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Found a lump...

Thank you so much for the update. The human body is so complex and sometimes things are just harmlessly odd. I wish you all the best & will not post on this thread again.
 
good new to hear its nothing "scary" I will say after I had a weird complications from a surgery a few years back to have a swollen lymph node removed from my neck, my PCP doctor told and I quote his exact words "You aren't wired right" lol glad to hear I am not the only one!
 
So far the news sounds good but I understand the ongoing concern and uncertainty. Do they not want to remove it any way or is it something that is entangled in tissue making that difficult?

I understand not wanting to banter on about this which keeps it in the forefront of your mind. We were very concerned when we didn’t hear back from you about it but can all breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks for the update and hoping that while weird, it continues its state of weirdness all by itself and causes no harm!
 
RunningwithScissors said:
Thank you everyone for the well wishes and support.

I haven't circled back to this thread because I don't have a clear resolution. Its been frustrating and time consuming. I wanted to wait until I had a simple answer to give, but one hasn't really come.

The medical professionals have all done thorough jobs, I haven no complaints about their care and effort. What it boils down to, is that the human body is a very complex and weird system. When people have ailments that are common and easy to diagnose, then answers can be found quickly and usually there's a solution or treatment plan.

Unfortunately I don't fall into that category.

Fortunately, I'm mostly okay.

I've seen multiple specialists and had numerous tests and imaging. There was little agreement among them other than I have a weird lump. We ruled out all the big bad scary things. Lymph nodes are fine, salivary glands are fine, thyroid is fine, no tumors of any kinds. Great news. But despite the imaging saying my neck looks clear, there's still a large bump that's not supposed to be there that freaks out my regular GP, a second GP I went to for a second opinion, and an ENT (ear nose throat) doctor.

I went to a second ENT for a second opinion, who sent me to a cardiovascular specialist. More imaging.

The best that can be determined is that I have an unusually large carotid bulb.

No one is able to tell me why it is this large or what it means for my health long term. It does not appear to be diseased or dysfunctional in any way. There is no aneurysm or mass to the best the specialists and imaging can determine. I am in excellent cardiovascular health.

So, we are going to wait and watch to see if it changes. The cardio specialist doesn't think its changing or growing (though they want more imaging in a few months to be sure). Their current theory is that its always been extra large due to just an anomaly in how I'm built. Its showing up now because I'm losing lean tissue as I age, when I was younger, it was masked by this lean tissue. Also, I'm unusually thin (I've always been this way, its genetic not something I want or can change) and because I'm thin, the bulb can be felt on me whereas on normal weight people, and heavier people, the bulb is hidden deeper in the neck tissue.

So I'm okay, I think. Just outside the bounds of normal anatomy.

But I'm still not entirely at ease. I will feel more comfortable when I go back in a few months for another set of imaging to make sure it all continues to look the same.
Click to expand...

So, so lovey to hear from you & get a positive update. Bodies are definitely weird & what is normal for one is not normal for another. We are fundamentally the same, but different.

I am glad that nothing sinister has come to light & whilst it’s not a complete resolution for you, it must put your mind at rest to some degree.

Hopefully the next set of imaging will show a reduction in the swelling, or at the very least, stability. I cannot imagine how frightening this must have been & I am glad to see you back.
 
I’m glad they haven’t found anything sinister, and it sounds like they’re going to be keeping a close watch on you from now on. Never worry about sharing, it always helps to get things off your chest.
 
@RunningwithScissors I am glad that you have made progress although it doesn't feel like progress. We continue to go through similar battles with my wife right now. Trying to get into the Mayo for more answers. It can be exhausting & draining.

Continued thoughts & prayers are with you & your husband as you traverse through this next chapter in life. Stay strong and may you always be as happy as a camel on Wednesday! LOL, I know it's a dumb commercial but I love it.

 
Wonderful news!

I also have a weird neck lump and it’s awkward. I have to explain every time I see a new doctor or go for a massage. It’s just an extra bump of bone that became more obvious in my 30’s. Bodies are just wonky sometimes.
 
sledge said:
@RunningwithScissors I am glad that you have made progress although it doesn't feel like progress. We continue to go through similar battles with my wife right now. Trying to get into the Mayo for more answers. It can be exhausting & draining.

Continued thoughts & prayers are with you & your husband as you traverse through this next chapter in life. Stay strong and may you always be as happy as a camel on Wednesday! LOL, I know it's a dumb commercial but I love it.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for all your well wishes and funny posts -- they really did make me smile. Sending my thoughts in your direction as you and your wife navigate her healthcare.

The best thing in life is to have a loving partner who's got your back and I can see how you and your wife are a tight team. You guys are in this together. Please keep us posted. We are all here for you guys. Hugs to you both.
 
RunningwithScissors said:
Thank you everyone for the well wishes and support.

I haven't circled back to this thread because I don't have a clear resolution. Its been frustrating and time consuming. I wanted to wait until I had a simple answer to give, but one hasn't really come.

The medical professionals have all done thorough jobs, I haven no complaints about their care and effort. What it boils down to, is that the human body is a very complex and weird system. When people have ailments that are common and easy to diagnose, then answers can be found quickly and usually there's a solution or treatment plan.

Unfortunately I don't fall into that category.

Fortunately, I'm mostly okay.

I've seen multiple specialists and had numerous tests and imaging. There was little agreement among them other than I have a weird lump. We ruled out all the big bad scary things. Lymph nodes are fine, salivary glands are fine, thyroid is fine, no tumors of any kinds. Great news. But despite the imaging saying my neck looks clear, there's still a large bump that's not supposed to be there that freaks out my regular GP, a second GP I went to for a second opinion, and an ENT (ear nose throat) doctor.

I went to a second ENT for a second opinion, who sent me to a cardiovascular specialist. More imaging.

The best that can be determined is that I have an unusually large carotid bulb.

No one is able to tell me why it is this large or what it means for my health long term. It does not appear to be diseased or dysfunctional in any way. There is no aneurysm or mass to the best the specialists and imaging can determine. I am in excellent cardiovascular health.

So, we are going to wait and watch to see if it changes. The cardio specialist doesn't think its changing or growing (though they want more imaging in a few months to be sure). Their current theory is that its always been extra large due to just an anomaly in how I'm built. Its showing up now because I'm losing lean tissue as I age, when I was younger, it was masked by this lean tissue. Also, I'm unusually thin (I've always been this way, its genetic not something I want or can change) and because I'm thin, the bulb can be felt on me whereas on normal weight people, and heavier people, the bulb is hidden deeper in the neck tissue.

So I'm okay, I think. Just outside the bounds of normal anatomy.

But I'm still not entirely at ease. I will feel more comfortable when I go back in a few months for another set of imaging to make sure it all continues to look the same.
Click to expand...

Sorry I’ve been MIA and just reading this. I’m very sorry you’re going through this. Glad to hear it’s not anything “bad” but I’m sure it’s unnerving not to know exactly what’s going on. Hope everything works out well.

@sledge - thinking of you and your wife. Take care.
 
RunningwithScissors, I am so glad to hear from you. I've wondered daily, lump? Where? What sort of lump? It's all unnerving. It seems that the cardiovascular system can be quite creative, odd valves, bifurcated vessels, etc. You've run this down, 2nd, 3rd opinions, and follow-up imaging. I hope this eases your mind a bit. Don't you have a bracelet to finish?
 
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