Should my doctor be more curious? Am I expecting too much?

[torene03]

Been having an issue for about 4 years where lymph nodes behind my right ear would swell, last about a week or so, go away and then repeat—every few months or weeks. Sometimes painful but no other symptoms like fever or cold/flu/allergies.

I was finally able to get a same day appointment with my doctor right when it was happening. She seemed interested but not concerned and sent me to get an ultrasound.

Results came back today, just swollen lymph nodes. Cool, soooo what’s causing it? Am I allergic to something? “Let me ask the Dr and she’ll get back to you”

Office calls me back and says “she thinks it might be secondary to your acne” great, sooo…can we fix it? “You should make an appointment to talk to her”

I understand I’m not dying, but it just feels like my Dr has little inclination to investigate things. I can’t tell if I’m expecting too much, and this is her polite way of telling me I’m just overreacting and worried about nothing because the human body is mysterious and does weird things, which is fine (I’d be ok with her being direct about that lol). But I’m sort of irritated that I have to drag stuff out of her…if I wasn’t interested in fixing it or alleviating my symptoms, I’d have just stayed at home instead of spending money on an office visit.

Thoughts? Am I just a hypochondriac? Or am I right to expect more from her?

 

[fla4fun]

Been having an issue for about 4 years where lymph nodes behind my right ear would swell, last about a week or so, go away and then repeat—every few months or weeks. Sometimes painful but no other symptoms like fever or cold/flu/allergies.

I was finally able to get a same day appointment with my doctor right when it was happening. She seemed interested but not concerned and sent me to get an ultrasound.

Results came back today, just swollen lymph nodes. Cool, soooo what’s causing it? Am I allergic to something? “Let me ask the Dr and she’ll get back to you”

Office calls me back and says “she thinks it might be secondary to your acne” great, sooo…can we fix it? “You should make an appointment to talk to her”

I understand I’m not dying, but it just feels like my Dr has little inclination to investigate things. I can’t tell if I’m expecting too much, and this is her polite way of telling me I’m just overreacting and worried about nothing because the human body is mysterious and does weird things, which is fine (I’d be ok with her being direct about that lol). But I’m sort of irritated that I have to drag stuff out of her…if I wasn’t interested in fixing it or alleviating my symptoms, I’d have just stayed at home instead of spending money on an office visit.

Thoughts? Am I just a hypochondriac? Or am I right to expect more from her?

I don’t think you are a hypochondriac, and the fact that the doctor was interested enough to do tests makes me think the doctor doesn’t think you are either. I do think you have the right to know as much about your health as the doctor can tell you. It doesn’t sound like you have talked to your actual doctor since you got the test results. That is pretty typical these days, but it makes asking questions difficult. I know office visits can be expensive, but your peace of mind is priceless. I would make a follow up appointment with the doctor and discuss any potential treatment plans or lifestyle changes that might mitigate the issue. If you don’t, the next time it happens you will still wonder if you could be doing something differently to stop it.

Best of luck and I hope you are able to find a solution to the problem.

 

[kdonnel]

I have a lymph node that periodically swells. Also behind my right ear. My doctor was unconcerned when I said it has been happening for years. He said if it had been something bad, I would have known long ago.

 

[Disneefun]

I can't tell you how to feel about your doctor. If you have concerns, she absolutely should address them. Unfortunately, with a lot of doctors these days, you do have to pry stuff out of them. They're just interested in treating you quickly, and moving on to the next patient. If you find one who's more willing to spend time, they're a gem. Unfortunately with this one, it sounds like you're going to have to push and prod.

That said, I have the same problem, only it's my left ear. In my case, I can trace it back to getting Chicken Pox as an adult about 20 years ago. My node swelled up like an egg and was killing me. It never fully went back down. Ever since then, it will swell up sort of randomly and hurt, but then return to its baseline. Occasionally, I know there's something else going on... a cold, the Covid shots sent it into overdrive, etc. But mostly it just does its thing for seemingly no rhyme or reason. It may be that I have a small infection somewhere and I don't realize it, but it knows. I asked a doctor about it once and he said that, yeah, they'll do that sometimes, and as long as it doesn't stay swollen and painful, it's no big deal. So it may indeed be that your node is viewing your acne as an infection (which it is, in a way) and just trying to deal with it. Or you've got a cut, or a cold brewing, or who knows what. I was told there's no fix, it just is.

I'm not a doctor, and my case may not be your case, so don't take my word as gospel. If you want more answers, absolutely advocate for them from your doctor.

 

[VandVsmama]

If you're seeing a family practice doctor, then, in my opinion, you should consider switching to somebody with an Internal Medicine specialty.

If you don't feel like you're being heard/listened to/taken seriously, go elsewhere.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

This happened to me twice in 2021.
It was the strangest thing and at first I did completely freak out and literally started crying and called my mom because I was scared as to why I woke up with swollen lymph nodes behind my ears.
She's a nurse and basically just said watch it and watch out for other symptoms and basically play the wait and see game before calling the doctor.
Within a week they were gone.
It happened again a couple months later but again went away.
I've noticed it a couple times since but those times it was only slightly and only for a couple days.

I'm also someone that is very critical of medical professionals now after having some pretty terrible experiences but in your case hey your doctor did a *correction* ultrasound it and said it was fine so I really wouldn't be that concerned.

If she thinks it acne related then I'd go to a dermatologist and they would likely give you a low dose long term antibiotic and maybe that would fix it.

**eta**
Oh and one explanation I had read online that I know I was guilty of was drinking a ton of caffeine. At that time I was drinking coffee left and right haha.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I once had a swollen node in my neck. Was told by my doctors that those nodes drain a lot of weird substances that enter the head space via the nose and mouth, so they can swell from time to time, especially after an illness, but at other times, too. Because I had a cousin who had recently died of lymphoma, I elected to have it removed and biopsied. Turned out it was just a plain ol’ lymph node, nothing bad was going on, and the node was just doing what it is designed to do. I did undergo a surgical procedure and was anesthetized, so there was some risk involved. If it happened today, I’d just watch it. Watchful waiting is warranted sometimes. Spring and fall are bad times for allergens in the air. They can do a number on structures in the head, including sinuses, eustachian tubes, and nodes. I certainly wouldn’t rush out to change doctors. Hopefully you trust your doctor enough to have a pretty good sense about something like this, that’s what we rely on them for. If you continue to worry about it I would ask the doctor’s staff to have the doctor give me a call about it, or maybe communicate on the portal. If you have to go in, then go in.

 

[sam_gordon]

So if you want more information, you need to make an appointment with the doctor. The results just came in today. Why wouldn't you just make an appointment with the doctor and see what they say. IMO, since they didn't say "get to the ER" or "we need to see you right away", it's nothing worth stressing over and can wait for an appointment.

Or, do you want the doctor to take time away from scheduled patients, that are already in the office, to answer all of your questions?

 

[TinkAgainU]

I have zero medical training, but I think it would be worth mentioning to your Dentist at the next checkup too.

 

[Dug720]

So if you want more information, you need to make an appointment with the doctor. The results just came in today. Why wouldn't you just make an appointment with the doctor and see what they say. IMO, since they didn't say "get to the ER" or "we need to see you right away", it's nothing worth stressing over and can wait for an appointment.

I 100% agree with this. If YOU are that concerned, you need to make an appointment to specifically discuss those results. I'm learning more and more to be proactive about my health and if something doesn't seem right, I'll make an appointment. My doctor is now used to me pulling out a notebook with concerns or questions that I have, and she actually welcomes it and likes that I'm so proactive.

Even the time that I saw a nurse practitioner in the same clinic because my doc was on vacation and she saw a tiny blip in an EKG and recommended I go to the ER just in case - and it was absolutely nothing. The ER doc did 3 EKGs there and they were all "boring" - he said that the tiny blip was likely either the bed moved slightly or a pad was placed just a smidge off. (All the bloodwork at the ER was normal as well). I had emailed about random symptoms the day before and the triage nurse who I spoke with said they didn't really think it was anything to worry about but if I wanted to come in they could get me in with the NP the next day. (In retrospect, I recognized the symptoms I'd had as very similar to what a previous doctor diagnosed as my version of a panic attack - I don't do it like Riley in Inside Out 2...I just kind of go numb from the waist down for a moment and think too much about my breathing for a few moments.)

 

[Southernmiss]

Have you had any blood work to check it out?

Swollen lymph nodes were the first sign my daughter was developing lupus.

'Regular' blood work didn't find it. Blood work done by a functional medicine chiropractor that was much more extensive found it.

Her pediatrician was amazed that they did so many tests and she then helped us find an endocrinologist.

The pediatrician was going to wait and see for 6 months. But I pressed on for more. Good thing I did, because she got very sick, very fast while we waited 3 weeks for an appointment.

 

[greeneyedchick]

I have 2 lymph nodes that swell up in the back of my neck often. I have asked my doctor about it and she was unconcerned (and she's a great doctor). I have had horrible doctors who are completely useless and don't listen or care. I think the fact that your doctor ordered an ultrasound means she wasn't dismissing your concern. Not sure if you should seek out another opinion, but wanted to let you know that you're not alone in the swollen lymph node thing.

 

[SpaceMan5]

I'm learning more and more to be proactive about my health and if something doesn't seem right, I'll make an appointment. My doctor is now used to me pulling out a notebook with concerns or questions that I have, and she actually welcomes it and likes that I'm so proactive.

Spot on! You have to be proactive and advocate for yourself. It is unfortunate but this the reality that most of us face.

 

[mjkacmom]

I 100% agree with this. If YOU are that concerned, you need to make an appointment to specifically discuss those results. I'm learning more and more to be proactive about my health and if something doesn't seem right, I'll make an appointment. My doctor is now used to me pulling out a notebook with concerns or questions that I have, and she actually welcomes it and likes that I'm so proactive.

