Ultrasound for swollen lymph nodes... I have a bad feeling about this

[crustychief]

That is good news.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Good to hear. Take it as a warning though - I'm sure there's SOMETHING you can change in your life to live healthier and minimize risk factors. Sometimes dodging a bullet can be a powerful motivational tool...

[LeeH]

5 months later: It's been a several months since my follow up ultra sound, which showed a slight decrease in size of the still swollen lymph nodes. Since then I had a full physical with lots of extra blood work, all showing normal. But... the lymph nodes under my chin and around my jaw are still swollen. I'm trying to figure out whether I should just forget about them or have a biopsy just to be 100% sure that everything is okay. We just met our $2400 deductible for the year and next year's deductible is almost $5K.

Update 12.23.11 Visited the ENT yesterday. He says they're technically "normal" even though they can be felt. Funny how he worded it, but basically offered to remove one or do a needle biopsy, but said he would "try really hard to talk me out of it." Sounds like anti-malpractice talk to me. Guess I'll assume they're normal unless they swell up again.

[Chocaholic]

That's as good a reason as any. The peace of mind knowing that the coast is clear is yet another.

[stomachmonkey]

Do it now.

You have no reason not to.

As mentioned piece of mind is worth a lot.

[Chocaholic]

Piece...of mind?

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by LeeH

5 months later: It's been a several months since my follow up ultra sound, which showed a slight decrease in size of the still swollen lymph nodes. Since then I had a full physical with lots of extra blood work, all showing normal. But... the lymph nodes under my chin and around my jaw are still swollen. I'm trying to figure out whether I should just forget about them or have a biopsy just to be 100% sure that everything is okay. We just met our $2400 deductible for the year and next year's deductible is almost $5K.

Consider that they lymph system needs to drain to work properly. Stretching and massage can help to stimulate drainage. Always massage from the extremities toward the torso. You can press on the individual swollen nodes as part of the massage, but always return to creating flow towards the torso.

The lymph system requires bodily motion to function properly, as it has no pump like the heart to create flow. Working in one position for hours at a time does not help. Exercise, motion, massage, stretching are all good for what ails you.

[Rednine11]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Do it now.

You have no reason not to.

As mentioned piece of mind is worth a lot.

I agree. this isn't something you mess with. you need to know exactly what is going on and the sooner the better. If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your family. I am pretty sure they are not showing how worried they truly are.