What's an ER for anyway??

[Kerrikins]

I'm so sorry that you had to go through that! My grandfather died of multiple heart attacks  in an ER waiting room, so I absolutely believe that they are negligent many times about tending to people who are having true emergencies. My grandfather sat there for a few hours and when he lost consciousness a hospital worker tried to revive him and after the fact it was discovered that it was a janitor trying to help!! My family sued, it took 15 years to make it to trial eue to the hospital's legal dept delaying and delaying, and we lost on a technicality. I'm not too fond of hospitals. Anyhow, I think it's horrible that the Emergency room would not help you with your Emergency. I hope that you are able to get some relief soon!

[Dolly Dimples]

Phew, and folk here in UK complain!
                                  Glad I dont live there, I am proud of our National Health Service!
                                                                         Dolly

[anita]

The saga continues.

After the PCP tries to treat this and it gets worse, he sends me to ER because he feels it's emergent and "beyond" something he can fix.  The ER says it's "beyond" their ability, go see a surgeon.  The surgeon today said it was "beyond" his scope.  He feels it may not be a sebaceous cyst after all (didn't look like one to him), and that even if it is one, it wouldn't create this severe of a response by the lymph system.  

Therefore, the surgeon thinks these lymph nodes and lumps are secondary to something systemic of a significant nature.  

Does he know what this underlining problem might be?   No, of course not.  His suggestion:  Get back up to Hopkins.  Sadly, my JH doctor is in Israel on vacation.

I have no idea what's happening but it's very strange that these swollen lymph nodes are ONLY on one side of my head and neck.  Literally making a line right down the center of the back of my head, then only the one side of the head and neck.  Need to put this in my "freaky stuff file".

Oh, And I'm going to scream if I hear the word, "beyond" again.  LOL

[inga]

What about a hematology referral?  Lymph?? 

This situation is ridiculous.  This needs to be taken care of for heavens sake.....the old hot potato thing again....either one is not sick and shuffled around or too sick and shuffled around.

[gurs]

Yeah, just mention chest pain and your left side and they will move...and, usually, most of us have this anyways...I thought I was having a stroke and mentioned this and I couldnt believe the response time..

gursie

[ohiolady]

Anita,

I'm so sorry to hear about all you are going through.  Wow, it has to be scary that none of the doctors can identify or treat your problem.  Is there anyone at JH covering for your physician on vacation?  I would think, at this point, you would want to go to a big teaching hospital so they can get to the bottom of this. 

Sending a big hug.

Anna

PS  I hate going to the ER. 

[sugarbugar]

What about a hematology referral?  Lymph?? 

This situation is ridiculous.  This needs to be taken care of for heavens sake.....the old hot potato thing again....either one is not sick and shuffled around or too sick and shuffled around.

I so agree with Inga.  I really hope you get help soon.  I have been turned away in ER a few times being told I was "too complex for the ER spectrum"  Really?  I wish more Dr's were like House, he stays on the case until it's figured out, and it usually starts in the ER!
Good Luck Anita

[anita]

Yes, Inga's idea was great.  I put a call into this morning right after reading it.  I'm hoping he can help...at least put his two-cents in on what causes lymph node response on the head (which apparently is uncommon).  Maybe we can narrow the playing field a bit with his input.

I'm also waiting to hear back from my vacationing doctor's colleague from Hopkins.  But we all know that Fridays are tough days to get call backs, so might be a long weekend.

Thanks for all the suggestions/comments.

[inga]

Here are the lymph chains of the head and neck....not to say, some can't be more distal.  Anatomical differences are astounding.  People can have double of things, none of things etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gray602.png

It could also be some vascular inflammation.

[anita]

Wow thanks Inga.   

Several are in the exact areas shown.  However, there a some lumps higher on the head also.  I guess they could be vascular...especially if node swelling below is interfering with circulation of sorts.

Still waiting on call backs...probably will still be sitting by the phone Monday.