Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck but Normal Bloods

[Fed_upMe1]

Hi,

I have had a pea sized lump in my neck now for a year.  My doctor thinks it is a cyst and nothing sinister!
However, over the last few days I have had terrible headaches, pain in the lump, aching neck at the top of my spine, my ears and jaw ache and I have been extremely tired.
Yesterday I ended up at the hospital as my chest felt tight and I couldn't get my breath, my heart was pounding.  I have had panic attacks before but these have been under control for over a year now and I'm still on medication anyway.  The hospital did blood tests (didn't tell me what they were for) but everything came back normal.  I also had a chest x-ray which came back normal but I just don't feel well.  
They have put it down to a virus but my headache is shocking in a morning and in an evening.  I smoke (i know I shouldn't) so obviously this is cause for concern.
Is it possible to have normal blood tests and a normal chest x-ray if it is something more serious than a virus?  
Please help, I am at my wits end.  Can't explain how I feel except for I just don't feel myself, the glands in my neck are really painful and the back of my neck aching all the time makes me think meningitis.  I have never suffered from migranes so headache, swollen glands, sore ears, neck, possible cyst and feeling nausious is driving me mad.
Do you think I am right to be concerned or would you just put it down to a virus?  I am trying to remain calm about the situation but the more i google my symptoms the more worried i get.
Is there any chance it could be something serious which doesn't show up on blood tests or chest x-ray?
HELP please

[littlemissfunshine]

I had the same symptoms for many years and had many tests but was misdiagnosed. I now have a terminal bone disease and underactive thyroid adn as a result i have to spend the rest of my life on my backside with neck support as most days i can't move my head at all. So please, please, please. You must not leave this. I really do hope that you are absolutely fine but don't leave it to chance. GOOD LUCK

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Based on the information provided by you, I think you are suffering from ‘benign intracranial hypertension’(BIH). This happens due to impaired CSF absorption. A generalized throbbing headache worst felt in the morning and last thing at night. This headache is generally relieved on standing (consistent with raised intracranial pressure). It is aggravated by straining, coughing or a change in position. This headache is accompanied by various neurological symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, loss of vision, loss of hearing etc, all of which are temporary.
You need a prompt evaluation by a neurologist. Hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency are a few things I would recommend you get investigated for. These can precipitate BIH. A spinal tap is a must both to diagnose the condition and to treat it.  
Other than this, it could be a panic attack. Stress, improper sleep, high blood pressure can also cause a similar headache.
A single pea size lump in the neck could be a swollen lymphnode, a cyst or even a neurofibroma (a collection of nerve and fibers). All can cause some pain and discomfort, but are not sinister.
Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral.
Take care!

[help43]

you need another dr oppion and see what they might be able to see something that the dr your seeing now  didn't see its possible

[tinkerbell1124]

Call and ask what they did the blood work for.