Doctors/specialists unable to help with my painful swollen lymph glands

I don't know what to do when it comes to my swollen lymph nodes primarily in my neck and ear, that is causing chronic pain. I don't know why these lymph nodes are swollen, what to do about them or whether I should keep seeing my doctor about them. I am beginning to wonder whether they're anything serious but don't want to needlessly worry at the same time.

I'm a 28 year old man. I've had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for many years  - but only in the last 2 or so years the pain is more pronounced most days. I had a wisdom tooth removed 2 years ago on the bottom of the left side of my jaw, because I thought that was causing me enlarged lymph nodes. Today, no wisdom tooth is there obviously but the lymph nodes are just (even more) as painful than before when it was in, but I still have another impacted one on the right side .

More than 2 years ago (i'd say 5 years or around), I've had two ultrasounds on these lymph nodes in my neck, the first time they took a sample/biopsy. Nothing of concern has ever been reported. But I keep getting mixed insights from professionals which is hard for me. The hospital doctor thought it was due to my chronic eczema that is full body, my recent GP visit they thought it could be 'due to my diet unfortunately' in his words and he felt them.  
A less recent GP (different practitioner)visit they wrote to Haematologists but they rejected his referral and won't review me as they said there is not a haematological pathological diagnosis. They won't be able to explain my symptoms. They said it looked thoroughly investigated and deemed not pathological by U.S scans.
They did suggest a blood screen and nothing came from that. 

I suppose this is all reassuring things, but I still can't understand the cause and wonder if I have to continue living in chronic pain. At the moment the glands are causing pressure on my left ear and very pronounced in my neck. It affects me at night too where I have disturbed dreams probably due to the aches and pains. I take Paracetamol a lot of days mostly non-caffeine ones.

I am wondering if I could receive suggestions on what to do next about this. Do a econsult or make a appointment again? I've been trying to fix a lot of things that are stressful in my life at the moment and this is the next big thing. I also find it hard to explain everything to a doctor in a appointment.Let me know if further information is needed.

Other things I can think of:
I have atopic eczema  and have allergies including asthma (controlled)
I'm vegetarian but try to eat nut butter and eggs with protein
I've never smoked any substance.
I do have poor posture and regularly feel tingling in my fingers (doctors have gave me general advice about this in the past like not using the computer for hours) and some back pain.
I take a antidepressant
I'm skinny build
I don't just have swollen lymph nodes in my neck but those ones have little to no disturbance



  • Hello oj97

    I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with ongoing health problems at the moment. Whilst it's reassuring that the tests you've had to date haven't given any immediate cause for concern, living with chronic pain can be difficult and it's understandable that you're worried. 

    Please do get back in touch with your GP surgery to request an appointment to discuss your concerns. If you find that it's difficult to explain everything to the Dr then you could consider writing a letter or a list that you can give to the Dr to help the conversation between the two of you.

    It's good to hear that you're trying to make changes to your lifestyle to reduce stress. You could also discuss this with the GP and ask for their advice and support in how you can continue working to improve things. 

    I do hope things improve for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator