Is there a Doctor in the house?

kwrecks

So I know that most of you aren't actually doctors.  And that I should consult my doctor, which I have.  I'm just bringing this up to a new set of eyes to see if anyone has any suggestions. 

4 years ago, on my birthday (August 1), I got sick.  It started as a cold, turned into an achy, fevery mess, and then the gland/lymph node on my right side swelled up.  Huge.  Probably the size of a golf ball.  I went to the doctor, they tested for strep, mono, etc.  And it came back negative for all of those.  They put me on an random antibiotic and sent me on my way.  I felt sick for probably a week, and the gland/node stayed swollen for another couple of weeks and my throat hurt for literally 2 months.  Fast forward to the next year, same time, on my birthday, same symptoms.  Same tests, still negative, same antibiotic.  Last year the same thing happened, but I didn't go to the doctor because I knew they really wouldn't tell me anything.  The symptoms lasted the same amount of time.  I got tested for allergies....nothing. 

Last birthday I was healthy (Thank God!) and I thought the streak was over.  Well, it's back now.  Started as a fever and body aches, now the gland/node is swollen and the whole right side of my neck/face hurts.  I'm trying to avoid antibiotics, mostly because it seems like they don't really help, and since I'm BFing, I'd rather not risk the increased chance of thrush.  I've been taking tylenol because I'm nervous to take much else, and it's helped with the fever and body aches, but my throat feels like someone took a cheese grater to it.  I've got a humidifier going (mostly since LO is also sick with a cold), trying to rest the best I can, gargling salt water, but I'm really not sure what else to do.

The things I've found on google all seem similar to what I've got, but not quite the same. I've seen two separate doctors, and I feel like if whatever it is was easy to diagnose on google, then the doctor should have been able to figure it out, so I'm not sure I'm having any luck there.

Has anyone else had any experiences like this?  What it is, or have any idea how to get rid of it?

MoMmy Of GrAcE

Not sure what it is, but hugs to you. Hope you kick the yuck symptoms quickly!!

LEMSA

You are allergic to getting older. Final diagnosis.

You are having lymphadenopathy, usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. Less likely cancer, but that is always considered. An ultrasound will help determine if it's simply swelling of lymph nodes based on infection vs a more sinister etiology.

It seems you are having lymphadenopathy based on an illness. Why you keep getting it I can't say. But if it doesn't resolve on it's own, then try antibiotics and consider an ultrasound.

I hope you get better soon.

roxpink

When you went to the doctor did they do any bloodwork?

kwrecks

@roxpink yes I think that's how they tested me for mono

kwrecks

@LEMSA so should I go to the doctor and ask for an ultrasound? Any way to make the swelling go down?

LEMSA

Not really at home. You can try hot packs. Usually steroids and antibiotics. You can ask bc it's recurrent. It's not unreasonable.

Ashesha13

I would go to the doctor or at least let them know so they have record of it. If its recurring that many times I would press for further testing just to be sure and would hope my doctor would want to figure out what was going on as well

pkaren

I'm prone to throat infections and when I was in college I was sick for three months straight bc I was getting recurring infections over and over. I'm pretty sure the apartment I lived in had really bad mold that was making me sick. I also have GERD which aggravates it. Anyways, it was a viral infection so antibiotics wouldn't even help. 

The humidifier and gargling are good to do. You can also rotate taking advil and Tylenol.  If your breastfeeding, throat lozenges might not be good, but maybe ask a pharmacist if you can take zinc lozenges. They're gross, but they work. Also, one tbsp of lemon juice and one tbsp of honey and microwave it for a minute will help sooth your throat. 

I get recurring throat infections because of GERD. Have you ever been tested for that?

mommabmb

Do you have your tonsils? Typically repeat infections in the throat warrant a tonsillectomy.

rooftop

my brother got lymphoma as a kid and one of the persisting symptoms was a sore throat and swollen lymphnodes in his neck... it took a while for the doctors to realize it wasn't just a re-occurring cold. But he didn't have fever or chills that I remember.

PTmama199

What type of doctor did you go to? I would try a rheumatologist.

LEMSA

lettyenglish said:

What type of doctor did you go to? I would try a rheumatologist.

I disagree. A rheumatologist deals with autoimmune issues. I don't think this is autoimmune. Yes it could be, but unlikely.

Your family doctor should be able to handle this. Or urgent care. I don't recommend a specialist at this time.

kwrecks

I just went to my family doctor. If my throat still hurts this bad tomorrow, and is still swollen, I'm gonna go to the doctor on Monday.

PTmama199

I just figured if she went to her family doctor twice with no answers it's time to see a specialist. That is what I would do and that is what I would recommend to my patients. I do agree a PCP should be the first person to see but if you don't get answers and you are still concerned see a specialist.

PTmama199

Ears nose and throat doc would be another option.

MagPie 1986

lettyenglish said:

I just figured if she went to her family doctor twice with no answers it's time to see a specialist. That is what I would do and that is what I would recommend to my patients. I do agree a PCP should be the first person to see but if you don't get answers and you are still concerned see a specialist.

A rheumatologist isn't the appropriate specialist.  ENT is better but still not entirely warranted. 

kwrecks

I went to the doctor (one I hadn't seen before) today. And all he did was test for strep and when it came back negative, he told me it was viral and to treat the symptoms and ride it out. Ugh.

PTmama199

I'm sorry you are not getting answers. There is absolutely no reason you shouldn't see a specialist if you feel like your not getting the care you need. It's not like you have a cold and your whining about a runny nose. You are your own medical advocate and should be critical of advice that you are not comfortable with. ENT would probably be where I would start. They are also called otolaryngologists. Obviously I don't diagnose over the internet nor is this in my relm of medicine but I do help people to take control of their medical treatment and at least get second and third opinions when they feel they need it. Hope you feel better soon.

mommabmb

You may also consider writing down your medical history before you go. I have noticed that doctors are better at reading a history than listening to one. Maybe a chronological breakdown of what happened when would help? I would also try an ENT for a repeat issue like this, but I would try when it's flaring up or they won't be able to see the symptoms first hand.

PTmama199

mommabmb said:

You may also consider writing down your medical history before you go. I have noticed that doctors are better at reading a history than listening to one. Maybe a chronological breakdown of what happened when would help? I would also try an ENT for a repeat issue like this, but I would try when it's flaring up or they won't be able to see the symptoms first hand.

That's a really good idea