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Lump on upper arm, awaiting ultrasound

starrynight17
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Hello, 

I've had arm pain for around 6 months which has got progressively worse. I thought at first I'd pulled a muscle and didn't do much about it as thought it'd go away and    summer was so busy with kids and life in general.
Come October my husband took it upon himself to book me with a physio that had worked wonders for his back, however come end of November the physio advised me to get an x-Ray as my arm "wasn't responding as expected" and none of the exercises/acupuncture made a difference plus I had no accident/fall to go by. Got X- ray app for mid-Jan but by Christmas my arm was excruciating (actually thought my humerus was broken) depending which way I moved it I ended up going to A&E, prob not the best decision as omicron was on its way but that's another story! After two trips to hospital getting turned away twice (as I didn't have an "accident" ) I called nhs 111 and finally got an app after 2.5 hrs waiting on phone. After literally begging for an X-ray the Dr at hospital said x-ray didn't show concern but she felt a lump on my upper arm which my own GP would have to sort as out of hours can't refer anything! 
So, after a fortnight of my own Practice having shortages/receptionists not passing on info (you couldn't make it up!) I finally managed to speak to a different lady who apologised for what had happened and asked me to the surgery that day. 
I got my bloods taken and Dr told me it is a deep 1cm lump (upper arm- where the pain originates from) and what must be causing the pain. She was lovely and very thorough and I've been referred for an urgent ultrasound of arm but actually felt so relieved that the ball is rolling now. US is in a week.
Trying not to worry but as time has went on it plays on your mind plus I just want to get to the bottom of it, you hear so many stories of people being palmed off. I'm 42 a mum and in good health. Have been given strong painkillers but make no difference, night time is the worst. I've tried to read websites that are sensible (hard to on internet) but that I'm fully prepared if anything sinister and why I ended up on here - what a lovely supportive network :-)
Arms aren't a common thread or discussion but just wondered if there was anyone out there with a similar story- good or bad. 
Sending love to all the truly brave people out there

Jxx 

  • Offline

    Hello! 
     

    it's so odd I've just fallen upon your post, and at this exact time. I've just returned from the GP myself, having noticed a lump in my upper arm, just around from my armpit a couple of weeks back. I was moisturising and noticed it, wasn't painful, but firm and didn't move. 
    went to the GP today, and she's referred me for a Ultrasound scan, I have to ring Wednesday to book the appointment. And then once the appointment is done, another 7-10 days for results. 
    she also informed me I'd lost 8 pounds since august 2021. Which, I wasn't overly surprised at as I've been going through some stressful times lately, but she was surprised. 
     

    I'm young, at 29. But I am a smoker, so worried. I honestly expected her to examine it and send me on my way stating it is a cyst or fatty mass. 
     

    so following your post!! Your not alone ️ Xxxx 
     

  • Offline in reply to Nahlarose

    Hello Nahlarose,

    Thank you for your message.
    I'm glad you have went straight to see your GP and you are getting an ultrasound sorted.  Maybe she didn't want to say, as sometimes it is hard to judge until you know the full facts but atleast she's put you in the right direction- that's a positive! Try not to worry, sorry you've been feeling stressed.

    I suppose all medics are different- the Dr at the hospital told me she didn't think it was a cyst yet at my own practice she just described how it felt, size and depth. My main aim is just to get an answer as it's been going on too long now. I'm actually getting fed up of talking about it, it's hard to disguise how uncomfortable it is when with family and friends. I just used prosecco as my anti inflammatory over the festive season lol! 
    Is it nearer your armpit or on your arm? My lump is in the middle of my elbow and shoulder, middle of my humerus bone. I can move the joints ok in my elbow and shoulder (sometimes limited) ... I even thought I'm getting on a bit and maybe it's arthritis but my Dr didn't think it was that as my joints aren't sore, neither did my physio. Hopefully we will both find out soon
     

  • Offline in reply to starrynight17

    Hi [@starrynight17]‍  - just wondering if you'd gained a explanation to your lump? 
    im still waiting to make just an appointment for an ultrasound scan! I've been ringing and I keep getting an automated message saying 'due to staff shortages we are currently not taking any appointments.' 
    feekibn very frustrated and irratable, all the while I feel like whatever this is in my arm is growing. I occasionally get a real aching feeling radiating down my arm. 
     

    Sorry I wasnt clear previously, my lump is on my tricep. She said it's about 1cm. I'm almost too paranoid to go get it checked now.. I think I have a genuine phobia of hearing that I'm sick.

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