hodgkins? symptoms seem to fit - Lymphomas Message Board

drea22 · 06-08-2004, 12:18 AM

I always had palpable lymph nodes when i was younger, But in recent years i never really felt for them or worried about them. About three weeks ago i woke up in the morning with hot swollen hands and feet, this had never happened to me like this to the extent that i could barely bend my fingers, later in the day the swelling went down and i didnt worry much until the next day when by whole body started itching, it felt like my skin was so dry but it wasn't and scratching just made it worse (no rash whatsoever) this lasted for about 3 days and even kept me up at night. I have never had any allergies and had not eaten or used any new products on my skin. I never considered Hodgkins since i wasn't even aware of the symptoms until i searched for the possible cause of my itching on line. Fatigue....Yes i can sleep for up to 12 hrs a day sometime, night sweats.......it seemed as though i had these the nights i stayed up itching... Im not loosing weight, im gaining it and i dont think i've had fevers although dreams lately have been unpleasantly vivid. I examined my neck to feel for swollen nodes only to realize that i have palpable nodes down both sides of my neck and under my jaw, i dont know if they are swollen or it they always felt like this but they seem to match perfectly on both sides........I cant stop feeling them and i am starting to panic in fear i really feel like something is wrong....Please anyone with past experiences, your insight, stories of symptoms, suggestions and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Marimac · 06-08-2004, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drea22

I always had palpable lymph nodes when i was younger, But in recent years i never really felt for them or worried about them. About three weeks ago i woke up in the morning with hot swollen hands and feet, this had never happened to me like this to the extent that i could barely bend my fingers, later in the day the swelling went down and i didnt worry much until the next day when by whole body started itching, it felt like my skin was so dry but it wasn't and scratching just made it worse (no rash whatsoever) this lasted for about 3 days and even kept me up at night. I have never had any allergies and had not eaten or used any new products on my skin. I never considered Hodgkins since i wasn't even aware of the symptoms until i searched for the possible cause of my itching on line. Fatigue....Yes i can sleep for up to 12 hrs a day sometime, night sweats.......it seemed as though i had these the nights i stayed up itching... Im not loosing weight, im gaining it and i dont think i've had fevers although dreams lately have been unpleasantly vivid. I examined my neck to feel for swollen nodes only to realize that i have palpable nodes down both sides of my neck and under my jaw, i dont know if they are swollen or it they always felt like this but they seem to match perfectly on both sides........I cant stop feeling them and i am starting to panic in fear i really feel like something is wrong....Please anyone with past experiences, your insight, stories of symptoms, suggestions and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Your symptoms of itching without a rash evident is cardiovascular in nature. The lymphnodes swelling may be a response to simple inflammation of the vascular system. The swelling and weight gain if sudden can be an allergic response to anything including mold, or chemicals in the air. Don't jump to conclusion regarding the lymphoma. Go see your doctor to get this checked out if it continues. There are equally severe diseases that you could have besides lymphoma such as liver disease, heart disease, and vasculitis. All of these diseases cause night sweats and itching as well.

ysco · 06-08-2004, 02:17 PM

Palpable lymph nodes are not uncommon. As long as they are small (in most people about the size of a pea) nor continuously enlarging they are not a reason for concern.

Itching (also known as "pruritus", generalized or localized) is a nonspecific sypmtom. I disagree with the above poster, there are many more common and much likelier possible causes of itching without rash than he or she mentioned, the most probable ones are skin conditions.
I also read that emotional stress (as you mentioned you are experiencing) may also induce itching sensation.

On another note the most prominent and particular symptom of lymphoma is a painless enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, which grow out of proportion to the other nodes. Symmetrical lymph nodes are usually not suspicious for lymphoma. These nodes that harbor lymphoma typically continue to increase in size over time as well.

Additional symptoms of lymphoma include fever, weight loss and drenching night sweats. Sweating can be definitely caused by stress as well, it is the drenching night sweats that are more characteristic.
But nevertheless many people are asymptomatic e.g. without symptoms other than lymph node swelling.

From what you described it is very unlikely you got lymphoma. Keep in mind lymphoma is rare.

See your doctor for an evaluation if you are still worried.

Good luck

drea22 · 06-08-2004, 06:18 PM

Thank you sooo much for that last reply. It made me feel alot better. I have always experienced people in my life who have no time to comfort other people unless it benefits them in some way(sad i know) The time that you took to reply is greatly appreciated and i thank you for caring for someone who needs help. Both of you.

ysco · 06-09-2004, 07:00 AM

No problem at all... I'm glad I could help.

None the less it is appropriate to mention the opinions and advices on these boards including mine should be taken limitedly, and they are not substitute to professional medical checkups. You know, it is quite impossible to provide accurate diagnoses through the internet.

If you seek my opinion, you will be just fine...