swollen lymph node

[Optimistic]

Hello everyone,

Hope all is well. I have some questions regarding swollen lymph nodes under the arm area.  I noticed a lump under my left arm and when I touch it I can feel a slight pain.  I have been on atripla since Oct of 06'.  Is this something I should be concerned about?  Whenever I feel a change in my body, I get nervous and sometimes overly concerned.  Since I am on meds, are swollen lymph nodes less likely to occur?  The last time I had a check up, my VL was 169.  I did not get the results for the CD4 yet and will find out about that next week.  It's a bit nerve wrecking to me when something like this happens.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Hugs,
Justin

[Ann]

Hi Justin,

It's always best to get something like this checked out by your doctor. You don't know what your CD4 is, but with being on meds and nearly undetectable it's unlikely to be hiv related. There are other things out there though and it could be something as simple as an irritation caused by deoderant. Have it looked at and good luck. Let us know what happens.

Ann

[Grinch]

Don't mess around, get to the doctor.
I don't stress about small nodes... Well I personally do because of my Lymphoma.... but usually unless the nodes are really big (like a baseball) it's not a major issue, but why chance it?

[Optimistic]

Thank you Ann and Grinch for the replies. I will contact my doctor and discuss it with her.  I just hope it's nothing cancerous.  That is what I am mostly afraid of.

Hugs,
Justin

[blondbeauty]

Hi Justin,
I had lymph nodes in my armpits since who knows when. I only noticed them after diagnosis but I remember a GP finding them when I was 21 and I am 38 now...
All of them have reduced in size except one under my left armpit. The Dr. always touches them. I have been told at the hospital that lymph nodes are not an indicator of HIV infection progression. In fact many people get lymph nodes when they start treatment and it is an indication of immune reconstitution.
Do not squeeze your lymph nodes but touch them gently. If they are "moveable" and not bigger than 1,5-2cm in diameter you should not worry. Only if you find they seem to be strongly attached to other tissues you should think about something serious. Lymph nodes mean your immune system is working and producing lymphocytes.
Anyway, have them checked on your next visit. I always have them checked and my Dr. also searches for them on my neck and groin (where I never have.)

[Blixer]

Justin,

I had swollen lymph nodes in my neck and groin prior to starting treatment.  They have returned to normal size now after about 6 months or so.  I didn't notice the ones under my arm before, but now that the others are gone, I notice a few under my arms.  My doctor says they are nothing to worry about and you have gotten some good advice from others here.  The key point is to mention them to your doctor and get his/her input.  As has been pointed out, in most cases it is nothing to worry about.  They can swell from any number of small infections your body is fighting off and even the continued reconstitution of the immune system.  But do keep us posted.  I think this is a concern that we all have from time to time.

[Optimistic]

Thank you Blondbeauty and David for the replies.  I feel a little more at ease reading your responses.  I tried to call my doctor today, but apparently the clinic is closed due to MLK Jr. holiday.  I will keep you guys posted.  This is definitely a concern I have from time to time.  Much appreciated. Thank you.

Hugs,
Justin

[Eldon]

Check out the Brand of Deoderant that you are using. There are a lot of chemicals that they use to make them. There may be a reaction that is being caused by the brand that you are using.

[J.R.E.]

Hello Justin,

If I remember rightly, there was a brief period time, after I had started on medication, when the lymph nodes under my armpits had enlarged. But it was ever so little. Another thing.... try not to poke or squeeze them. ( it's easy to want to do that.)


Ray