Hi everyone, I have just been to my GP with pain in the left hand side kidney region and also to the front. I thought it was a kidney infection at first because I felt like urinating regularly I have also had a bad cold and have been coughing hard so I thought that I had strained my diaghragm or tore a stomach muscle. My GP examined me and said that my spleen is twice normal size and gave me pain killers and I was told to rest and call A&E if I get high temperature. In the meantime I need to get a scan and have blood test. Could someone explain to me what the spleen does and are there any health complications if the spleen is removed please.
Hi technoman,
The spleen removes worn out red blood cells and also plays a part in your immune system. I suffer from a condition called Herditary Spherocytosis in which red blood cells are abnormally shaped and this can cause the slpeen to enlarge and become painfull, returning to normal after awhile. This is oftern trigged by an infection. My father had his spleen removed many years ago and has had no problems other than having to take anti-biotics whenever he has an infection of any kind, he is now in his mid 70,s. They will only remove your slpeen if really needed.
Hope this helps alittle and you feel better soon.
Dudecat