Seeking Clarity on My Health Issues
At 22 years old, I am reaching out for guidance regarding some troubling lymph node swelling occurring beneath my arms, close to my breasts, alongside a recent diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) that I find questionable. For the past five months, I've been dealing with painful swelling in my axillary lymph nodes, which began about a week after I recovered from the flu. I've noticed that the swollen areas tend to exacerbate around my menstrual cycle and occasionally feel like a taut cord running underneath my skin. Importantly, there are no visible signs such as boils, blisters, or any skin abnormalities in the affected regions; the skin appears and feels completely normal. The lumps seem to be situated deeply, often feeling warm—not hot—and at times, the warmth spreads throughout my chest rather than remaining localized. An emergency room physician diagnosed these as swollen axillary lymph nodes and suggested I undergo an ultrasound, which I have yet to get done. However, my current healthcare provider has given me a diagnosis of HS and prescribed antibiotics, yet I lack any characteristic symptoms of HS, such as skin lesions or discharge. It's worth mentioning that I had an IUD inserted around three months ago, but the onset of my symptoms occurred several months prior to that. I had previously discontinued the Depo-Provera birth control, and my menstrual cycles had normalized before these issues arose. I am increasingly anxious that my situation might not purely pertain to a dermatological issue.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 1:01:27 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant concern regarding lymph node swelling and a diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) that feels uncertain. Your symptoms of swollen axillary lymph nodes, particularly in the context of your menstrual cycle and recent flu recovery, warrant careful assessment.
Explanation: Swollen lymph nodes often indicate that your body is responding to an infection or inflammation, which aligns with your recent flu experience. The fact that your symptoms seem to coincide with hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle may suggest a hormonal component influencing your lymphatic system. It's important to remember that HS typically presents with specific skin changes, which you do not have.
Additionally, the warmth you feel may indicate some level of inflammation, but without skin changes or discharge, it may not indicate a dermatological issue like HS. Given the complexity of your symptoms, further investigation is crucial.
Next Steps:
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Prioritize the Ultrasound: Schedule your ultrasound as soon as possible. This will provide vital information about your lymph nodes' condition and rule out any serious issues.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including any changes in size, warmth, or soreness of the lymph nodes, as well as your menstrual cycle patterns. Note any other physical changes like fatigue, fever, or weight loss.
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Follow Up with Your Provider: After your ultrasound, discuss the results with your healthcare provider. If the findings are inconclusive or if your symptoms persist, consider requesting a second opinion to explore other potential diagnoses, such as hormonal imbalances or infections.
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Self-Care Strategies: To help alleviate discomfort, you can:
- Apply warm compresses to the affected areas to help reduce swelling.
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or gentle exercise, as stress can affect your hormonal balance.
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about your situation. Taking these steps will help you gain more clarity and find the right direction for your health. If you have further questions or your symptoms change, feel free to reach out.
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