Swollen neck lymph nodes

Hello,

Im wondering if anyone has had a similar experience to me. I’ve had various symptoms for the past 6+months including worsening fatigue, low appetite, general feeling of being unwell (but no actual illness), loose & frequent bowel movements (sorry for the over share!), sensation of something stuck in my throat (and it can feel like food is stuck when I eat), heat intolerance/increased sweating and feeling of tightness around neck. In the last 2 months my hair has been falling out in clumps, I’ll get two brushfuls a day and then some more throughout the day. I am 10 months postpartum, and initially thought my hair shedding has come back. This is my second baby, and I never had this much hair loss before and I also had shedding around 3-5 months postpartum which had slowed/stopped so I honestly don’t believe this is postpartum. Areas of my hair are so thin, it’s almost a bald patch. 
I also have a swollen thyroid and lymph nodes in my neck - add to this I’ve found swollen lymph nodes in my armpit today. 

I’ve been to see an endocrinologist, and my thyroid levels are all normal. I’m waiting on a blood test appointment for a wide range of tests and an ultrasound referral. I’m fortunate that I have private health insurance, so the endocrinologist o was able to see before the NHS blood tests & ultrasound. 

Naturally I’m concerned, and I also feel a bit like because I’m mid 30s & post partum, I’m being dismissed. These symptoms are having a major impact on my day to day life, I can’t shower without getting upset about my hair! I’m trying not to think the worst, and I just want to know what’s happening.

also to note, the endocrinologist was so sure I had Graves Disease that he went into great detail about it and how it would be managed. Only for my results to come back as it not being that! I had 2 or 3 days of thinking okay we’ve got an answer and it’s manageable to come back crashing down! 

  • Hello Sunflower.garden and welcome to the forum.

    I'm really sorry about all the symptoms you've been contending with over the last 6 months or so. It sounds like you've had a lot to deal with but fingers crossed the results from the tests you're waiting to have will be able to give you those much needed answers and peace of mind.

    Swollen lymph nodes are quite a common talking point within our community so hopefully some of our members who have been in a similar situation will stop by soon to share their experiences and advice.

    You can also discuss your concerns with one of our cancer nurses if you like. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they to help.

    In the meantime, we're sending you all our support Sunflower.garden and hope everything turns out o.k.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator