Another day, another test

[SB2017]

So I went to the ENT in September and February and went back today for a few reasons. One, my nose has been incredibly bloody and painful. That seems to be ok, just damage from Flonase.

Two, I’m obsessed with my neck. I ALWAYS think something is swollen, and there was one spot in particular that was bothering me. Two years ago it was biopsied as an enlarged lymph node. It was fine, just reactive. Now I keep feeling there thinking it’s enlarged again. The ENT felt it and said “I see what you mean” but then said it’s small and what he feels is “physiological”. He also said it’s rubbery and not concerning.

Three, sometimes my salivary gland swells when I eat and goes back down. This happened two years ago also and randomly stopped. Now it’s back again, but on the other side. The ENT it’s from saliva thickening and getting clogged. It always goes back down within 20 mins.

He told me he doesn’t think anything ominous is going on. He thinks it’s my normal anatomy and that he’s sending me for an ultrasound to confirm what he thinks. He said he’s pretty sure it’ll show nothing. I went right afterwards for the ultrasound but now I’m waiting for results. Again. Feels like this is my life now.

I also asked the tech after the ultrasound if she can tell me anything and she said “no but I think everything is ok”. I think she felt bad.

I know they all seem positive but I’m petrified my lymph nodes will be swollen and I’ll have lymphoma.

 

[bigjetplane6]

Hang in there. I know the struggle of waiting for test results. I know the turning of your stomach when your phone rings and it’s the doctor with the results. Hugs. Everything is going to be ok.

 

[bin_tenn]

The ultrasound tech's opinion sounds, to me, like they were basically giving you an answer in a roundabout way, since they aren't technically qualified (allowed?) to provide that sort of advice. IMO no one in their right mind would intentionally mislead you because they "feel bad."

Hang in there. It sounds like you'll be just fine.

 

[Cuchculan]

She probably felt bad not been able to tell you anything. Knowing that most people would like to know straight away. If anything bad was found they would let you know quickly. No waiting around. As in your doctor would see the scans that day and know what was in them. If bad you would be contacted. Worst part is always the wait. Have been there many a time. Only to hear ' we found nothing at all '. Easy to worry over this. Most people with anxiety would. Then when you get good results you wonder why you worried so much.

 

[mollyfin]

My mom once got the u/s tech to tell her everything - she's one of those people everyone likes and wants to talk to, so people tend to make exceptions for her. She's not manipulating people, she's just one of those people who meets someone and is like "ok cool we're best friends now." She likes everyone and everyone likes her.

Techs know what's up. They're not allowed to say much for obvious reasons, but they have to know what to look for. And they're not going to give you fake info. Waiting sucks but I think you can relax a little.

And possibly stop with the Flonase. I had the same issue plus swelling after overusing Afrin. I know they're very different sprays but once the inside of your nose gets inflamed, it's SO miserable (as you know!). Might be time to switch to something else.

 

[bigjetplane6]

How are you doing?