Enlarged spleen; really weird symptoms 2 months ago; neg. for mono.. Help please?.

J

JonV

New member
So, I have a visibly enlarged spleen (confirmed by the doctor). I took some blood tests, and my liver appears normal, and I don't currently have mono. My blood counts were all normal except for my hemoglobin count which was .1 below normal, which the doctor said was clinically insignificant. She gave me a referral to a gastroentologist who also specializes in internal medicine.

I'm assuming I'll also be tested this week for cmv and also tested to see if I've had mono ever in the past (vs. having mono right now).

Two months ago, I went to the doctor with symptoms of itching, tingling, muscle pain, headache, etc. They were weird, miserable symptoms that were hard to describe and we couldn't really pin down why they were there; we attributed it to hormonal birth control I had just started, so I stopped taking it, and my health anxiety definitely lessened and I felt less itchy and muscle crampy.

However, at that time I noticed my swollen abdomen, which--two months later--is still visibly swollen and confirmed by my doctor as my spleen. It hurts briefly and intermittently. The only other symptoms I can possibly think of are a few, lightly scattered red dots on arms (primarily upper); and lots of hand cramping/pain (but that may be just totally unrelated).

I know this is a lot, but I felt patronized by my doctors in the past when I was describing my symptoms (thus I didn't tell them about the swelling). I want to go into my upcoming appointment feeling prepared. Do you have any idea what this could possibly be? Do you think I should mention the hand thing? Am I seeing the right kind of doctor?
 
wow someone on here actually has something like me. I have had an enlarged spleen(shown on the ct scan) for going on a year now!

Yes mine is chronic and they have done every test known and can not figure out why it is swelling up. It has given me GERD, Asthma, and lots of pain.

A GI doctor is a very good place to be. I am finally seeing one and she isnt sure but is very good.

I would say tell them everything. Whether or not it has to do with it, in the long run it might be useful.
 
Ummmm... I just had a panic attack for the first time. Like a face tingling, arms tingling, trouble breathing, chest pain, maybe-I'm-dieing, weak, on-the-verge-of-passing-out panic attack. Could this be related to the enlarged spleen?? I felt like maybe if I could have just breathed more deeply then my body wouldn't have been so keyed up like that...but it is trickier breathing deeply with a swollen spleen?
 
Sooo.... the GI doctor who I was referred to said "nay" to the idea that my spleen was enlarged. She said nothing seemed swollen at all. Said it was probably some stomach thing and gave me some general stomach medicine or whatever. But she also referred me for an ultra sound, just to be sure.

I feel better except that she made me feel crazy, like I was just making it all up and why I was in her office anyway? It sucked. But, hey, at least my spleen probably isn't swollen.
 
I dont believe the panic attack is connected but it is probably from the stress of everything. Im sorry that the doctor made you look crazy, cause a lot do. I have been laughed in my face.

Tip that the ultrasound might be a little painful. It hurt me but my stomach area is very tender and she pushed it into my chest.

Good luck
 
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