Does anyone know what it's like to have an enlarged spleen? Where is the pain and does it come on slowly?

Answer 1

Many times, an enlarged spleen causes no symptoms at all. However, those that feel pain, feel it in left upper abdomen or they can experience a referred pain which occurs in the left shoulder.

As the spleen gets larger, you may feel full after eating very little. Also, you will feel tired and weak. You will experience an increase in infections and have a tendency to bleed.

Since most do not have pain (at least not in early phases of the enlargement), the pain would probably be gradual...increasing as the spleen gets bigger. However, this would vary as well since everyone has a different pain tolerance and may not even notice the pain until it reaches their threshhold making them feel it suddenly.