Signs and symptoms
posted by user1234
16 April 2013

Lymphoma Questions?? Skin and abdomen.

Last reply: 29 April 2013 22:59

I have been to my Doctor a couple of times over the past few months with a lot of symptoms and nothing has been resolved.
I got really run down from a job (early start, late finish, no lunch break sometimes for 10 hours) and had to quit because I was so fatigued I couldn't even function or get out of bed. Being so run down, the skin on my face started to break out in hives/pimples that burst by themselves and were extremely itchy. I also had a really bad hacking cough that the doctor said was "Nasal drip". She prescribed drops, sprays and decongestant meds. I've suffered from Anemia in the past so she sent me for Routine bloods and tested for everything imaginable. The cough persisted for 5 weeks so I returned to my GP for my blood results and to get my cough examined again. By then I had searched google about a persistent cough, big mistake. In that time I also found a small lump in my left upper stomach below my rib cage, it is slightly mobile and is rubbery but not jelly, about 2.5cm in size.
Nothing was done about my cough, I was then told it was maybe a viral infection because it lasted so long, for my pimples I was given contraceptive pills, and my hemoglobin was lower than average so I was given Iron tablets. The doctor said she could not feel any lump, and she looked at me as though I was a hypochondriac.
I never felt so embarrassed.
Five months on I do not feel any better, I feel worse although my cough went away. I have had a peptic ulcer twice in the past (H.Pylori virus) and I feel the same symptoms at the minute. I'm white as a ghost, black circles under my eyes worse than ever. My pimples are now sores on my face that will not go away no matter what I try. I'm so tired I sleep from around midnight or earlier most nights, to between 10 and 12 the following morning (currently unemployed and NOT lazy). I have been sweating in my sleep a lot but not enough to drench my clothes or bed clothes, and having broken sleeps, and waking up with no energy. My stomach is swollen and feels so full behind my ribs, as thought there isn't enough space for my intestines. I have frequent pain throughout my body, but scariest of all is pain in my left flank area and pain in my chest, like really bad indigestion. This comes and goes. This week I've been waking up with a sore throat, and stuffy head (which could be simple head cold) and discomfort in my shoulders, convinced my body is trying to tell me something.

I have made a doctors appointment for this week, but I have so much wrong with me that I fear I wont be taken seriously. Has anyone with Lymphoma of any kind had any of these symptoms?

Please accept my apologies if my questions offend or aggravate anyone diagnosed with Lymphoma. You are in my prayers.

3 comments

Comments

commented by WicklowLady
17 April 2013

17 April 2013 08:09

DEMAND A SECOND OPINION AND SCANS!!!

commented by Irish Cancer Society
17 April 2013

17 April 2013 14:42

Hello user1234,

I am sorry to hear of all your concerns which you have experienced for such a long time which indeed can be very debilitating.

Lymphoma can have some of your presenting symptoms but there are many other medical conditions that can relate to your current worries. I am glad you have made an appointment to talk to your GP again and to discuss the results of your previous blood tests too. Write down all the questions before you see your doctor.

You are very welcome to speak to a Specialist nurse in confidence at the Irish Cancer Society on our National Cancer Helpline at Freefone 1800-200-700. We are here Monday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Fridays from 9am to 5pm.

With kind regards,
Cancer Information Service Nurse

commented by franny
29 April 2013

29 April 2013 22:59

HI
Sorry to hear of your problems.Please take a small bit of advice ,stay as far away from the internet as you possibly can.Before you know it you will be reading that you have tumours growing out of your ears. Find a doctor who will listen to you, and ask is it possible for him to have an mri or pet scan done.I did the internet thing after my daughter was diagnosed with hodgkin's lymphoma,but some of the sights are more harmful than helpful.Please God its not what your thinking and that it is something else.There is always light at the end of he tunnel.Find the right doctor first to put you on the correct road
Hope all works out fine for you.
Franny

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