What Steps Should I Take for My Possible Subcutaneous Inflammation?
I’m a 38-year-old woman, standing at 5'2" and weighing 110 pounds. After recently resuming birth control, I noticed a strange development—a soft, approximately 3 cm lump beneath my armpit. Within a week of its appearance, I experienced significant discomfort in that area. Massage only exacerbated the issue, bringing along flu-like symptoms—chills, extreme fatigue, and overall malaise. As time passed, the pain radiated down my arm, into my abdomen, and even up my neck. It was quite severe. I also observed that this side of my body felt slightly swollen, coupled with swollen lymph nodes and a persistent itch. Eventually, I began to suffer from nerve pain and joint/muscle aches, along with a flare-up of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The combination of illness and pain was overwhelming. Following two months of these symptoms, I received steroids, which offered significant relief; however, the lump remains, along with milder pain, itching, and swollen lymph nodes. An MRI indicated a benign lipoma, yet it noted that the skin above this area is thickened and swollen. Furthermore, an ultrasound identified a 1.9 cm lymph node beneath my chin that has persisted for several months. Blood tests have come back normal, including all inflammatory markers. What steps should I consider? I find this situation peculiar, yet my healthcare providers seem largely dismissive of my concerns.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 6:10:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a complex set of symptoms that are causing you significant discomfort and concern. With a lump, pain radiating, swollen lymph nodes, and other systemic symptoms, it's important to approach your situation thoughtfully and carefully.
Key Points:
- Persistent Symptoms: You have a lump described as a benign lipoma, but ongoing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and lymph node changes raise valid questions that deserve attention.
- Response to Treatment: You noted that steroids provided significant relief, which indicates an inflammatory component.
- Need for Further Evaluation: While your blood tests were normal, further exploration of your symptoms may be necessary given the persistence and severity.
Explanation:
A lipoma is typically a harmless growth of fat tissue, but your experience of pain, systemic symptoms (like chills and fatigue), and the changes in the lymph nodes suggest that there may be more to investigate. Conditions like autoimmune disorders, infections, or inflammatory conditions could potentially explain your symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Symptomatic Care: Continue with any prescribed medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications, as these can help manage pain and inflammation. If steroids provided relief, ask about the possibility of a controlled taper or alternative anti-inflammatory drugs under your provider’s guidance.
-
Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any activities or treatments that seem to improve or worsen them. This can provide useful insight for your healthcare providers.
-
Follow-up with Providers:
- Consider reaching out for a second opinion from another specialist, such as a rheumatologist or an endocrinologist, especially given your complex symptoms.
- Discuss with your doctor the possibility of an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lump or the lymph node, to rule out any underlying pathology.
-
Address Lifestyle Factors:
- Ensure you’re managing stress, which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Stay well-hydrated and consider applying warm compresses to the affected area to alleviate discomfort.
-
Monitor for New Symptoms: If you experience worsening of pain, new lumps, or sudden changes in your symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider promptly.
Feeling dismissed can be incredibly frustrating, and your concerns are valid. It’s important to keep advocating for your health. Be persistent in seeking the care and answers you deserve. If you would like more specific information about any of these steps, let me know!
Related Questions
Unusual Kidney Discomfort?
Hello everyone! This marks my inaugural post on Reddit, so I hope I navigate this correctly. I am a 26-year-old woman without any significant health issues aside from some fractures in my hands and legs due to a car accident a while back, which has left me with continual knee discomfort. My only medication is Zoloft, which I’ve been taking for over four years now. For some context, I have experienced two confirmed kidney infections—one in 2020 and another in 2021. In 2023, a doctor indicated that I might have small kidney stones based on observing what he described as “crystals” in my urine, though he expressed some uncertainty about the diagnosis. Additionally, I tend to get urinary tract infections (UTIs) more often than average. I prioritize maintaining good hygiene, and so does my partner, especially prior to intimacy. The pain from previous kidney infections was excruciating, and I distinctly recall the sensations and location of that pain, which gives me confidence in stating that what I currently experience does not feel like muscle aches. Since early 2023, I’ve visited the emergency room approximately 3 to 5 times, feeling as though I encountered another kidney infection or perhaps stones. I displayed all the usual symptoms—intense upper back and flank pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, often alongside UTI signs just prior to symptom onset. Despite these symptoms, medical professionals have not identified any issues, finding no evidence of UTIs or other problems in my normal urine tests, lab results, CT scans, or ultrasounds. Each time, doctors express their bewilderment at my symptom presentation. A number of them have suggested that my discomfort may be muscular or possibly “anxiety-related,” implying that it could be psychosomatic. However, I do not struggle with significant anxiety. I recall the last time a doctor dismissed my pain as muscular or psychological—my appendix subsequently ruptured. Although I’ve sought emergency care a few times for these issues, the discomfort has flared up at least ten times over the last three years. I recognize that seeing a specialist is necessary, but I’m currently awaiting a referral, and I’m dealing with severe pain in my left flank again while having just ahead of UTI-like symptoms last week. The pain is not constant; however, its intensity can reach 8 out of 10, significantly hindering my ability to work. I dread returning to the ER only to be met with the same findings and suspicion that I’m seeking pain relief for non-genuine reasons (an accusation I faced from an ER doctor right before my appendix incident). I would genuinely appreciate any insights from those who have experienced similar symptoms, know why lab results are consistently normal, or may have suggestions about what could be causing this. Thank you for your input! EDIT: I believe it’s worth noting my dietary habits. I do indulge in fast food more often than advised, yet I also prepare a number of balanced home-cooked meals, stay well-hydrated, and avoid overeating. Although I’m slightly overweight at 5'3" and 150 pounds, I do not suffer from high blood pressure or elevated sugar levels, nor do I have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Every instance of basic lab work has shown my health metrics to be within the normal range.
