OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Life with Persistent Swollen Lymph Nodes

Hello everyone, I'm a 24-year-old male, and I've been meaning to share my story for a while now to connect with others who might have faced similar challenges. I’m not seeking a diagnosis since I realize that’s not feasible in this format, but rather I’m looking for understanding and shared experiences. In late November 2024, after battling a prolonged flu and a sore throat that lingered for about ten days, I discovered two swollen lymph nodes in my neck. Since that time, they have not returned to their usual state. This period coincided with my big transition to a new city to commence my master’s program and starting a relationship with my boyfriend, which made this otherwise joyful chapter in my life feel overshadowed by anxiety. Although I’ve made progress in coping over the months, it has certainly been a tumultuous experience. To provide some background, I have always been somewhat concerned about my health. After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 18, I began to pay particularly close attention to my body — perhaps to an excessive degree. Therefore, it was only natural for me to consult a physician right away and undergo an extensive array of tests. Fortunately, the results were reassuring: - Blood tests (CBC, ESR, CRP) revealed no issues. - Tests for infections such as EBV and CMV came back with IgG positive and IgM negative, indicating previous exposure rather than an active infection. My TB test and throat swab were also negative. - I underwent multiple screenings for STDs, including 4th generation and PCR testing for HIV, all returning negative results. I consulted two ENT specialists, who provided varying diagnoses of tonsillitis and chronic sinusitis at different points in time. Despite trying antibiotics, there was no noticeable improvement. Given that I have a deviated septum, I felt that sinusitis might indeed be the source of my symptoms. In February, an ultrasound revealed three reactive lymph nodes: - Right side: measuring 2.1 cm, showing an elongated shape (the most prominent one). - A smaller node near my chin. - Left side: measuring 2.2 cm. Eventually, I met with the head of the hematology department at my local hospital, who is well-regarded in his field, so I felt comforted by his expertise. He informed me that I had undergone all the appropriate tests. Since the lymph nodes were at what he described as the borderline of normal (with biopsies typically considered for nodes exceeding 2.5 cm), he advised that merely monitoring with ultrasounds was the best course of action. After a follow-up ultrasound indicated that the nodes had not changed in size — although I perceived them as less prominent during the summer months — I found some solace in that continuity. So here I am today. I've largely managed to stop fixating on the nodes, yet I still occasionally find myself pondering the root cause of their swelling. Perhaps they will simply remain as “shotty” lymph nodes, and I might never truly understand their genesis. It’s undeniably frustrating to be left in ambiguity, but I am gradually learning to accept that uncertainty and forge ahead. Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy account. I wanted to share my journey in hopes of providing support to anyone going through a similar ordeal. I appreciate your attention, and I sincerely wish everyone well.

Answers (1)

9/9/2025, 3:01:53 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your story and experiences. It sounds like navigating your health challenges has been quite a journey, especially with the added transition of moving cities and starting a new relationship. Persistent swollen lymph nodes can indeed be a source of anxiety, especially given your history with Crohn's disease and the previous medical evaluations you've undergone.

Key Points:

• Swollen lymph nodes often indicate an immune response, which can be due to infections, inflammation, or other factors.
• Your tests have shown reassuring results, indicating no active infections or significant concerns presently.
• Monitoring is often the best path forward when lymph nodes are stable and unchanged in size.

Explanation:

Lymph nodes can swell due to various reasons, often as part of your body's immune response to infection or inflammation. In your case, the lymph nodes were found to be reactive, meaning they are responding to something, but all tests have ruled out significant pathology. The fact that they haven’t changed in size is a positive indication, as it suggests stability.

Considering your Crohn’s disease, it's completely normal to be vigilant about any changes in your body, as you have already shown through your proactive approach. However, it's also important to find a balance between being aware of your health and managing anxiety tied to it.

Next Steps:

1. Regular Monitoring: Continue with the follow-up ultrasounds as advised by your hematologist. Regular check-ins will help ensure that any changes can be addressed timely, providing peace of mind.

2. Manage Anxiety: Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help mitigate stress related to your health concerns. Activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can be beneficial for emotional well-being.

3. Focus on Overall Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. This can build your resilience and may improve your overall health which could also positively impact your lymph nodes.

4. Stay Connected: Sharing experiences with others, such as you’re doing now, can be very validating. Consider joining support groups for those with chronic conditions or dealing with anxiety; sharing stories with people who understand your journey can be comforting.

5. Keep a Journal: Consider keeping a health journal where you can note any changes in your lymph nodes and how you feel physically and emotionally. This can help track patterns and provide comfort in seeing your progress over time.

It's commendable that you're learning to accept uncertainty in your health journey. Remember, focusing on what you can control—like health habits and mental well-being—can be empowering. You're not alone in this, and connecting with others can be a powerful source of support. Please feel free to share any further thoughts or questions you may have!