Even the time that I saw a nurse practitioner in the same clinic because my doc was on vacation and she saw a tiny blip in an EKG and recommended I go to the ER just in case - and it was absolutely nothing. The ER doc did 3 EKGs there and they were all "boring" - he said that the tiny blip was likely either the bed moved slightly or a pad was placed just a smidge off. (All the bloodwork at the ER was normal as well). I had emailed about random symptoms the day before and the triage nurse who I spoke with said they didn't really think it was anything to worry about but if I wanted to come in they could get me in with the NP the next day. (In retrospect, I recognized the symptoms I'd had as very similar to what a previous doctor diagnosed as my version of a panic attack - I don't do it like Riley in Inside Out 2...I just kind of go numb from the waist down for a moment and think too much about my breathing for a few moments.)

We see a NP, I like that she’s proactive, but I also feel she is a little too much with testing (especially since we have a high deductible). My 23 year old very healthy daughter had a checkup, the day after a big wine night (boyfriend anniversary). Her liver enzymes were elevated, my daughter explained the situation, made an appointment for a retake, showed up to get blood drawn, and before results were in was sent for an abdominal u/s that day. Results were normal, bloodwork was normal.

 

[LoveDaisy]

You need to be your own advocate. If you think something is wrong see another doctor and get another opinion. When I was 29 I had swollen lymph nodes and felt off.and I saw 6 doctors several who told me I was crazy and wanted attention before being diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. The doctor who diagnosed me said I should have been caught at stage 1, I did everything right and I was right to keep pushing to see another doctor. Good luck to you and I hopes it’s just a swollen lymph node!

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

We see a NP, I like that she’s proactive, but I also feel she is a little too much with testing (especially since we have a high deductible). My 23 year old very healthy daughter had a checkup, the day after a big wine night (boyfriend anniversary). Her liver enzymes were elevated, my daughter explained the situation, made an appointment for a retake, showed up to get blood drawn, and before results were in was sent for an abdominal u/s that day. Results were normal, bloodwork was normal.

This is my problem... When I feel great they freak out that my B12 is just below normal or that I had a palpitation while they were listening to my heart and send me for all kinds of tests and a cardiologist follow up etc and then I'm told after all that I'm completely fine.
Yet when I come with a concern of my stomach killing me and feeling sick after eating every meal and they do a test that comes back "normal" and then say its "anxiety" come to find out after a year of this that its actually my gallbladder and now I'm fine.
These types of experiences are why I have little trust in the healthcare industry and am very critical and do my own research and luckily I had good insurance that does not require referrals so I can contact any specialist I want to get the answers I need.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Your doctor’s office literally told you to make another appt to talk to her. There isn’t curiousity beyond that. (Welcome to the medical world. Try one thing, not it, make another Dr appt, try another thing, not it, make another appt, etc. You don’t get to do one appt and then have the Dr remotely do all the follow up, it ain’t 2020 anymore.)

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Your doctor’s office literally told you to make another appt to talk to her. There isn’t curiousity beyond that. (Welcome to the medical world. Try one thing, not it, make another Dr appt, try another thing, not it, make another appt, etc. You don’t get to do one appt and then have the Dr remotely do all the follow up, it ain’t 2020 anymore.)

Actually since 2020 the telemedicine industry has been booming. If its a more updated doctor's office they communicate well via the portal and video appts so you don't have to waste their time and yours in person.
My doctor is old school paper charts but I've even been able to do a few telephone appts when its something that we know is xyz and needs to be treated with xyz.
My sister seems to get strep like 4 times a year and they just ask her to send a pic so they can see that it looks like strep and they send an antibiotic.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Actually since 2020 the telemedicine industry has been booming. If its a more updated doctor's office they communicate well via the portal and video appts so you don't have to waste their time and yours in person.
My doctor is old school paper charts but I've even been able to do a few telephone appts when its something that we know is xyz and needs to be treated with xyz.
My sister seems to get strep like 4 times a year and they just ask her to send a pic so they can see that it looks like strep and they send an antibiotic.

Nice to have a Dr who behaves like it’s the 21st century. OP is obviously not in that situation and they have to go back

 

[lanejudy]

Actually since 2020 the telemedicine industry has been booming. If its a more updated doctor's office they communicate well via the portal and video appts so you don't have to waste their time and yours in person.
My doctor is old school paper charts but I've even been able to do a few telephone appts when its something that we know is xyz and needs to be treated with xyz.
My sister seems to get strep like 4 times a year and they just ask her to send a pic so they can see that it looks like strep and they send an antibiotic.

You are talking about appointments though and that is the key -- the OP needs an appointment for the follow-up and not just back-and-forth questions by phone with the office staff as go-between. The appointment may be in the form of a telemedicine/phone/video visit rather than in-office, but it needs to be scheduled as a time for the doctor to dedicate discussion with the OP.