Symptoms for three months

Public Archive
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Hi

This may be a long post so I apologise in advance. I am 30 years old, a student nurse and mum to five kids aged 13 to 23months. In April 2013 I found a small pea sized lump under my left armpit. At the time I was doing a placement in radiology and saw a few breast scans, I put my lump down to a cyst or a lymph node.

 

Between April and October I had fevers every 4-7weeks, they would last about two days and I would notice that the pea size lump would get bigger as well as swelling surrounding this. At the end of October I got what appeared to be a virus, flu like symptoms struck. I felt feverish, had no appetite, slept alot and I was so achy all over. I saw a doctor who saw the swellings which were now under both armpits,although worse and painful in the left. I was given 7 day course of antibiotics which helped bring the swelling down and I was less tired/achy.

 

However my left arm weakness has not gone away and the pain under my armpit,going down the side and under my breast has continued. I had bloods(FBC etc) done in November and a chest xray both were clear. I still was not happy so saw my doctor again at the start of December, by then I had these symptoms for 8 weeks! She then said I have curvature of the spine(which I know but has never caused a problem) and has referred me to physio.

 

I was working and going to uni which was 75 hrs a week so thought maybe its also stress. However I have been relaxed for two weeks now and symptoms are still there. I have felt my breast properly and can feel a lump towards the bottom left side of my breast,and the tissue feels thicker than my right breast. The breast does appear to be more lopsided/dropping down towards the left. The main thing is my arm feels so heavy and has a burning sensation in upper arm/shoulder pain. It means I struggle with some simple tasks. I also suffer night sweats. and am emotional,not like me at all.

 

As I am a student nurse I hate going to my doctor its worse now as I do not feel I have been listened to and do strongly feel something is not right. Any suggestions appreciated.

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Hi Studentandmum

It sounds like you’re having a difficult time at the moment.  I’ms sure some of the other users will be along soon to offer you their support and experiences.

In the meantime you might find it helpful to call the BCC helpline on 0808 800 6000. Here you can share your concerns with a member of staff wh will offer you emotioanl support and practical information.  The lines are open Monday to Friday 9to 5pm and 10 to 2pm Saturday.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

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Dear studentandmum

 

In your heart, you know that you MUST go back to your GP, even if you have to see a different doctor. They MUST refer you to the breast clinic as soon as possible. I don’t know what your symptoms mean, but for your own peace of mind you MUST find out one way or the other what is wrong. Sorry for the capital letters every so often, but I feel it is of utmost importance that you do have this checked out. It might be nothing, it might be something and for the sake of your lovely five children, whatever it is has to be dealt with as quickly as it can be. If you feel you are not being listened to, perhaps you could take someone with you - someone who can show authority enough to make the doctors listen and act on your symptoms. 

 

Sending hugs and wishing you well.

 

poemsgalore xx

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Thank you for the replies. Looks as though I have to change GP surgery. I had requested to see a different GP but its been refused as they have their own policy about keeping patients with their registered GP. I understand this from a continuity of care perspective but what if I was registered with a male GP but preferred a female? And what happened to patient choice and the right to a second opinion? Really going to take it further once I have seen a different GP.