Armpit Muscle Knots

[tennisluvr3211]

I have these painful hard knots in my armpits.  Left side is about the size of a lemon, right side is the size of an egg.

I have blisters and my tonsils and on the back of my tongue, which did not get better with 4 different antibiotics or steroids.  I have been sick with sinusitis, bronchitis, sore throat, achiness all over but mainly in throat, neck, shoulders, armpits, arms - tingling in both arms and numbness, cold hands (even if it is warm), dizziness, extremely exhausted.  My mental health is now at risk because of not feeling better, frustrated and scared.  I am beginning to cry all of the time because of the pain and frustration.

The first doctor that I went to, approx. 5-6 weeks after I started getting sick said that I had allergies.  She prescribed me a nose spray and Allegra-D and said that I had allergies.  I have not been to work since December 29, 2008 because of this illness.  I did have infection when testing was done on 1/16/2009.  My WBC was 14.5.  This doctor ordered more bloodwork for the same panel later and on 2/5/2009 it came back normal.

After taking the meds that she gave me for allergies, I still have swollen throat with bumps (blisters) on tonsils and tonge.  I still have severe pain, all on my upper body and being swollen on neck, armpits etc...

I had my yearly exam done recently and she ordered mammogram and Ultrasound for my armpits.  She said that my armpit situation was not normal and she understood my pain.  FINALLY SOMEONE WHO LISTENED AND UNDERSTOOD MY PAIN!!!

I am waiting for the results to come back from my ultrasound and mamogram and today I am seeing a new doctor for a second opinion.

I am currently taking vicodin for the pain, I take hot epsom salt baths every night for some relief, I gargle with salt water, I take the Allegra and nose spray, ibuprofen, drink lemon and honey just to have even brief relief.

Thank you for listening.  If anyone has been in this same situation, I would love to hear from you.  If there are any suggestions for me, I would appreciate it.  

This has taken a toll on me.  I am in jeopardy of losing my job (unless this next doctor puts me out of work on disability).  I forgot to mention the first doctor that I went to see did not understand why I could not work and put me back to work for February 1, 2009.  At this point she didn't even know why I was sick and really could care less.  I went from a 7 mile a day bike rider, with an online business and workine 40 hours for another company to barely getting out of bed.  I sweep the floor and I get so tired I have to lay down.  Do the dishes, have to lay down.  I cry all of the time because of my pain and feeling hopeless.  

Please help!

[tennisluvr3211]

I appreciate your reply and your warm welcome...It does make a difference in one's psychy when someone like you takes the time to share and listen.

I went to another PCP yesterday for a second opinion.  She said that the sores (bumps as she called them) are normal and that my tonsils looked fine.  I even brought out my flashlight to show her what I was talking about, she said they look fine.  She suggested I go to a ears, nose throat doctor.  OMG!

So, I will be going to a ENT doctor on Thursday, I will be scheduling an appt with an alergist this week and going to rheumatologist on Friday.  

I think the key to all of this madness is the EBV test coming back positive, meaning that I have had the virus in the past.  I currently do not have it but at some point I did have it.  I asked a doctor a question on the askadoctor.com website and he said that there is a test that can be ran that can give one a better idea of when the EBV was contracted.  I just need to find a doctor that will do this test!  

Again, thank you for listening and caring.

Sincerely,
Janeigh

[Mollyrae]

Hello Tennisluv and welcome to the Pain Forum:

Doctors can be like fresh food or spoiled food. There are good Doctors who are very knowlagable and there are the ones who just want to make a quick buck.
When you are in pain and you know your body is sick, you have to be your own advocate. You have to basically keep on top of the medical community to finally find a Doctor who will listen and take the time to investigate your concerns.
Please do not give up. There is someone out there who will listen. It sounds like you have found a Doctor who is willing to take the time to get to the bottom of things.
Be strong.
Medhelp is a wonderful community to voice out your flustrations and get good advise as well. Others will be along at different times of the day with more advise for you.
Please take care and keep posting.
Best regards,
Mollyrae