On an off for about 1 to 2 years now i have been experiencing swelling in an area to the right side of my neck (btwn my collar bone & the beginnin of my neck). My lymph glands? At times its more noticeable than other times.
I have asthma & my asthma has become progressively worse over the last 2 to 3 years. I am constantly on Albueterol and Advair (both at the very least 2 to 3 times a day...sometimes more). I've tried different medication & nothing has worked for me.
In December 2005, I had my first of many bouts with moderate to severe Hives. I had difficulty breathing, itching, swelling & a red rash in different areas of my body (hands, face, stomach, etc). On 2 occassions I have driven myself to the emergency room because the Hives were becoming so severe & I did not know what to do.
My doctor has told me that the swelling in my lymph glands is due to having such a high level of steroids in my body. For the last few days my asthma has not been that bad so I have not been using my inhaler except for maybe once a day. In my opinion, at this time (compared to other times), I should not have that much in the way of steroids in my body. However, this morning, I woke up & the swelling on the right side is a little worse than it usually is. Also, there is now slight swelling on the left side. To me its noticeable. To others (who don't know my slim build that well) the swelling is not very noticeable.
Other matters that I have concern about that I believe could be related.... blurred vision, stiffness in my neck, back & shoulders, severe headaches, chronic fatigue, nausea (which [I am learning] is a sign that Hives are coming).
I have been to the doctors several times for the Hives & all I get is Prednisone for 5 to 7 days (which to me is a temporary fix because they always come back). As far as the asthma, as I state earlier, the doctor has tried me on several different types of medication that have not worked for me. On several of the doctor visits (for Hives), I requested that he do blood work. He told me that it was not necessary because the blood work would not show anything. On several of the doctor visits for the Asthma, I requested that he do a chest X-ray. He told me that I did not need a chest X-ray because he did not hear anything that would make him think I had pneumonia.
I finally requested that the doctor do a complete physical on me. I am going on Monday - August 14th. Can you please advise me of any specific tests that I should demand he do. I feel so stupid and neurotic when I talk to this doctor. But I just have this terrible feeling that something is seriously wrong and I don't know what tests to demand & what not to worry about. My sister had Hotchkins Disease 12 years ago (she was 27). She recovered from the disease after 9 months of radiation & chemotheraphy). Luckily she caught it in time. I need help & don't know who to turn to. The doctors make me feel like I'm just imagining my symptoms. Can you give me any advice?
Optional Information:
Female , Age: 42
Already Tried:
doctors
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