[33F] Experiencing Upper-Left Abdominal Pain and Unexplained Bruising

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, the possible conditions that could be causing your symptoms include:

• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas. It often causes pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, nausea, and feeling full quickly after eating. The pain can become worse when you eat, which might explain your loss of appetite and weight loss. However, your lipase levels are within normal limits, which is not typical for pancreatitis.

  • Treatment typically involves hospitalization for pain management, IV fluids, and avoiding eating or drinking to allow the pancreas to rest.

• Gastric Ulcer: This is a sore that forms on the lining of the stomach. It can cause pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and feeling full quickly after eating. The pain is often described as a dull ache and can become worse when you eat, which might explain your loss of appetite and weight loss.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.

• Spleen issues: Given the location of your pain, conditions affecting the spleen could also be a possibility. These could include an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) or a ruptured spleen. However, these conditions are usually associated with other symptoms such as anemia or infections, and your CT scan did not show any abnormalities in the spleen.

  • Treatment would depend on the underlying cause of the spleen issue.

The unexplained bruising could be due to a number of factors, including:

• Coagulation disorders: These are conditions that affect the blood's ability to clot. They can lead to easy bruising. However, your CBC results do not indicate a coagulation disorder.

  • Treatment would depend on the specific coagulation disorder.

• Medication side effects: Some medications, including some types of chemotherapy, can cause easy bruising. Given your history of breast cancer treatment, this could be a possibility.

  • Treatment would involve discussing this side effect with your doctor, who might adjust your medication regimen.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the information provided and should not be taken as a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Consult with a healthcare provider: Given your symptoms and medical history, it's important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can perform a physical examination, order further tests if necessary, and provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including when they occur, how long they last, and any factors that make them better or worse. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

3. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: Even if you're feeling full quickly, try to eat small, frequent meals and stay hydrated. This can help maintain your energy levels and prevent malnutrition and dehydration.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in your stool or vomit
• A high fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
• Difficulty breathing
• A sudden, severe headache
• Any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.