Lumps on neck

[cowsmilk156]

Went to the gp a few weeks ago as had a small lump on my neck. Doctor gave me anti bi otics and told me to go back in a week if it wasn't completely away, went back and she agreed it had reduced in size but if not away by Monday/Tuesday to go back and she would refer me to get it checked.

I have another lump that she found when she was examining me however she said she was satisfied that the new lump was on my lymph node and wasn't overly concerned but as per the other one if it wasn't away then she would refer me.

I can't stop worrying about it, I have health anxiety and it's driving me mad with worry.

They are sore when poked and prodded but I feel like I have a dull ache in that area when I'm not even touching it.

Has anyone had similar? Am I getting myself in a state for nothing?

I know yous aren't gp's but I can't stop stressing

Whereabouts on your neck?

Google a picture of where ur lymph nodes are, does that match?

There's a few lymph nodes on the side of your neck, a pair under your jaw.

Your thyroid is front of your neck so if there could be thyroid related.

Trust your Dr on this though, they feel lymph nodes everyday

They are at the side of my neck kind of behind my ear but lower, halfway between my ear and shoulder. I will have a look on Google at lymph nodes but I am totally freaking out 😂

Have you had any vaccines recently?

Not had any vaccines recently.

Have looked at lymph nodes on Google. 1 of the lumps seems like it could possibly be a lymph node, it moves when touched and is a bit tender, Google says these are good signs.

Other 1 has reduced slightly in size with the anti bi otics but not fully away so hoping that's also a good sign.

I have terrible health anxiety and think I need to speak to my gp about that.

Your body is probably fighting off minor viruses and infections as we go in to Winter, airborne bugs are flying around non-stop and your immune system will be battling 24/7 to keep them at bay. This means your lymph nodes, which capture and kill infection, are raised in order to do their job.

You should’ve seen my neck when I got COVID almost a year ago! It puffed up like I’d swallowed some marbles on the left side. Took about a month to settle down about 75% and still flares here and there when I’m run down. My daughter also has a pea sized node behind her ear which swells when she’s unwell, it’s been there for years now and she’s fine. Please try not to panic, if you’re not drenched in sweat at night, falling asleep at your desk and rapidly losing weight without explanation, you’re probably just experiencing typical swollen lymph nodes that accompany coughs, colds etc. Obviously get checked out and go with the GP recommendations but I hope my experience and explanation helps you sleep a little easier!

Plus get yourself some SSRIs for your anxiety, I started them a year ago and never looked back 💜

I have a couple of lumps on my neck (for years), exactly in position you describe. Been told by GP they are lymph nodes. Once enlarged, however, they don’t necessarily shrink back to normal. One of mine has remained quite prominent to touch. Trust your GP (I know it’s hard) and do consider seeing someone over your health anxiety. You will have many, many thought distortions and noticeable aches and pains while focusing so intensely on your fears. You don’t need to suffer - speak to someone.