Swollen lymph node, full feeling in neck and blocked ear

Hi there ,

I wondered if anyone had had a similar experience to me and could possibly help? I've had a swollen lymph node in the right side of my neck for the past 3/4 months. Mentioned it at the GP back in October but told not to worry. Since around 5 weeks ago I've noticed a really full feeling on the right side of the neck, the lymph node does not feel bigger in itself but feels like it's protruding more with something else. I've also started having consistent ear ache on the same side, with a real fullness in the ear. I'm a nurse (paediatric ED not ENT haha) so I've had one of the ED doctors at work look in my ear and he said I have a bulging ear drum so just to wait it out but that was 4 weeks ago and it's getting worse! Amoxicillin has done nothing at all so it doesn't seem to be from an infection. I had some bloods done today and I've been referred for an ultrasound in 2 weeks time but I'm terrified. Google keeps telling me the big C word! I've had one tonsil larger than the other for the past couple of years on the same side so I'm wondering if it's inflamed. I'm constantly super tired but I write that off to work and motherhood when really I've perhaps been much more tired than I should be. I've also noticed that when I breathe through the right nostril it feels blocked but the other side is clear. Other than that I haven't lost weight, don't have any pain anywhere else and feel okay. 
 

Does anyone have any experience with this? 
 

TIA 

Parents
  • Hey I just wanted to reply to say that I am pretty much going through something identical to you, apart from they think all my neck lumps and bumps and due to me having acid reflux and potentially inflamed intestines. 
     

    I have the fullness in the right side of neck/throat, blocked ear feeling and stuffy nose in the right nostril. 
    it's like reading a post of the same person!
     

    ive had an ultrasound and they found reactive lymph nodes. And I told them that the lumps have been there for about 3/4 months now but they said it may be because of my stomach etc. I have like a small growth on the back of my tongue but my GP wasn't concerned. And I had the ENT department call and put me on gastro resistant tablets for 8 weeks. 
     

    so little bit lost and scared incase things have been missed although I am hoping yours gets sorted quickly for you and you feel better soon! 
     

    How are you feeling in yourself? 
     

    Take care and speak soon x

  • Just feeling a bit more tired than usual! Other than that I'm just trying to push through but it's just so uncomfortable and I'm worried that if something is wrong then they're missing it. I know being anxious isn't helping but it's a very painful and physical feeling so you can't help but worry can you! My blood results all came back normal, just waiting for my ultrasound now. Fingers crossed all is ok! I hope they get to the bottom of it for you! I'll keep you updated on mine :) x 

  • Hi, I'm sorry to trouble you but I'm having the same symptoms now and my doc hasn't scanned it done bloods they've just sent me as an urgent referral to the ENT. Our symptoms and the timing seems to be exactly the same. I've looked for updates on your condition and I'm worried because you've not posted. How are you? Did it resolve?

  • Hi

    Sorry to jump on this post. I found a lump in my neck nearly 4 weeks ago - approx 3cm long.

    My ear feels full, I've got a constant headache and just always tired.

    I have been referred as urgent to ENT and awaiting blood test results.

    Would be really interested to see how others have got on

Reply Children
  • Hi, I had my results back. Initially I was being urgently referred to an ENT. If you're in the U.K. don't expect that to be quick. It could take up to 6 months before you actually see them. Yes... even as an urgent referral. Ask your doctor for an MRI of the ear, head and neck. I had loads of head symptoms but my ear was blocked for 3 months it finally drained but there's still fluid bubbling occasionally. I got my MRIs which took 6 weeks. Trust me, ask for the mri, if you wait for an ent thry will still need to mri you to have any clue. One tried fobbing me off with Ménière's. That's what they say when they don't know. The problem is my neck/spine, multiple nerve  impingements and I think it may be affecting the Eustachian tube but nothing else showed at all on the scan. Great news! Eat bananas, they'll help the fluid levels and healing with the nerves and muscles. Hope it's nothing serious and yes I have a lump touching the spine, on the back of the neck. think it's muscle/ligament being aggravated by spurs, bulging discs and stenosis etc. nothing bad reported other than that. Good luck, my friend.

  • I have had my appointment through for ENT this week so I've only had to wait a week. I will push for the MRI a d hopefully won't have yo wait too long for it. I had blood tests last week and get my results on Thursday also so fingers crossed. Did they prescribe you with anything or mentioned about removing the lump 

  • Hi, how did you get on at your appointment? Xx