lymph nodes

[BKreag]

Hello everybody. About three months ago I had woken up with a bug bite on my right side that was red and inflamed. It also pussed a little bit of clear fluid for a day but ended up turning into a scab and healing progressively over a month.  After the scab had came off i was left with a scar that resembled the wound (a small ring shape) and has what looks like a bruise around it. The lymph node in my groin on the right side had also become inflamed, which regressed but never returned to its original size, it is now about 1 cm or 1/2 inch in size and has stayed that way every since. The lymph node is slightly firm and rubbery but definitely not as soft as the one on my left side. To the touch it feels mobile and not attached to skin just firmer than the other side. What concerns me is that I feel a pain around the node at times, most often after a jerky movement. Does this sound like a normal process of healing for a lymph node? Has anybody else had an experience like this? I had a physical last month and my doc was not concerned at all, but I am still somewhat skeptical as the soreness persists.

[caregiver222]

I have not seen the original bite. Lyme disease is frequently transferred by insect bites and the initial presentation resembles a bulls-eye. It is quite possible you have been infected with something transferred from that bite. Your doc "should be concerned". I guess he is busy working on buying a new yaght, or lobbying for Obamacare. I would suggest you contact a specialist in insects and insect bites. You have good reason to investigate this issue further with another health care provider. Lymph nodes, as you know, are filters that protect the body by blocking the spread of infection. The node swelling and the bite may or may not be coincidental, but you are prudent to be concerned.

[opinmin]

I would seek a second opinion; this is definitely not normal.  Perhaps you could obtain a second opinion from an ID physician(Infectious Disease) for further investigation and proper diagnosis. Keep a daily log on the size, pain and if you are experiencing other symptoms too.