Went to see the Hematologist on the 19th. He took a look at everything and sent me for more tests. He said his job is to find out what is making the spleen large. He will be checking for types of cancer, weird things going on in the blood, and other irregularities. He does not think it is cancer nor an infection. He actually did not seem very confident he was going to find the problem with the spleen. He said many times it is near impossible to figure out so in those cases it must be removed. He tried start getting me used to living without a spleen.
He started by doing some blood tests. If everything looks good there, we will go get a CAT scan on the chest, abdomen and pelvis. He will look for large lymph nodes and anything else that seems weird plus compare the size of the spleen to the last CAT scan. If that all looks good then we will do some bone marrow tests. If those turn out ok, he is out of tests to do and will recommend that I get it removed. I will proceed with the tests as planned. If we get to the end of the tests without anything weird going on, I will be seeking other opinions as I do not want to remove my spleen if possible.
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Because Splenomegaly ..”occurs with various disorders and in up to 5% of normal adults, splenomegaly — an enlarged spleen — isn’t a diagnostic sign by itself. Usually, however, it points to infection, trauma, or a hepatic, autoimmune, neoplastic, or hematologic disorder”
ReplyDeleteYou may want to start by discounting what it is not; a great resource for this would be
Going through the comprehensive Multiple Symptom Search Combinations for Swollen spleen list at this link:
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/symptoms/swollen_spleen/symptom-search.htm
Medications or substances causing Swollen spleen
Also, make sure the medications you are taking are not causing the problem.
The following drugs, medications , substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Swollen spleen as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms (see Swollen spleen). Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
Filgastrim
Granocyte
Lenogastrim
Neupogen
Dealing with the “Dark Side” feelings
My stepmother has dealt with similar “despair” symptoms as part of existing medical conditions or trauma. She is aware of your battle and more than ready to chat about it. She also offered to call the medical centers in her area and even put you up at their place while you go for treatment.