To hope this is health anxiety and not the end

[Littleloafofbread]

I have a gland in my groin which I first felt a year ago. Went to the doctor and she said it was fine, not swollen, but she did organise a radiographer for my leg as I have a pretty bad varicose vein.

The radiographer checked the gland for me while I was there - because I asked her - and she said it was fine, absolutely nothing to worry about and nowhere near even being swollen (3mm and it's not considered swollen until at least 1cm).

So that was that. Then fast forward to let December and I checked the gland only to find it was actually swollen to about 1cm. Absolute hysterics and a visit to another doctor who told me that it was probably fighting an infection but she really wasn't worried about it being anything more. Next day I realise it have thrush. Gland goes back down after a few weeks.

Calmed down about it for a good while then decided randomly to check it yesterday and it's swollen again to about 1cm. I'm heavily pregnant (39 weeks and doctor says cervix is opening) which also means that I've been having regular blood tests and my white blood cell count is perfect. Nor do I have any other symptoms.

I'm sitting here in my bed absolutely terrified that I have some kind of God-awful cancer. Obviously will go back to the doctor in the event the swelling continues to increase or doesn't go down, but in the interim AIBU to hope this might be a bit of health anxiety rather than a realistic fear?

Sorry, please could I bump this just in case?

It’s probably swollen because of your pregnancy.

Ask the midwife to take a look at your next check up x

I hope your birth goes well 💐

Thank you. No more appointments scheduled unfortunately but will go to the doctor's if it doesn't go down in a few weeks

Most likely health anxiety since your doctor has said it's nothing to worry about.

You’re 39 weeks with an opening cervix. I’d take a guess you’ll be seeing someone in the next couple of week 😁

Glands are supposed to go up and down, it’s a sign your immune system is working well.

Thank you for helping to put my mind at rest. I'd love to have a nice peaceful weekend so will keep your words in mind and try to calm myself

Oh I understand! I have some hormone issues, and I can get swelling around my thyroid ( I am hypothyroid ) and groin that are always just my lymphs fighting little infections, but I have a moment where I worry its thyroid cancer or something else. I panic and google etc I saw a therapist that helped me overcome health anxiety, as I was sick and bedridden before being diagnosed.... right now its probably your hormones in overdrive causing some emotional responses, it happens. You have been careful to check things with your doctor, so try not to worry. You're not being unreasonable, its an emotional reaction to hormonal changes and to be expected. Maybe try and do some meditation this weekend and remind yourself that our lymph system responds to infections or stress in this way and that it is highly unlikely to be something more serious. Don't feel bad for worrying, its perfectly normal :) I hope you have a relaxing weekend.

also, you can find youtube videos on gentle lymph massage to help the swelling x

Thank you so much Jessica, that had made me feel a lot better. I hope you are also feeling well, sounds like you've had a very difficult time

You’re welcome. I’m good, you learn to live with stuff and make the best of life! Thank you for asking