[45F] With left-sided abdominal bruising and pain, history of enlarged spleen
Patient Description
A 45-year-old female presents with recent onset of bruising and constant pain on the left side of her abdomen, which started last night after lifting heavy items, including a 5-gallon bucket of plants. The patient reports that the pain is worsening over time and is associated with difficulty breathing deeply, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal swelling. She has an enlarged spleen and has not had a bowel movement since the onset of symptoms. There is no history of coughing or wheezing. The patient has not monitored her heart rate but has been experiencing significant tiredness and increased sleep. No recent trauma other than the heavy lifting is reported.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you’ve provided, including the presence of bruising, pain on the left side, an enlarged spleen, and recent heavy lifting, there are a few possibilities to consider:
- Splenic Injury: Given your history of an enlarged spleen and recent heavy lifting, it's possible that you may have injured your spleen. This can cause pain, bruising, and potentially internal bleeding, which can be serious.
- Rib Injury: Lifting heavy objects can sometimes cause strain or injury to the ribs, which can result in pain and bruising.
- Muscle Strain: The pain and bruising could also be due to a muscle strain from lifting heavy objects.
What you can do
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, especially the pain, bruising, and dizziness, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. You should go to the emergency room or urgent care to get evaluated. If you are unable to get there yourself, please call 911 or have someone take you.
- Avoid Further Strain: Until you are seen by a healthcare professional, avoid any further heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience increased pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or any other concerning symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
- Pain Management: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help manage the pain, but avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Remember, it is important to get a formal diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Your symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
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4 mo ago