CLL new to list, Cold Virus and Swollen Nodes

Hi my name is Donna, I just found this list while searching for help with a problem I'm having. I have a cold and my lymph nodes are REALLY BIG and sore, My ears feel clogged up. I'm not sure if this is serious or not. I was diagnosed with CLL in 2002 and I've been in watch and wait since then. Glad I found this site and I welcome your comments. Thank you so much!

[AussieNeil Administrator]

Hi Donna and welcome to our community!

Given you have a higher risk of secondary infection, you would be wise to have your doctor check you out as soon as possible. Your clogged ears feeling may be due in part to swollen nodes in the area or just due to congestion from the cold. Your nodes may resolve with your cold.

A couple of questions so you'll get more helpful answers:

- Have your lymph nodes always been big and sore, or has this happened in association with your cold?

- What has happened with previous colds since your CLL diagnosis?

- Have you had prognostic FISH testing done and if so, do you know your results? (Some forms of CLL - 11q deletion and 'SLL' are renown for having bulky nodes.)

- Do you know what stage of CLL you are in?

- How often do you see a specialist?

Thanks,

Neil

[yodajack in reply to AussieNeil]

Nice to have you back aussieneil!

[thelutondodger]

Hello Donna,

Welcome - this is one of the most helpful, informative and caring on-line communities on the web. There are some really kind, well-informed and generous people here. Remember there is no such thing here as a silly question here. Feel free to rant, wail and thump the table (figuratively) we've all been there.

This forum helped me changed the way I learned about this disease and how to better cope with the treatment, the anxieties and the low days. There is one thread that runs through this forum - HOPE.

I'm no expert - sometimes I wonder aimlessly - what's happened to me? But dipping into the forum generally lifts me - even now when I'm in remission (5 months on)

Best wishes,

Roger

[wroxham-gb]

Welcome Donna

Couldn't agree more with the comments you've got here.

Best wishes.

Sue

[Hidden]

I have the same problem with the clogged ears and lymph nodes. I take Benedryl at night which helps with the sinus drainage and clogged feeling in my ears. I'm going to talk to my dr at next appt. not recommending this just stating what I do. .

[DocM]

Welcome Donna...this is a good site to visit, not only for advice, but to know we are not alone in our symptoms of the day. It's usually a long, bumpy road with lots of twists and turns, so buckle up and enjoy the waves you get from people like us who are also travelling this road. It's kind of like that old road game of how many cars can you get to honk at you.

[ladyprescott]

Hi Donna...How timely you posted this. I woke up this morning and I'm getting a cold. I'm on W&W, but haven't had a cold in years. For the HealthUnlocked community; what are your best recommendations? I don't feel good today. Help! Thanks. Carole

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to ladyprescott]

With colds being viral, there's not much you can do other than wish you were back in the days when colds lasted a week without medication and 7 days with medication .

Seriously, I think it is something you have to work out for yourself; you have to re-learn how your body responds to colds, which can also gradually change as your CLL progresses. It is very important to be on the lookout for your condition worsening which may indicate a secondary infection which could need antibiotics. If you just can't get over your cold, push for a culture to be done to determine the cause, so the best treatment can be prescribed for you.

Neil

[ladyprescott in reply to AussieNeil]

Hi Neil...Thanks for the reply. I stayed busy today and now feel a bit better. We have a dinner to go to and if not for that I would sit down and not move the rest of the evening. I see my pulmonary doctor on Tuesday, if they still want me to come in. I know he will have something to say about being on the watch for my cold worsening, but I hope it doesn't. Watch and wait!! Carole