lymph nodes in neck

[queensragazze]

Please help, for some months now when I feel up around my neck area, I feel the lymph nodes prob around 5-6 nodes. You can only feel them when you touch it, doesnt hurt or anything. Can you please tell me if this is normal to feel the nodes in your neck or does this mean its something else more serious like an std infection im afraid to say!!? Sometimes i only feel discomfort around my armpits as well as my groin area.

Im really nervous and dont know what to think. Please help.

[Jamestown0101]

A related discussion, e was started.

[queensragazze]

I went to see a doctor, he told me i have shotty lymph nodes. he didnt know what to make of them. i took a blood test to see if everything is ok. Im so scrared i hope all is well. Is it normal to have these nodes in your neck. how can u tell if they are enlarged?what differentiates them?

I took a blood count test in Sept 05 everything came back normal does this mean i dont have HIV? then within 6 months i messed around with 5 women but slept with 2 all with protection of course. any chances of me catching anything from these exposures?

[queensragazze]

Last question Dr. Can you please tell me if its normal to feel lymph nodes in your neck and have nothing wrong with you> I read its normal if your thin, Is this true? what are considered enlarged lymph nodes, nodes you can feel?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Why are you asking online instead of going to a health care provider?  Unless you have moved, you probably should go back to the doctor who diagnosed your lymphadenopathy previously.  I cannot predict the cause and have no additional advice for you.  

HHH, MD

[queensragazze]

can you please tell me if its normal to feel lymph nodes in your neck? please help im scared!!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Once lymph nodes have been enlarged, they may not return to normal size for a long time.  Some skinny people may be able to continue to feel them.  But do not rely on this.  If you think they are enlarged, you must see a health care provider.  This is my last response.

HHH, MD

[queensragazze]

ive had swollen lymph nodes before and it was diagnosed by a dr thats when i had a sore throat etc. so i know what they feel like. can you please tell me because im scared if this time i really do have HIV because i am sooooo scared..do i have the symptoms of this dissease???

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

First, individuals' ability to accurately self-diagnosed enlargely lymph nodes is very poor.  Don't assume anything is wrong, or that what you are feeling are lymph nodes, until you see a health care provider.  Second, if you have enlarged lymph nodes (medical term lymphadenopathy) in your neck, there are many causes.  The vast majority are not due to HIV or other STD, although syphilis and HIV are among them.  But both of those generally caused lymphadenopathy in several areas of the body, not just one area such as the neck.

Bottom line:  Don't let your nervousness get in the way of common sense.  See a health care provider.

Good luck-- HHH, MD