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Forum Name: Viral Infections

Question: Spleen Enlargment with mono

BlakeW - Fri Jan 26, 2007 6:23 pm

Okay, so I diagnosed with mono 3 weeks ago. I went to the doctor a week ago and was told that I could start to get out and go places again a couple of days later. I've pretty much felt fine, besides maybe a little fatigue. Thing is, during the time that my symptoms were present I would lay on my left side when sleeping, and wake up with pain (not severe by any means, but still some pain) in my left side and up into my shoulder. So, I assumed that my spleen was enlarged. This is really the only evidence I've had for that being the case, besides feeling like there is something in my left abdomen, which may or may not be in my head... I'm slightly paranoid. My dr. tapped on my spleen area and said it didn't feel enlarged, and I didn't feel any pain. So, I said all that to say this: I'm planning on going snowboarding over spring break (the week of March 12) and I was wondering if I should not go because of the chance of rupture. I've read that you should refrain from strenous activities for 4-8 weeks, and it would be a little more than 2 months from my diagnosis. If there is any chance of rupture I don't want to risk it. Thanks, and sorry that this was so long.

Dr. Safaa Mahmoud - Sat Jan 27, 2007 6:05 pm

Hello, Splenomegaly occurs ate in the EBV course of infection. Splenic size goes back to normal or near normal within 3 weeks after presentation. Splenic rupture is a rare complication of EBV infectious Mononucleosis and occurs mainly due to increased fragility of the spleen. There many causes for left sided Abdominal pain including, GI causes like these of gastric and colon origin. Abdominal ultra sonography will be helpful if the pain persists. I advise you to follow up with your doctor before going to snowboarding just to be more secured about your clinical condition, although you will mostly be fit for that after proper treatment. Best regards.

BlakeW - Sun Jan 28, 2007 12:09 am

Thankyou.

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