what are these bumps?

[rat]

Hi Shelley -

I have 2 bumps on either side of my neck (sort of where your swollen glands are when you get sick, but much bigger) that go up to and under my jawbone. What are they? Should I be worried? I have no tonsils, by the way - in case that matters.

Thanks for any help!

[shelley]

Sounds like you're feeling your lymph. next time you get a physical have the doctor check them out to be sure. If they're right at/under your jaw they're lymph, and it's a good sign when you can feel them because they should be well-formed.

[rat]

well, that's a relief - thanks Shelley!

I've been feeling great lately, so I was disappointed - I thought it was some infection! Good news to hear that it's probably a sign of health.

[shelley]

oh yeah - it's only if they feel really large and swollen that it's a sign of ill-health.

[Rosnor]

Shelley, I hope its alright to post here, but I have these lumps. Sometimes they are not so apparent, othertimes they are quite large and noticable. I've had a few people comment on them. I thought they may be linked to dehydration when I've had diahrea, but I'm not sure. Then I thought it was something to do with salivary glands? Anyway, I know I'm not well, but these bug me almost as much as anything else. I am also very low on iron, get VERY tired after my lunch (whatever I eat) and a have much too high ESR reading. To be honest, I'm pretty fed up. Thanks.

[shelley]

Sounds like a combo of leaky gut, possibly candida or parasites. Are you doing comprehensive cleansing, lymph management, getting plenty of broths, coconut oil and fish oil? Have you done a parasite cleanse yet?

ESR by itself doesn't mean anything conclusive. Have they done other tests for autoimmune disorders like ANA, ANCA, Hepititus?

[Rosnor]

I'm getting plenty of broths, coconut and fish oil. I haven't done a parasite cleanse yet, but plan to soon. To be honest, I sometimes barely have enough energy to do the things that HAVE to be done. I have heard that ESR can be elevated by low iron levels. I had a barium follow-through which indicated inflammation in the lower 2/3rds of the small intestine. Apart from a full blood count, I dont think they tested for anything else, as they put the two results together and came up with 'Crohns' - problem solved in their opinion. I am generally following all your advice for healthy eating, with less beans/more veg in the broth, I do eat meat, and have started taking ACV before meals to help me digest it better. I shall read up more on the lymph management, if you think this may be a problem. You don't think the lumps are anything to do with the salivary glands? Thanks Shelley.

[shelley]

not if they're under your chin! salivary glands are more towards the back of the throat, and the ones that commonly get clogged are near the tonsils.