Armpit swelling

[bathouse]

Anyone else have armpit swelling that never completely goes away? I have had this on one side only for around 4 years now.

Seen by breast clinic twice, no answers!

I have now worn out two dresses, the material under the armpit has gone thin and frayed as my arm rubs the material when swollen.

I'm on hydroxychloroquine, mepacrine, Asprin, clopidogrel, Ikervis eye drops.

I’ve never been offered A biopsy .

anyone else had a similar experience?

Any advice welcome

Thanks

[KnitSewPurl]

Happy Christmas x

Is it the glands ? Or your whole arm? Did they take any comparison measurements of both arms left and right ? Around the biceps for gauge guidance to note if it is getting larger? Hv you mentioned this to your rheumatology consultant?? Because they might be interested to know about this!Any changes in temperature in your skin? Or and changes in colouring you need to take note. What about pain? And blueness to the fingers??

All these type of observations need to be noted..

With mine, I had swelling for several days with pain with blueness in my fingers. And cold hands my Left arm felt of a different temp to my right arm. They did all the test still could not find out why . My arm swelled up it took over a week for the swelling to go down with elevation and rest. Was in hosp in the meantime for that.

Hope you will be able to find some solutions.

Hope you will be able to enjoy some Christmas blessings xx

[Jerg in reply to KnitSewPurl]

I get lumps under my armpits when I have a flare or UTI they last for about 1-2 months then go I had a biopsy once when it first started and it turned out to be nothing serious. Speak to your consultant

[Chris21]

I’ve not had any swelling in my arm but the rheumatologist always checks and tell me to check every so often in the arm pit and around my neck, for any swelling/lumps that dont go away. There are also cysts that you could develop. Did the consultant not tell you what the cause was? If the answers no, then I think you should ask for a ct scan or biospy to find out what is causing it.

[KayHimm]

You might want to ask your rheumatologist if it could be related to your lupus. Lymph nodes enlarge when the immune system is revved up. I felt little peas on my neck in the past when not doing well.

They do sound very enlarged to be damaging clothes. Good they sent you to the breast clinic.

Unless they are going to treat the problem, they will not likely biopsy or do scans. You might want to ask your doctors what their best guess is.

Best of luck with this

K

[bathouse in reply to KayHimm]

Many thanks for all of your replies, appreciated.

Every time I see the rheumatologist they are at their least swollen. My GP witnessed them when enlarged and she did bloods there and then and referred me to the breast clinic urgently.

I do feel it’s lupus related and will push for a biopsy when I see rheumatologist end of January.

Have a healthy and peaceful Christmas everyone

[KayHimm in reply to bathouse]

Have you noticed the lymph nodes getting bigger when you feel worse? If so, it you should document this and let your rheumatologist know. It could provide a clue it is lupus activity. You will have lab work done soon that will show any concerns too.

xxK

[bathouse in reply to KayHimm]

Thanks, my bloods are always unremarkable, Even after having my thyroid gland out my thyroid levels were normal!

[Rosiaz in reply to KayHimm]

Thank you . Your comment esp relevant to me and an encouragement to bring it up in next rheumatology appnt.

[Rosiaz]

Thank you for including your question : it encouraged me just to SEE it . Over the last two years I've mentioned to GP growing armpit discomfort on left side . Other than a blood test , he has no ideas . It has been a problem and a worry .My annual appointment with the rheumatology consultant is in Febrary . It sounds as if it might well be connected to Lupus.

[bathouse in reply to Rosiaz]

It’s a very strange illness. So many different symptoms which come and go. I will keep everyone updated as it’s useful to get red back from others experiences x

[bathouse in reply to bathouse]

*feedback

[Hamptons]

I have a lymph node that swells - not painful but goes up and down.

[Wytchylady]

Hi.Swollen lymph glands seem to be one of the wonderful gifts that comes with Lupus.

That said it should be being checked out. Have you had any blood tests taken to rule in/out infections, white blood cell count or has anyone carried out a physical examination of the lumps?

Has anyone checked it's not a cyst or pore blockage?

I think sometimes Lupus is a bit of a get out of jail card for some medical professionals, blame it on the SLE rather than doing further checks.

Hope you get some answers soon X

[bathouse]

many thanks

I’m due a rheumatologist review the end of January so will see what that brings

[bathouse]

Sorry to hear that.

Have you got a prescription for mepacrine?

[StriatedCaracara]

Yes, just due to start this Mepacrine this week.

[Kddp]

Hi, I also have been sent to the breast clinic because the doctor found lump in my armpit.I had a scan they said my left armpit is swollen in glands. They booked me in for another appointment for 8 weeks time. To see if it went down

I went back and my left armpit still swollen and now right armpit the same.

The head doctor was called In the room

He asked me do you have any autoimmune diseases.

I said I have suspected lupus but has not been diagnosed yet.

He said to me "oh that is what it will be, we sign you off you don't need to come back.

I really don't know what to say about that. But what can you do.

[bathouse in reply to Kddp]

oh! What can you say?

At least I don’t feel alone, thank you for taking the time replying.

I do think lupus/APS etc cause so many odd symptoms.

very best wishes

Sue