Understanding Mesenteric Lymph Nodes
Greetings! I’m a 34-year-old woman with a medical history that includes Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, I’m prescribed Percocet, tizanidine, Lyrica, and Paxil. Late on Saturday night, I found myself visiting the hospital after experiencing trouble for several days. It all began on Thursday with unexpected hot flashes that had me sweating profusely. This discomfort escalated over the days, and by each morning, I was waking drenched in sweat. In addition, I began feeling a mild nausea that wasn't overly severe at first. However, come Saturday morning, I woke up with intense pain in my upper left abdomen and discomfort that radiated to the lower left and back areas. The pain was quite severe. I started feeling quite unwell; by Saturday afternoon, I was attempting to vomit despite not having eaten much. Even the slightest attempt at consuming food resulted in exacerbated pain that forced me to retch after just a few bites. I finally decided that I couldn’t endure it any longer during a particularly unsettling hot flash that left me feeling shaky. All my lab tests returned with normal results, but a CT scan revealed some findings: - a hiatal hernia, - fatty liver (noting that I drink infrequently), - and mildly swollen mesenteric lymph nodes, which are nonspecific and could be reacting to something. The doctor in the emergency room reassured me that lymphoma wasn't a concern, especially given the favorable lab outcomes, and suggested that this might be indicative of some sort of infection. Should I be anxious about this? I’m uncertain if it resembles a stomach virus since I don’t have diarrhea or any fever, but I do experience significant cramping, pain, dry heaving, and those pesky hot flashes. Unfortunately, the Percocet seems to provide minimal relief, and the only position in which I feel comfortable is lying down. I would appreciate any guidance on my next steps! Thank you in advance! 🖤
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 8:00:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are dealing with several concerning symptoms that have understandably caused you distress. Based on your recent hospital visit and the CT scan findings, it appears that the mildly swollen mesenteric lymph nodes are likely a response to either an infection or some other benign process, given that your lab results were normal. Here's what you should know:
Explanation
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Mesenteric Lymph Nodes: These are part of your immune system and can swell in response to infections or inflammation in the abdomen, including some gastrointestinal issues. They are not, in your case, linked to lymphoma, as confirmed by your emergency doctor.
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Symptoms: The hot flashes, abdominal pain, nausea, and dry heaving could be related to several factors, including the hiatal hernia and potentially a gastritis or gastrointestinal infection. It’s also possible that anxiety related to your medical history could be contributing to your symptoms.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, such as the intensity of pain, any changes in nausea, and how often the hot flashes occur. Noting these will help in understanding patterns and can be useful for future medical consultations.
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Hydration and Diet: Focus on staying well-hydrated with clear fluids like water or herbal teas. Avoid solid food until you feel ready to eat. When you do, start with bland foods such as crackers or toast, which may be easier on your stomach.
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Pain Management: Continue with your prescribed medications, but if Percocet is not providing relief, consider discussing with your healthcare provider potential alternatives or additional medications that might alleviate the abdominal pain.
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Follow-Up Care: Given your complex medical history and current symptoms, it would be beneficial to schedule a follow-up with your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist. They may need to investigate further to rule out conditions that could explain your symptoms (like gastritis or a gastrointestinal infection).
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Rest and Comfort: Ensure you’re resting in a comfortable position, possibly lying down or in a slightly upright position to ease any discomfort from your hiatal hernia.
Reassurance
While it is natural to feel anxious about new and intense symptoms, the reassurances from your emergency doctor, especially regarding the lymph nodes, are critical. Persistent symptoms like yours warrant attention, but with proper monitoring and care, you can work towards symptom relief.
If your symptoms worsen—such as developing a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or rapid changes in your overall condition—seeking immediate medical attention would be very important. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional guidance. 🖤
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