Those damn lymph nodes

[DizzyKangaroo]

Backstory: I recently had an ultrasound on an enlarged lymph node in the right side my neck, along with my thyroid. Apparently all they found were a small collection of swollen nodes, only one of which was able to be felt at the surface-- my thyroid was fine, and my blood work came back fine as well. It's been two months since I first discovered that lymph node, and lately the other side of my neck has been sore and achy. Not painful-- just sore. Sometimes it feels stiff and slightly warmer than the rest of my body. Today I discovered a new swollen lymph node on this side, and I can feel the panic starting up all over again.

It's silly, and I know it's silly. My blood work was fine, which rules out Lymphoma. My thyroid was fine, which rules out Thyroid Cancer. Both nodes are soft and moveable. I've been strong and managed not to Google, but now my mind is making up all sorts of things without it-- do I have a tumor somewhere and the nodes are reacting to that? Why is my neck so achy, and only on the one side? Clearly that must mean there's something wrong-- and etc, etc.

Bah. I know I'm probably all right, I think I just needed to vent a little. I just want these swollen lymph nodes to go away already!

[annoyingwife21]

I was were you were at a couple of months ago! DO NOT WORRY about your lymph nodes--it took me forever to quit touching them and when I did I didn't notice them anymore. A helpful piece of advice from my PCP was that if they hurt or are just sore you do not have cancer. Also- its that time of year your lymph nodes will swell up and go back down, and they may not even go back to there normal size- mine never have. I got blood work the whole 9 yards and nothing was found. I know those lymph nodes are a pain! Mine  constantly swelled on the left side of my neck under my jaw only. Its probably sinus drainage that infects it. I didn't have sinus problems that I knew of but thats what my PCP said. I went to the doctor several times about it and that is where my HA started. You are ok!!!

[DizzyKangaroo]

Thank you, annoyingwife21! The new node isn't sore itself, it's more the neck, and I suspect that's due to some pain I've been having in my back from what I believe is a pulled muscle. Still, I often have a runny nose and/or phlegm in my throat, so that may count as sinus problems!

[annoyingwife21]

No problem! I would say those definitely count those as sinus issues. Mine lymph nodes never really were "sore" but my neck was it almost felt tight. Also- something I found out when I was freaking out is your lymph nodes can swell if your under stress and also I have one in the back of my neck that swells when I need an adjustment at the chiropractor. I am sure you know this too-- if you keep touching them they will never go down. I seriously freaked out over my lymph nodes for a month and learned a lot.

[DizzyKangaroo]

I suspect I might have a low-grade infection. My neck's sore and slightly warm to the touch. I'm going to try and find a doctor that's open on Saturday, but it's proving difficult to find anyone who's open on the weekend!

Thanks again.