posted
I see that this post is several years old but I am having a similar situation discussed in this thread.
After a year of a large list of symptoms I have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and Bartonella by an LLMD who ordered IgeneX tests. A few months ago before I knew anything about my Lyme, I noticed a somewhat firm lymph node in my neck and right away went to the ENT. He believed the node was "small" and put me on antibiotics for 10 days. The node did not decrease in size and I then had a CAT scan with contrast of my neck which came back negative reporting that there were no enlarged nodes.
I have now had one month of oral antibiotic treatment from my LLMD and the node is still there in my neck. It sometimes decreases in size but has never entirely disappeared. I went back to the ENT and saw a different doctor who again thought it was nothing to be alarmed about but agreed to perform a fine needle biopsy of the node which I will receive in a few days.
I am 23 years old and am extremely worried that the Lyme may have caused some kind of Lymphoma in my body. I hear all the time that some believe there is a connection between Lyme and Lymphoma. I do have extremely itchy skin which usually feels like my entire body is being pricked and poked with tiny little needles. It is sometimes induced or intensified when I begin to overheat. I also have some chest and back aches and discomfort. I do not have any other Lymphoma symptoms (night sweats, low grade fever, weight loss). In fact my temperature is usually around 95.5 - 96.7 degrees on a daily basis.
I also sometimes feel an enlargement in my left abdomen and am not sure if it could be my spleen or another lymph node.
Is it possible that Lyme or Bartonella can cause my node to stay enlarged and firm even though I am receiving a combination of 5 antibiotics at once? Is it possible that I have been mistaken for having lyme when the borrelia may actually be indicating cancer? Can Lyme and co-infections cause cancer within one year of being infected? Very worried, this disease seems never ending.
Thank you for your time. Much appreciated.
IgeneX IgM Western Blot: 18 + **23-25 - **31 + **34 + **39 IND ** 41 ++ **83-93 -
IgeneX IGG Western Blot **23-25 + **31 - **34 - **39+ **41++ **83-93-
karenl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17753
posted
Lymphoma can be caused also by mononucleosis and by helicobacter pylori(tingling). I have a post about that. Also EBV does lymphoma.
I would not worry so much,the swollen lymph nodes have many of us and it can have a lot of other reasons.
Gadolinium is toxic, MRIs are not good for you now.
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Having a slightly enlarged lymph node does not always mean that you have cancer. Back in the 1970's, my mother's lymph node became the size of a grapefruit. The doctors thought she had cat scratch fever (bartonella) - it turned out she had lymphoma.
I had CFS back in the 1980's & my lymph node was slightly enlarged for a long time. There are things you can do to help it drain like rebounding on a trampoline & dry skin brushing. There are also herbal teas available that help reduce them.
It's good to get tested for everything that you think it may be but it's fairly common. In my opinion, it usually means that your body is trying to get rid of something toxic - could be viral, bacterial, or chemical.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Lymphstar Pro really helps liquefy/break up congested lymph for me. I don't use it nearly enough.
Even when my legs get achey from either being stagnant/inactive or not drinking enough water (both inhibit lymph flow) I will just park the wands on my ...ooooh can't think of what they are called! its where the front thigh meets the tummy in the crease of the leg. I park the wands there and the aches leave me. Lymph flow is so important to keep things moving, whether its with tons of water, moderate exercise when possible, skin brushing, lymphstar or other methods. I've noticed a difference at least.
I'm 26, 8 years symptomatic, just found out. My non blood related aunt died of lymphoma a decade ago. Seems like a large leap from Lyme to Lymphoma, not impossible tho I'm sure. The enlargement of your spleen is often seen in Mono which I've had off and on since birth! I'm sure its all related somehow but I'm no scientist.
Get the tests done that you feel you need to put your mind at ease and figure things out. Good luck!
posted
Swollen lymph nodes are often an indication of infection, and a doc will frequently check lymph nodes during an examination. I would not jump to conclusions on this.
posted
What worries me the most is that the lymph node usually remains firm instead of being tender and rubbery.
Does anyone else experience intense itching throughout their body or the sensation of pricks all over?
The CAT w/contrast reported that there was no enlarged nodes even though I can feel it when I touch my neck. Is it possible the CAT scan was incorrect?
Also, I know that Bartonella can cause some lymph node problems. I have been diagnosed with Bart. Could it be causing my lymph node to remain enlarged and firm? Does anyone else have firm enlarged nodes with or without Bart?
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