Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I read an article that CLL/SLL can affect one side of the body more than another (primarily left). Has anyone noticed this?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bellefonte, PA

The symptoms I have been experiencing have been on the left side. I also got an ear infection (left side) for the first time since I can remember. I read that is common with CLL.

October 25, 2024
 · 
Reactions
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I think this may be a "right handed" idea. When not using all our body we can become weak on the side not exercised? This summer I got most of my exercise by chopping and splitting wood. I have noticed that one side of my body is not as strong as the other side? I plan to return to the gym and strengthen both sides of my body to resolve this concern. I think 87% of people are right handed so this could mean the left side is not as strong.

October 27, 2024
MyLeukemiaTeam

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can cause symptoms that might seem more pronounced on one side of the body, particularly if there is an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) which can cause pain or feelings of fullness in the upper left abdomen. Additionally, CLL can lead to infections due to low levels of healthy white blood Show Full Answer

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can cause symptoms that might seem more pronounced on one side of the body, particularly if there is an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) which can cause pain or feelings of fullness in the upper left abdomen. Additionally, CLL can lead to infections due to low levels of healthy white blood cells, which might explain your ear infection. Here are some relevant points:

- Splenomegaly: Pain or fullness in the upper left abdomen.
- Infections: Increased risk due to low white blood cell counts, including ear infections.

If you notice these symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your doctor.

October 25, 2024

Related Questions

View All

So having bad kidney test! So CLL has nothing to do with CLL right 👍??

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alamogordo, NM
November 6, 2025

Is there anyone who was diagnosed with CLL while in their 40’s?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Haven, IN
October 7, 2019

Watch and Wait With CLL/SLL: When Should You Start Treatment?
Oral Therapy vs. Traditional Chemotherapy for CLL/SLL
New CLL/SLL Drug Compares Well to Ibrutinib in Clinical Study
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In