Should I mention this to my doctor? - Lymphomas Message Board

Elizabeth80 · 07-17-2008, 09:09 PM

I know ya'll are probably tired of these types of posts.. but I honestly did not know where else to go. I am a 22 year old female and I am having all sorts of symptoms that I am really concerned about, but I am worried about going into my doctors office and coming off as some kind of hypochondriac. I've had all kinds of medical issues growing up. I have a cyst in the back of my brain (benign) so I have all sorts of weird pains. However, I have been noticing new things and putting some old symptoms together that might possibly suggest lymphoma or something else. About 4 and a half years ago I had Mono for about 4 months.. It was a really severe case. Things pretty much started from there. I've had swollen lymph nodes since that time. They have varied in size.. most of which have been in my neck area and in my armpit. I suffer from all over bone pain.. Mostly in my knee and elbow.. It has gotten to the point where I have to make sure no part of my body is bent while I sleep or I will wake up in excruciating pain.

I have terrible night sweats at night.. not every night.. but pretty frequently. I cannot drink alcohol.. I get extreme pain in my neck just about immediately. AND I am exhausted! I cannot get enough sleep.. I take 2 naps every day and even that is not enough. (I'm a Stay at home mom) My doctor gives me B-12 injections for my fatigue and that doesn't help.

My blood work has been pretty normal.. except my SED rate was 60. She put me on Mobic for my bone pain to see if it helps and it has somewhat but I still wake up in pain a lot. I don't have any weight loss

I am wondering if I should ask for any kinds of tests.. I haven't mentioned my night sweats, or alcohol related pain to her. I also haven't pointed out the lymph node thing to her in a while.. I just hate how doctors treat me sometimes.. but she's new.. so maybe she won't.. I just wanted to see ya'lls thoughts and wondered if ya'll thought it would be smart to.

Thank you for reading my long story. I really appreciate it

Elizabeth

dee62 · 07-17-2008, 10:07 PM

Hi Elizabeth

I really hate that you are having to go through all the misery and suffering. Yes, I would go to the doctor for more test. I know that the doctors can make us feel like we are crazy, but be persistent and don't give up. If all turns out fine then no more worries.

I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for almost 1 year. The one on the right side of my neck is kind of rubbery and fixed, and the one below my left ear is rubbery and palapable. You can feel the node but feels like there is fluid around it.

About 2 1/2 years ago I notice when I went for my physical that my doctor was feeling the lymph nodes in my groin area. I know that he kept feeling,and noticed they were different than usual. I myself had been feeling them for awhile. I know the nodes are easy to feel in that area, I noticed on my right side of the groin the node has grown almost to the size of a grape. It doesn't hurt at all, just like my other nodes which don't hurt. I also have a lot of bone pain and my doctor has me on Neurontin. It used to help, but I think that I have become immune to it. I too get a lot of back pain, mostly. Does the B12 shots help, and do you think I ought to ask my hematologists about this? They are testing for Rheumatoid Arthritis too.

Oh, I also found a swollen lump right up under my cheek bone a few weeks ago when I had a dental cleaning which has also been their for quite awhile. My dentist said it was nothing to worry about even when I told him about my swollen lymph nodes in my neck. Whats up, who knows!

You sound like me, I have been worrying for almost a year, really longer since noticing the nodes in my groin area. I don't know what to think/do. My hematologist/oncologist said that all my blood work came back fine. Does that mean anything or really show any underlying illnesses? He also explaind the nodes in my neck were too small to biopsy even though to me the one on the right side of my neck is long and easy to feel. I just feel helpless and I am so sorry that I have written a book just about to long to read. I know what you mean by needing someone who will listen, and a shoulder to get some kind understanding and information.

Hope to hear from you and don't give up okay.

Dee

pinkmada · 07-19-2008, 09:00 AM

Hi Elizabeth,
I really think that the next time you see your doctor that you tell her about all your symptoms. No-one will be able to do anything for you unless you tell them everything that is going on. I know how awful it is having to go to the doctors all the time and i sometimes feel like saying that i am 'fine' just so i can get out of there again but you won't get any answers unless you tell them what is going on. if you really dont like your doc then maybe you should change to a different practise?
Take care
Amanda
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