I found a small lump on the left hand side of my daugter's neck back in June. Now, September, she has multiple lumps on both sides of her neck under the skin. She in only 20 months old and this worries me greatly. The doctors keep telling me it's just swollen lymp nodes. She just finished a round of anti-biotics and they did absolutely nothing. The largest lump is now about the size of a pea. The ped is having her tested for Thyroid problems and Catch Scratch Fever. She's also been having a lot of loose smelly stools since July. It comes and goes and sometimes her poop is almost white. Then goes back to normal, then orangish-red, then to green-grey, then to whitish-cream color, Then it starts all over again. She's been tested for Celiac, Giardia, and other things. So far everything is negative. I'm not sure if the strange poop and lumps are related. Has anyone had any experience with either of these. If the peds keep telling me it's just lymp nodes I'd like her to see a specialist just to be sure. What kind of specialist do you see for lumps in the neck or swollen lymph nodes??? Any input is GREATLY appreciated as I am a terrible worried mother. Thank you
Get her to an Ear, Nose and Throut Dr., preferably at a children's hospital. If the dr. won't give you a referral, you'll have to pay yourself. it sounds like your dr. is working on it but it's time to move a little faster. A second opinion never hurts when a diagnosis can't be found. Keep a journal of her Bm's and lump changes so the new dr. has info to work with.
Hi K.:
I think your doctor may be on the right track, as far as treatment.I had growths on my Thyroid, years ago, that began very small,and enlarged to the point,that it obstructed my airway. I eventually had to have my entire thyroid removed, and will be on Thyroid medication for the remainder of my life. If he is willing to test her now for any thyroid problems,let him go ahead and eleminate that as a posibility. Its a simple blood test. I Hope this is just as simple as enlarged glands, or tonsils,just something she will outgrow.I wish you and your darlin daughter the best.
I am sorry to say I don't have any real knowledge to add. I just wanted to encourage you. I don't blame you for being worried. I would continue to press your doctor for answers. I hope you find the answers you need soon.
Hi K....I know the worry you are feeling. A similar thing (swollen glands)happened to my son when he was four. The doctor was concerned because his glands had been swollen and hard for a few weeks. We also tried antibiotics with no result. The doctor ordered a blood test and everything came back normal. The doctor then thought it could possibly be allergies and referred us to an ear, nose, throat doctor. This new doctor immediately ordered for my son to have a biopsy with the removal of a gland. This scared us and we decided to find an ear, nose, throat doctor that was a children's specialist for a second opinion. The specialist said everything was normal with our son and that glands could be swollen for a long time. Anyways, I share this story so that you will find a good children's specialist. Research your local children's hospital to find a well known, experienced doctor. T.
You have very good responses and very good reason for these concerns. You and your awesome husband continue on finding those answers to ease your anxieties and worries. If having to bring your daughter to another doctor / specialist. This is your right. If you want to see a specialist, go for it.
Let your doctor know of your great concerns. That you would like your child to be examined/referred to a specialist. They are responsible to address these concerns and should be duly noted if your concerns are not addressed.
If not addressed..., go and seek another that would be more concerned to your needs. Please note your findings etc., in a journal and the Drs. you have seen. Keeping this handy when needed as a reference, during these times.
I hope this helps and gives you more strength in your decisions. Good Luck.
How puzzling... all I know is, the characteristics of poop and their color/consistency/smell can mean something.
Usually, they say that if poop is white or clay colored... this is not normal...and can signal problems with bile or liver or a blockage of some kind. If it is "oily" or "greasy", smelly and green colored... this can mean something else.
Or it can mean maybe she is allergic to something, or the round of antibiotics she's had. But none the less... usually white or clay colored poop is not good.
Myself, I have not seen or known anyone whose child had such a varied color of poop... I don't know if this is considered "normal" or not? Especially since this has only been happening since July... it does not seem to be her "usual" BM characteristics. Perhaps check on this with Doctor....
have they tested her poop? Asked for any samples?
Can they do an MRI or CAT scan on her???
Perhaps get referred to a Specialist... plus with the appearance of lumps, any Mom would be worried.
How is her general development? Normal? Delayed? How is her growth and weight gain? How is her behavior? How is her appetite and intake? All these things, I would think, should be taken into consideration in light of all the other symptoms she seems to be having.
All the best... and big hugs to you. I understand this is a big worry for you... I wish I had a magic answer for you. Just KEEP ON checking with the Doctor... research things... and get a Specialist ASAP.
take care,
Susan
Demand to see a specialist. Your doctor will know which specialist you must see. Or go online to find one. If you must go through your insurance demand to have a referal-if you have HMO. If you have PPO you can just go to any specialist, just ask your doctor. DEMAND DEMAND DEMAND, this is your child and you must do everything possible to figure it out becasue if you do nothing and in 5 years she has cancer, how horrible would that be?
