Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: Swollen Lymph Nodes
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Lupus
Posted by CCF Neurology W6 MD on December 24, 1998 at 06:48:45:
In Reply to: Swollen Lymph Nodes posted by Connie Boswell on December 22, 1998 at 01:12:35:



I am getting desperate for some help. No one seems to be able to find out what
is wrong with me. I will go back a little bit in time in case any of this has
in bearing on this. For two years I complained about being so tired I could
hardly function. Approximately around Feb 98 I thought I was having a heart
attack. It was extremely severe. Had lots of tests and sent to specialist.
Had Stress test and EKG. Didn't think I had but found a heart murmur and also
found my iron level was extremely low. Started taking iron and it is now
normal. They think because iron so low for so long this possibly caused murmur.
It had never been found before and I am 51 yrs old and otherwise have been in fairly
good health. Had TMJ surgery 10 yrs ago. Have been having lots of dental
work lately. Root canals,and bridges etc. Approx 3 months ago started having
swollen lymph nodes along back of ear and down neck, some burning of scalp.
Some shortness of breath and tired, cannot sleep wake up with gums and tongue
throbbing. The swollen glands really bother me and I am miserable. Almost
feel like cannot function. Also am getting scared. Have been on Keflex twice
Biaxin twice and now Cipro. Have been sent for xray of sinus cavities and
waiting on report but am having no pain in that area. Have gone back to
dentist and had more xrays, cleaning etc and they are finding nothing.
Could this be Lupus or any other suggestions, I am at my wits end. Have been
on antibotics for approx 6 weeks.

Dear Connie,
I thank you for the question. IF you have not sought medical (not dental) attention for the swollen glands I suggest that you visit your Internist soon.
Swollen glands are very non specific and can result from benign conditions like mononucleosis, to more serious conditions like lymphoma. In your case, it sounds like they are confined to the neck region which would favor a local problem ( you mentioned you had many dental procedures). Pain also favors inflammatory or infectious conditon. But you need a good thorough examination and some lab tests (e.g. complete blood count, sed rate, metabolic panel) to make sure everything is ok. Fatigue and swollen glands were the symptoms that brought two friends to their doctors, where lymphomas were diagnosed. I hope the above information helps.
Good luck.

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