lymph nodes swollen

[caz1967]

Hi I'm a 51yrs old post menopausal, Some months ago i felt a little lump in my groin area, as ive been having fatty lumps appearing under the skin all over my arms legs back for a few years i thought nothing of it. But gradually the area was getting more and more lumpy and they didn't feel the same as the fatty lumps, eventually, i booked an appointment to see a doctor. When i arrived i was told my appointment had been changed and i was seeing a nurse, which i was not pleased about. I explained and she had a feel then told me it wasn't fatty tissue lumps but swollen lymph nodes, she asked if id had an infection or cold i told her no as its been some time since ive had either, too which she said not to worry wasn't any reason to.

i do not know if i should be worried or if she should of got the doctor to see me. id always thought lymph nodes being swollen were a cancer indicator?

any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

[Hidden]

Hello caz1967

I joined this Community myself today asking a totally different question but it seems quite on here at the moment , hopefully more ladies will log on at some point and be able to share their experiences with us

Meanwhile I will try and help as I know when you are worried about something a reply means so much or it does to me

Now a days the nurses at the surgery are nearly as good as the Doctors and they seem to prioritise when you make an appointment who you need to see , and some things they allocate the nurse

I know when this first started in our surgery I was shocked but it is normal even though really they should have told you prior it would be the nurse and not the Doctor

If the nurse in anyway doubted what she diagnosed she would have asked the Doctor to take a look so try and be reassured by that as they would get into serious trouble if they didn't !

Lymph nodes can appear any where and no they are not a sign of cancer , I sometimes get them under my arm pits when I am run down , if you have looked on Google and got this impression then try not to as it always gives you the worse scenario

But if it was me and I could not settle and the worry was getting to much then I would book an appointment with the Doctor just to reassure myself , if you do feel that will help then do it but insist it is the Doctor you want to see and not the nurse

I pre book my appointments where ever I can , it may mean waiting a week or two but that way as I have pre booked it with a Doctor I get to see them

We also have an online system where you can pre book your own appointments with the Doctor of your choice ( again it could be you have to wait a week or two ) but if it is not an emergency then I always feel it is worth it so I can see my regular Doctor

Most if not all surgeries have this now so that could be something if you have not already look into if yours do this and if so get signed up to it and then non emergency appointments you can book yourself and take control who you see

I worry a lot but try not to , I am sure the nurse will have been right in her diagnosis , but if you want that second opinion then you go back and get it

Let us know how you get on

Take Care x

[caz1967 in reply to Hidden]

Cheers My surgery are piloting a new after hrs system, this is why I was put to see a nurse, She asked if id been ill, but I haven't, and the nodes in my groin have been raised and it started with a tiny lump now it stretches from my hip to my lowest inside point over approx 5 /6 months its both sides but the right being far more advanced. she examed my neck only because i asked if the lump on my jaw was another fatty lump that I've got everywhere. she checked my neck and confirmed it was actually lymph nodes left side all raised as well and the lump i had for over a year. shes not done any bloods for it, however, has for a thyroid check

[Hidden in reply to caz1967]

I am sure even though when we are worried we doubt it they know what they are looking for etc but if you are not happy one thing I have learnt to do over the years is speak up till I am heard , so if you feel more should be done , a second opinion , blood tests etc , then I hope you will find your voice and speak up and let them know

I always say this is my body , so if I am not happy with what they say or do then I will make sure they listen to me till I am

Let us know how you get on x

[caz1967 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, LuLu,

I went on the Macmillian site and a specialist nurse sent me a long email, I'm a little less worried however she also said i have to get full-bloods and biopsy. Monday morning ill be on the phone.

Regards Carol

[Hidden in reply to caz1967]

Glad you are a little less worried and good for you seeking and finding that advise , don't take no from your Doctors when you phone them Monday

I am sure everything will be alright but getting those things done will give you the peace of mind you need and once you have that I know it will feel so much better like a weight has been lifted of your shoulders

Hope you have been enjoying your weekend x

[MsLockYourPosts]

Did the nurse order a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Metabolic Panel? Those would give her, and any doctor reviewing them, information that would help them figure out whether further follow up is needed. If any tests were done, ask for copies of the results. Swollen lymph nodes usually are your body’s way of fighting something off (cold or virus), often before you realize that anything is going on.

If no labs were done, if I was in your position, I would ask for that next. If you are concerned, don’t be afraid to insist on a follow up with a doctor to review the labs, especially if any of the numbers are out of range. In the US they have to give you copies of your medical records. I know people in the UK who take a photo of the labs that show up on the doctor’s screen, if there is a problem getting copies. Let us know what you find out.

Try to stay away from Dr. Google! It’s easy to convince yourself that you are at death’s door if you try to self diagnose. I have a wonderful doctor who reminds me, when I break that rule, that I’m missing one thing - medical school.

[caz1967 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Evening, No they have not, I got an apt in the week with my GP finally, she was not interested either i was fuming at the way she was so dismissive, the bloods that had been done were a full blood count and thyroid as I'm struggling to lose weight. wHEN I TOLD HER WHAT MACMILLAN HAD RECOMMENDED A BIOPSY AND BLOODS , her attitude was not professional i got and which am i too biopsy as there are numerous sites.. she examined my groin and stated there was swelling but not 1 that stood out. I told her i was not happy that i felt like i was being dismissed, to which she asked what it was i was concerned with so i told her im bloated continually regardless to what i eat, I've avoided gluten for a while and I'm extremely tired so i struggle to stay awake during the day with my history of having a hysterectomy at 24yrs old i know I'm at greater risk of ovarian tumors, so shes ordered a blood test, which ive since discovered will not tell her anything on its own without an ultrasound .. I'm due to go on holiday so I'm going to rest and tackle it when i return

[MsLockYourPosts in reply to caz1967]

Did you see the results of your labs. We're your counts in range? For a lymph node biopsy you don't need each one biopsied. If something is going on in the lymph nodes you just need to have one biopsied. An excisional biopsy is preferable to a needle biopsy usually, as needle biopsies can miss the affected tissue. Don't allow yourself to be dismissed. I made that mistake for five years. I shouldn't have!