The first of this is too much information for this board, but just in case it could be related...
I've already been having problems with painful joints (arthritic, has worsened over the last year to where now it can get to the point where my fingers are so stiff they will not physically move,) horrible fatigue (I could sleep at any given moment and yet never seem to have restful sleep, never feel refreshed, for over 5 years,) a sudden drop of 30 pounds in a year (I've had other unintentional drops/gains of 15 in the past, although never seem to be able to intentionally gain or lose,) and yet despite my generally cheery disposition and relatively happy life, I get told I'm just depressed and stressed. It's like my doctor simply diagnosed me with Silly Girl Syndrome (I am 30). :sigh:
Now I woke up this morning with a small, very painful little bump in my hard palate that was absolutely not there before , although perhaps it has developed recently without me noticing it until now. It is distinctly lighter in color there; it is smooth over the top, like something from underneath pushing out rather than it being a growth on top of the skin there. It really hurts, a very intense ache, even just when I swallow and my tongue gently presses there. It is not even the size of a pencil eraser. There is not a symmetric match on the other side. I have not eaten any hard or jagged food in I don't know how long (I only have so much in my cabinets, and I don't eat out, so believe me, I'd know!! :lol: ) but it is a similar pain.
I also noticed over the last 5-6 months my gag refles is so extreme I can barely brush my tongue at all. :worried:
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hello bsw

Please see your dentist or an ENT specialist for a diagnosis.

Have a look at Figure 1.25 in Examination Technique with Normal Findings and Structures Mistaken for Disease as there is a normal bump/lump in the mid-palate. This previous post might be helpful. Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee: