Help! Possible enlarged spleen?

[JT_Marlin]

41 y/o m, PV, JAK2+, pegasys 90mcg weekly and twice daily baby aspirin - history of MI and stroke

Hey all - looking for some insight on some recent mid-back pain that started overnight Wednesday. I was convinced initially it was an organ, then it seemed to me to be more superficial like it was a pulled back muscle. Now I’m thinking perhaps it’s my spleen. It very clearly hurts when I take in a deep breath - sleeping on my back hurts it so need to keep on my right side.

Not sure that I am feeling more full when eating than usual but maybe a little bit.

Definitely no pain at all from the front side of my abdomen though.

Anyone have spleen issues? Does this sound at all like that? Or more likely back muscles?

Thanks all.

[Otterfield]

As far as I'm aware, an enlarged spleen wouldn't give you middle back pain, but others might know differently. If you are worried, do get your haematologist to examine you. They can get some sense of it by just feeling your abdomen and if necessary, they can arrange a CT scan. Good luck.

[william-Indo in reply to Otterfield]

you colud know by press your upper left abdomen below the ribs. other ways do the USG (cheaper) or CT (more costly)

[Otterfield in reply to william-Indo]

Ah I suppose I was assuming UK based where it's all done on the NHS. Cost decisions are made by the hospital.

[Manouche]

The referred pain of the spleen on the musculoskeletal system is typically on the left lowest rib. It seems that your pain is coming from the back itself and not from the spleen. It should be confirmed by your GP or haem.

[Tomsgranny]

Hello. I have PV JAK2 as well. Yesterday I ended up in hospital with severe pain behind my lowest left rib and round into my middle and upper back. Lots of scans and X-rays later it’s starting to look as if it is caused by my somewhat enlarged spleen, although there will be further tests to rule out a couple of other things. I’ve had low level pain in the spleen area for a couple of years, but yesterday was on a whole different scale - feeling much brighter this morning, I’m glad to say. Thank heavens for our great NHS. Thanks for your post, JT, good luck with further investigations.

Judi

[Trocken]

What your experiencing could be kidney pain / stones, the pain you would experience is usually a gripping pain a sharp ‘Ow’ moment that lingers for a bit in your back lower rib area. Spleen pain is the front lower rib area, I find that when mine is slightly enlarged you can feel it. Have you tried any ibuprofen gel and paracetamol to see if this has eased the pain, your first thoughts may be right that it’s a musculoskeletal injury, but may be worth getting your GP to examine your spleen. I hope your feeling well soon

[Cja1956]

I agree with the others. You need to have it checked out by your gp. I once had a blood clot in my spleen but I thought I was having a heart attack. The pain was so severe that and I had to go in an ambulance to the hospital. They kept me for 3 days. I found out that the spleen is near your heart and that’s why I felt I was having a heart attack. You probably did pull a muscle in your back but in my unprofessional opinion, I don’t think it’s your spleen. I hope you find answers soon.

[Kriddle01]

Hey hun, I have pre-MF with an enlarged spleen. My symptoms are pain and bloating, pain left side mid abdomen. No appetite, when eating a small meal it feels like a Sunday roast! I can actually see my spleen when breathing in. The gp and hemo can feel it when doing an examination and will follow through with a ultrasound etc. Keep us posted xx

[Yorkstyke]

Hello, I'm ET Jak2 and was told after a scan that my spleen was slightly enlarged. I feel it under my left upper rib, sometimes it twinges when I breathe in and I can get an ache in my back, mid left area. My Consultant is supposed to be arranging another scan to keep an eye on it but they don't think its dangerous. You should mention it to your haematologist and ask about a scan to check it's status. It may put your mind to rest.