was eventually sent for a scan, which revealed nothing untoward. I guess like others are saying, it was just my spleen working extra hard. I still occasionally get pain in that area but it doesn't seem to last long.

Best wishes

Ian

[Pte82]

See if your diet is contributing to the spleen enlargement.

[Doggy1903]

Yes a definate to discuss with your haemo doctor, when I was newly diagnosed with ET, had an examination and spleen scan to check all was well.Really wish you well and hope you can get advice soon.