[67F] Experiencing head and neck pain, swollen lymph nodes, and systemic symptoms

Patient Description

A 67-year-old female is reporting pain up the side of her head and down her neck, sharp pains in her neck, and swollen lymph nodes. She also experiences sinus pain and a sore throat. The patient feels weak and sleeps excessively, up to 16 hours a day. She has a history of a benign cyst removal near her ear at the age of 13, but not all of the cyst was removed. Since her thyroidectomy, she has been diagnosed with lupus and experiences widespread body pain. Additionally, she has a history of a ruptured colon, which was surgically repaired five months later. The patient frequently experiences vomiting, burning in the stomach, and diarrhea, accompanied by sweating and followed by long periods of sleep. There is no mention of current medications or known drug allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you seem to be experiencing a number of symptoms that could be related to various conditions. Here are some possibilities:

  • Post-surgical complications: If the cyst was not completely removed, it could have regrown and is now causing pain. This could also lead to swelling in the lymph nodes if there is an infection.

    • Treatment would involve a medical evaluation to determine the current status of the cyst and possible removal if it has regrown.
  • Lupus: This is an autoimmune disease that can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and swelling in the lymph nodes. It can also cause complications with various organs, which could explain some of your other symptoms.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
  • Thyroid issues: You mentioned that you have no thyroid. Depending on whether you're on replacement therapy, this could be causing fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

    • Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: Your symptoms of vomiting, stomach burning, and diarrhea could be due to a number of gastrointestinal conditions, possibly related to your previous colon rupture.

    • Treatment would depend on the specific condition, but could involve dietary changes, medications, or in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

Given the complexity and severity of your symptoms, it's important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms. They can help coordinate care and refer you to specialists as needed.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when each symptom occurs, its severity, and any potential triggers. This can help your healthcare team determine what's causing your symptoms.
  3. Stay hydrated and try to eat a balanced diet. This can help manage some of your gastrointestinal symptoms and maintain your overall health.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea that leads to dehydration
  • Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could be causing the sharp pains in my neck and swollen lymph nodes?

Sharp pains in the neck and swollen lymph nodes could be due to an infection, inflammation, or a regrowth of a previously removed cyst. It's important to have these symptoms evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.


How does lupus affect my overall health and what symptoms should I be aware of?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and swelling in the lymph nodes. It can also affect internal organs, leading to a variety of symptoms. Management typically involves medications to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.


What are the potential complications of having no thyroid and how can they be managed?

Without a thyroid, your body lacks the hormones it produces, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. These can be managed with hormone replacement therapy, which should be monitored and adjusted by your healthcare provider.


What might be causing my gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea?

Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea could be related to a number of conditions, including issues stemming from a previous colon rupture. They could also be related to dietary factors, infections, or other gastrointestinal disorders. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.


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