Persistent Swelling of Lymph Nodes for 8 Months
Greetings, medical professionals, I’m a 31-year-old female, standing at 153 cm tall and weighing 78 kg, and I’m reaching out regarding a primary concern: swollen lymph nodes. To clarify, I have no underlying health conditions, and I neither smoke, consume alcohol, nor use drugs. Since October 2024, I have noticed two swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. Initially, they were distinct but have since enlarged to the point that they now feel connected, almost resembling one large oval mass. They have remained stationary and feel firm when I press on them. In November of the previous year, I consulted with a physician who recommended a full blood count (FBC) test, which returned normal results, alongside an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed that I have right level 5 lymph nodes: one measuring 1.6 cm with a preserved fatty hilum, and another at 1.5 cm within typical parameters. My doctor indicated that these nodes are likely reactive and assured me that they should resolve within a few weeks. I was prescribed antibiotics, which I took as directed. However, there has been no noticeable improvement. Now, after eight months, the swollen nodes remain and seem to have increased in size. Apart from this issue, I have not experienced any additional symptoms, although I have felt unusually fatigued in recent months. I manage to get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly, regularly hit the gym three times a week, and maintain a nutritious diet. Am I merely overthinking this situation? Is it possible that my concerns are unfounded, as suggested by my doctor? The sight of these lymph nodes is a constant reminder every time I look in the mirror or shower, and it’s becoming quite frustrating. Thank you for your time and assistance. I genuinely appreciate any insights you can provide.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 8:10:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about persistent swollen lymph nodes, especially when they've not improved over an extended period. While your doctor indicated that they are likely reactive and benign based on your past test results, I appreciate that the lack of change over eight months, along with your increased fatigue, raises important questions.
Summary of Key Points:
- Persistent swollen lymph nodes can indicate various conditions, but their stable nature and normal test results often suggest a benign cause.
- Continued monitoring is essential, especially given your experience of increasing fatigue.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes can swell for many reasons, including infections, inflammation, or, in rarer cases, malignancies. The fact that your nodes are still firm but stationary after antibiotic treatment and the normal ultrasound suggests they may not be a direct concern. However, the development of fatigue is worth noting, as it could symbolize different underlying issues.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring: Keep an eye on the size and any changes in the lymph nodes. Document any new symptoms such as night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue.
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Fatigue Assessment: Since you’ve noticed increased fatigue, consider adjusting your daily activities. Ensure you're managing stress effectively, and include activities that promote relaxation in your routine.
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3-4 Week Reassessment: Plan to evaluate the lymph nodes and your general health in about 3-4 weeks. If your fatigue worsens, or you’re experiencing new symptoms, revisit your healthcare provider sooner.
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Prepare for a Follow-up Appointment: If your symptoms persist, request a follow-up with your doctor. Discuss the fatigue and any changes in the lymph nodes since your last assessment. It might be helpful to discuss additional tests, such as blood tests focused on thyroid function or autoimmune markers, even if previous tests came back normal.
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Stay Engaged: Reach out to support networks, whether online or locally, where others may understand what you're going through.
It's important to trust your intuition about your body. While your concerns may have been initially assessed as unfounded, persistence in seeking clarity is not overthinking—it's advocating for your health. If at any point you feel excessively worried or your condition changes, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare provider again.
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