Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Arm?

[SJCdmb]

Hey everyone,
I just wondered if anyone has experienced swollen lymph nodes during a flare? I seem to have it right before and after I have a flare...I wasn't sure if it was caused by something else or if it could be a symptom of IC...I'm still trying to figure out what is going on with my body! Thanks for listening!!

[green_the_fish]

Hi, Sara. I can't say I've had swollen lymph nodes under my arms, but one of the lymph nodes around my neck is slightly swollen right now. It hurts if I touch it. I don't know what's going on either.
I hope we can figure out what's up with us :hmm:

[creatingkarma]

When your lymph nodes are swollen, it usually means your immune system is working overtime. It usually indicates a virus, such as the flu, etc., but I've also heard of a lot of women who have them swell up during their period. They can also swell up with a medication allergy. That's all I know on this subject.

[ICNDonna]

If this is a new symptom for you, I suggest you call your doctor.

Donna

[ibtracy]

:) Hi there SJCdmb. I suffer from swollen lymph nodes under my arms but I have Fibrocystic Breast Syndrome. Sorry to be so graphic and this is what causes mine to swell...my breasts are very lumpy and the swollen lymph nodes come from drinking alot of caffeine and hormone fluctuation and IC for me. I was told that fluctuation in hormones can cause these lymph nodes to swell and was told to take a high dose of vitamin E everyday to lessen the fibrocystic breast lumps and to reduce my caffeine intake which is also very bad for IC sufferers. I had a total hysterectomy when I was 28 so my swollen nodes come from the fluctuation in hormones, IC & currently my very weakened immune system.

It also like others have said can come from your immune system working over time. My doctor and uro explained to me and my husband that my immune system is working overtime to attack my bladder, it thinks that my bladder for some reason is a foreign object in my bladder so swollen lymph nodes in this respect are due to my immune system being in active over drive. I found out last week that my immune system is severly compromised right now. I had a hydro/cysto on 10/6/04 and immediately following had a sever bladder/kidney infection followed by the flu and now a severe sinus infection and bronchitis and my glands under my chin are swollen in addition to my lymph nodes in my under arms being swollen and very, very sore.

This is just my medical reasoning for this problem but I agree with Donna if this is a new symptom for you, you really should call your family physician and have him/her decide why you are suffering from this recent swelling.

I didn't mean to over burden you with my problems just wanted you to understand why I suffer from this painful and annoying symptom, too. I do believe I've read in my many IC books that this can be a symptom of IC but a quick check up with your doctor can either conclude this being an IC symptom or something else going on with your immune system.

I hope you find out what's causing your swollen lymph nodes, but relax somewhat as I said before I've read in numerous books on IC and other bladder disorders that this can be a "symptom" of IC.

Hope I didn't bore you to death with my reply. I hope you get the answers you're looking for and you're feeling better soon. :grouphug: Sending you a group hug for support!

~Tracy