Swollen Lymph Nodes

(Surgery was Oct. 1)

Hey everyone!  I have a question!  Not this Saturday - but the Saturday before - I noticed I had what felt like a small cyst on my neck.  Knowing that it was new to my body - I went to patient first to get it checked out.  I was in luck as the medical director was 'my' doctor.  He said it wasn't a cyst but a swollen lymph node probably caused by all the 'trauma' my body went through with the surgery!  He also said it should go away within 3 to 5 days.  

The Thursday after that appointment - I woke up with a sore neck (thinking it was because I recently came off my post surgery medication) but felt another swollen lymph node on the other side.  And then Saturday I woke up with another one!  

I went early Saturday morning and had them re-check everything.  And this doctor said the same thing!

(I should note that they do blood work and everything came out fine)

Has this happened to anyone else?!  I only worry because swollen lymph nodes are often connected with infection and things have gone TOOOOOO smooth since my surgery for something to be wrong now!!

(I will add that they are sore to the touch as well!!)

I'd appreciate any info you guys would be willing to share!

Thanks!

~jb

[joyus12b]

Hi, I had surgery last month as well, and my lymph nodes are pretty swollen, especially on my neck.  I am glad you are doing so well post-op.

jocelyn

[n40066]

your body has been through a lot jb, and you aren't even a full month post op yet!  i'm sure your dr. is probably right.  i seem to remember the same thing after my surgery.  i really hope you don't stress out over this  and just allow your body to continue to heal.  just keep doing what you're doing because it's been working for you!~  i'm very happy to hear your surgery went so well and that your recovery process has been so smooth!!  hope you'll keep us posted!!
elizabeth

[*Stormy*]

100% YES!! It was one of the things I was super concerned with after my surgery!! Some of my lymph nodes were so large it looked like I had marbles sticking out of my neck. Trailing down from the large ones were tiny little cyst like ones that I could feel all the way down. I asked my sister who was a nurse and she said not to worry that it's normal after surgery, especially one that involves your head. I did ask my GP at my check up and she said the same thing.
So you know...it took at least two months for them to go completely down and even now (at 91/2 months post op) I can feel more lymph nodes than I used to. I have though, always had swelling lymph nodes in my neck anyway, not sure if it's related to Chiari or not.

Your question is a really good one though and I'm glad you brought it up so that others will hopefully not have to worry over it like we did!!

Carolyn

[selmaS]

Hi...many as u can tell have had this experience....just keep an eye on them to be sure they do not get larger.....

Rest up as much as u can...so glad to hear ur recovery is going well.

"selma"

[pr1nsis]

thank you - thank you - thank you!!

this was never mentioned to me before so it really scared me when i touched my neck and there was a lump!!  i feel so much better know that i know im not the only one!!  (when you search for swollen lymph nodes online - 99% articles say cancer - and even when you know its probably not - it still makes your heart sink - even for just a moment)

i just got off the phone with neurosurgeons assistant - and she said she would talk to the doctor because he might want to see me!  

thanks again for all the input!!  now, if i could only make myself rest...  (i will say - i dont feel as productive this week at work as i did last week - last week it was the 'excitement' of getting out of my house and i love my job... this week - im just sore)