Am I Experiencing Scoliosis?
I’m a 17-year-old female who has struggled with poor posture since childhood. My mother always tried to encourage me to maintain better posture, frequently reminding me to sit up straight and pointing out whenever I slouched. I dismissed her concerns, insisting that I couldn’t help it. In April 2025, my mom took a job overseas, leaving me to stay with my dad. He works in another town and is extremely busy, only coming home every few weeks for the weekends. Occasionally, some relatives check on me, and my friends' parents are supportive whenever I need assistance. By August 2025, I began experiencing severe back pain. While I had always dealt with some discomfort, it escalated significantly. My entire spine ached, with varying intensity between the upper and lower areas. The pain became so unbearable that I found myself crying myself to sleep nightly, and on some nights, I couldn’t even manage to sleep at all. Unfortunately, the pain has continued to intensify. Backpack carrying has become impossible, and finding a comfortable sleeping or sitting position is a struggle. Additionally, my breathing has been affected, and I sometimes can’t bend my head downwards easily. A paramedic, who is the mother of a friend, gave me some medication that I must take with a syringe. Although it does provide some relief by numbing the pain temporarily, it lasts only a few hours. As a minor, I find it difficult to see a doctor since I lack an adult to accompany me. I’ve examined my back in the mirror and once did a video call with my mom so she could see it, and she mentioned that my shoulders seem quite uneven. The pain continues to worsen daily. I’m at a loss for what actions to take and currently cannot see a doctor. Is it possible that I have scoliosis, or could it be something else entirely?
Woke Up with Jaw Pain and Clicking Sounds
Three days ago, I experienced sudden discomfort on one side of my jaw upon waking. I'm not sure what caused it—could I have inadvertently strained it while sleeping? Every time I speak, eat, or even just open my mouth, I sense a clicking and a strange feeling as if a portion of my jaw is coming out of alignment. This sensation is quite awkward, and chewing has become somewhat painful. I have been taking Tylenol and Advil, which alleviate the pain to a certain extent. Additionally, I've been applying a heat pack to my jaw and gently massaging the area. Alongside this, I’ve developed a mild headache. The condition hasn’t improved, although it hasn’t deteriorated either. Should I consult a physician, or is it best to simply wait for it to resolve itself? Details: - Gender: Female - Age: 24 - Medications: Tylenol, Advil
Concerns about Possible CJD at Age 16
Hi everyone, I’m 16 years old, and I want to share my experience that started over the summer of 2025. During that time, I found myself spending an excessive amount of hours indoors, engrossed in video games, and avoiding outdoor activities. My lifestyle became quite sedentary, which prompted me to push myself in workouts—maybe too aggressively—training to the point of failure nearly every session. I was performing a single set of 200 pushups, dumbbell curls, and presses using 20-pound weights, all while indulging in unhealthy foods and consuming a lot of soda. As the summer progressed, particularly from early to late July, I began experiencing panic attacks—three in total. After brushing them aside, I continued my strenuous workout routine and poor eating habits. However, by October 31, I was struck by a debilitating headache coupled with extreme fatigue. Shortly after, I encountered chest pain and found it difficult to breathe. Although the headache faded after a few weeks, I became overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, constantly worried that I might be facing a heart attack or serious cardiac issues. This worrying spiraled into deep depression, as the chest pain and tightness became so severe that even walking was painful. Despite these challenges, I continued my intense training and unhealthy dietary choices until January. At that point, I decided to abandon my rigorous workouts and aimed to adopt a healthier diet. Gradually, my chest discomfort and breathing difficulties improved, and within a week or two in early February, they subsided. My pervasive stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression seemed to lift as well. However, on February 2, I began experiencing slurred speech and brain fog, struggling to find the right words and often feeling mentally blank. Additionally, I noticed slight muscle twitching in my fingers and persistent dizziness accompanied by headaches from constant overthinking. This led to a lack of coordination and balance, and emotionally, I felt flat, with my voice becoming soft and lacking expressiveness. I found myself becoming forgetful, although my long-term memory remained intact, and I was processing information more slowly—both in writing and in physical activities. My personality also underwent a shift; sadness enveloped me, and I became fearful of death. In an attempt to regain some joy, I began reading the Bible and praying. Now, I’m left with the fear that I might be experiencing symptoms of CJD, which have persisted for 13 days. I’m at a loss for what steps to take next and find myself uncertain about my future.
Home Remedies for an Infected Ingrown Toenail: Is It Possible?
Hello, I’m a 28-year-old female weighing around 280 lbs and not on any medication. For some time, I've been dealing with an ingrown toenail, which has now progressed to having some green discoloration under the edge of the nail, causing me persistent pain. Additionally, the affected area has become quite swollen. I first noticed the discoloration a few days ago on February 13. My occupation requires me to spend extensive periods on my feet, which likely exacerbates the situation. Over the past two nights, I've been soaking my toe in Epsom salt and applying a triple antibiotic ointment, followed by a bandage for protection. Unfortunately, I feel like the condition is deteriorating. There’s no fever or noticeable red streaks, but I'm monitoring it closely. Although I would prefer to consult a healthcare professional, I genuinely cannot afford the expenses involved. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for the lengthy message.