Discharge Instructions: Spleen Injury

At home

The spleen may take up to 3 months to heal. It’s important to rest and let it heal. This is to help prevent rupture of the spleen. A ruptured spleen is a life-threatening medical emergency that may result in large amounts of internal bleeding and shock. If the spleen ruptures, immediate surgery is required. General guidelines for activity following spleen injury are listed below.

For the next 5 to 10 days:

• Rest in bed as needed.

• Take pain medicine as advised.

• Do only light activities. Walking is OK.

• Watch for signs of bleeding and shock (see “Call 911” below).

For the next 2 to 3 months:

• Don’t strain by lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavy. Don’t vacuum, shovel, or mow.

• Don’t do high-risk activities (see below).

High-risk activities include things like:

• Sports

• Cycling

• Skiing

• Hiking

• Horseback riding

• Riding an ATV

• Aerobics or other vigorous exercise

• Belly exercises

• Vigorous sex

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised. You may need imaging tests or blood tests to be sure you are healing well.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have signs of shock from bleeding. These include:

• Pale, cold, clammy skin

• Fast pulse

• Difficulty breathing or shallow or rapid breathing

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fainting

• Confusion

• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider or seek medical care right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised

• Chills

• Vomiting

• Belly pain that doesn’t get better, or gets worse

• Other new symptoms