Please Diagnose, swollen nodes/fatigue, etc

[redskin786]

Hi, I recently discovered a chain on lymph nodes in the back of my back from both sides that are running down in similar fashion. They are not big, but rather small and seem to hurt once in a while and then the pain dissappears and reappears throughout the day. With this, I have noticed that my legs are a bit weaker now and Im losing my appetite. I havent lost weight dramatically, I just know that Im not as hungry as I should be. But I havent been working out since the doc told me not to so that may have something to do with my loss of appetite. But Im really starting to freak out here and Im awaiting my blood work from the docs office. I cant sleep cause Im thinking the worst case scenario and this is due to everything on the internet points to things such as cancer and early HIV infection when dealing with swollen nodes. I dont believe that I have nodes swollen anywhere else but I may. Can any infection cause nodes to swell up like the way I described?

If anyone can tell me their thoughts on what this might be, I appreciate it or if they need more information from me, I'll provide it, but this is the main details thus far. Thanks.

[siren of the sea]

i was like you a short time ago. swollen lymph node in my neck and it had been there for a long time but enlarged. i panicked reading everything on the net figuring i had lymphoma or something. well i went to the dr. they prescribed antibiotics and did lots of blood work including an hiv test. nothing
absolutly nothing. well i go back to have a final check but you know what? prior to that i had given myself symptoms that were not really there. please try not to panic. sometimes they swell. usually its due to an infection. im thinkin mine id due to stress since i appear to be healthy from my blood test. try not to read anymore on it because the info on the comp makes us believe we are dying! wait and see what the dr has to say.

[glad2bamom]

Lymph nodes are designed to "catch" infection.  So, yes, any kind of infection, either bacterial or viral can cause lymph nodes to swell.  My son actually had the lymph nodes in his neck to swell because of some really bad mosquito bites he got all at one time.  The lymph system is like your body's first line of defense against any "invader".  I would seek the advice of a doc, or a 2nd opinion if you're not satisfied with what they've told you.  Have you tried taking ibuprofen to help with the swelling/pain?  That always helps me.

[redskin786]

I havent taken any medicine except for tylenol on the first day or say that I felt it...I just hope its nothing too serious as its lasted about a week now.  How long do they usually last or is that too general of a question...meaning that it can go on for a long time?  Im not sure as the only other thing that I see along with this infection, symptoms wise, is that I feel a bit tired where my legs are a bit weaker than usual.  Thats whats scaring me the most.  No other symptoms as of yet, but Im waiting for them such as a fever or something...would other symptoms persist later or would they accompany the nodes moment they swell?  Any more advice, I would appreciate it.  Thanks.