Hi everyone,

I am 34, a non smoker and non drinker. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 7 years ago and I do have seasonal allergies. I always tend to have stuffy sinuses. I have not had my tonsils out though they have never seemed to bother me.

*7 weeks ago I had the flu which lasted about a week or so and I also had some mouth sores which went away. I visited the GP who determined flu and bed rest.
*About 5 1/2 weeks ago I developed pain and swelling in my neck and noticed pain under my chin--especially the right side.
*Some days later around week 5 I notice that my neck was swelling worse, my voice was rough, my right ear felt a bit swollen and I developed mouth symptoms--a odd tingle sensation and burning of my throat, tongue (feels dry and scraped), and roof of mouth. I also noticed that on the same swollen right side that I had the feeling of a bump at the very back side of my tongue. I saw the GP who thought I possibly was becoming allergic to foods or something as it was most noticeable to me after eating or drinking. A few days later I got worse still and was given prednisone (steroids) by the clinic and told to take piriton.
*Around week 4 I noticed that even with just water in my diet my throat felt constricted and as if I had a bump in my throat above the adams apple. I went to the GP and was tested for Glandular Fever which was negative. I was told it was probaly a viral infection and infections can take time.
*Around week 3 my lymph nodes in my chest area would swell and under my arms. They would tend to be painful and thus I feel may be fibro related, not sure?
*Around week 2 I saw an ENT for a follow up of a sinus scan months before. I had no polyps or anything noticeable in the sinuses. I asked the ENT about my new symptoms, he looked at my throat swiftly with a Tongue depresser and said to see my GP. I then went to a local dentist who found one cavity with a very small abcess. I asked him what could be wrong and if my throat seemed funny but he did not do anything as far as feeling around my mouth and such. He seemed mainly concerned with fixing the cavity, quickly in and out. He gave me a weeks dose of 500mg Amoxicillan's.
*Currently as of today I have been back to the GP who asked if I had any taste in my mouth. I have had a bit of a foul taste on and off but did not know how to describe it. She asked if it could be metallic which I guess it could though its hard to tell really, more like bitter hot tea to be honest. She wants me to have a blood test for a stomach bug and to take omeprazole in case it is GERD.

I still have all of the above symptoms, along with swollen cheeks, though the tingle comes and goes. A few lymphs--in the lower right hand neck and under my jaw do not ever seem to decrease in swelling whereas the others do early in the day. I am not sure what to do and am grateful for any comments or advice. Thank you, Chan

Hello Chan

I suggest that you request your GP to refer you to an ENT specialist for a second opinion with regards to your symptoms of the last few weeks. The ENT specialist you saw for review would not want to do more than what you were there for - check your sinuses! (So too with the dentist!) So, you were asked to see your doctor as that is the system here in the NHS. The doctor in primary care is the gatekeeper and decides if a referral or specialist opinion is required. All patients have a right to a second opinion (i.e. see a specialist) if things aren't getting better.

Get a referral that will focus on your problem. Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod