Swollen Lymph Nodes

[kayare]

Hi Everyone,

About five weeks ago, I noticed a swollen lymph node under my chin. I went to the doctor the next day. She told me she thought it was round and symmetrical and caused by the canker sore I was developing. I have had canker sores all of my life and have had almost none since changing my diet. She told me to wait through the weekend and call her if it was still there, so I could schedule an ultrasound. The next week, the canker sore was larger and the node was smaller, so I waited.

The node is still quite swollen, so I had an ultrasound last Friday. The technician told me it was the lymph node (not my thyroid) and to follow up with the doctor. I have another, new canker sore near my throat. The nurse called today to tell me that I have two swollen nodes, and the doctor wants me to schedule an appointment with the ENT. My appointment is on Monday afternoon.

I don't feel sick other than my usual fatigue which is probably earned since I work about 70 hours per week (teaching and I own a business). My diet and my gut are quite good, and I respond quickly if I accidently eat the wrong thing. I still have some arthritic pain, but it is significantly better than when I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis a few years ago.

In early July, I had extensive blood work done. Everything showed in the normal range with just a few in the low-normal range (T4 Free 1.0 (<.9), Iron 69 (40-160 mcg/dL), and Vitamin B12 458 (200-1100 pg/mL). The doctor was sure that I had normal thyroid function.

While the canker sore is a logical reason for the swollen node, it is not normal for me.

I welcome any ideas, suggestions, or questions I should ask.

Thank you!
Kathy

[AnnW]

Kathy:

You may be developing an infection unrelated to the MC or arthritis. That sounds like a very busy schedule, which can make anyone more susceptable! Best to get it checked out. Your Vitamin B12 is in a good range. I like to see it at least above 400 pg/ml with clients. Are you on any immunosuppressant medications?

Dr. Ann

[kayare]

Thanks, Dr. Ann. I am not on any immunosuppressants. I actually feel quite good other than some relatively minor arthritis and some fatigue. My schedule is too busy; I look forward to retiring from teaching sometime soon after 33 years to focus on just my business. It's difficult to balance it all and know it must affect my health. I wonder if I have another autoimmune disease. This swollen neck is a real concern. My appointment is on Monday. I appreciate your comments.

Kathy

[tex]

Kathy,

FWIW, I had major problems with swollen lymph nodes back when I was reacting. They were especially noticeable on the sides of my neck and under and behind my jaw whenever temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) was a severe problem. After I managed to get my MC symptoms under control, the lymph glands settled back down. I've noticed that I rarely see any other members post about swollen lymph glands, so I have to assume that it only shows up with certain cases. In my case, it only happened when I was at my sickest.

Tex

[kayare]

Thanks, Tex - I know I'm much healthier than I was two years ago, but your comments and these nodes are making me think that I still need to refine my diet and, of course, my lifestyle. It has been my hope to complete this school year and then teach part-time next school year, a decision that can only be made each March for the next year. I'm rethinking that now. I woke up today with a lot of pain, some overnight gurgles, and gas. Maybe I should do the MRT testing. I'm going back to my very basic diet for now. Thank you!

Kathy

[Gabes-Apg]

I too had slightly swollen lymph nodes, but more so lymph congestion when I was super inflammed

I would get B12 levels checked and if you are reacting really quickly to triggers (and have a bit of stress going on), consider Magnesium and Vit C to help inflammation/Adrenals/Immune. (using magnesium spray is awesome way to get high doses with no risk of D)

[kayare]

Thank you, Gabes. I do need to add magnesium and more Vitamin C. I will do that.

The ENT believes it is my salivatory gland and suspects Sjogren's. I have a CT scan scheduled for next Tuesday.

Kathy

[Gabes-Apg]

If it is Sjogren's, investigate using N-acetylcysteine, commonly referred to as NAC

http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=38401
http://www.healthyfellow.com/913/sjogre ... solutions/

[Hopeful]

Gabes - thanks for the info on NAC. I was diagnosed with Sjorgrens last year. I wonder if my Rheumy would prescribe it. Or can you procure in OTC?

[Gabes-Apg]

In Aus, nac is an OTC supplement, no script needed. Check iHerb.

[Hopeful]

You're right - widely available. Reading up on it, also seems perfect for someone like me who has winter bronchitis and who can't/won't take a flu shot - very protective.
Thanks!

[kayare]

I appreciate this information, Gabes! I imagine I won't know any more for a few weeks, but I will certainly remember this. Waiting is hard, but I'm getting better at it. MC teaches patience. Kathy

[seeljanerun]

I have had MC (lymphocytic) since age 18, and have had 2 swollen lymph nodes on the left side of my neck; sometimes they were very apparent, and other times barely inflamed. The doctors never thought anything of it, but after reading this, it seems likely that it is related to the relative level of gut inflammation.

[Zizzle]

I had a swollen node on the back of my neck when my Dermatomyositis was flaring. It went away when prednisone, then LDN calmed things down. I have a history of mononucleosis as a teen, so I know I carry the Epstein Barr Virus. Most people do, and it could become reactivated it times of great stress.

[mzh]

This is a very interesting thread to me because one of my greyhound just developed swollen lymphs in her chin/throat area and a couple other places. They think she has lymphoma. I sure hope it one of your reasons. She goes to an oncologist on Monday.