In the last month or so, I have been experiencing some health issues with my lymphatic system. Initially, my healthcare team thought I had mononucleosis, but the new blood work showed up negative. And, yes, in case you are wondering – I tested negative for strep, the flu, and Covid. So now what?
Well, my doctor has me undergoing a series of health screenings and diagnostic testing. We need to determine what might be causing my lymph nodes to swell, why my energy levels are so low, and why I have an overall feeling of being unwell.
Tests like the following will be performed or have already been done and are waiting for results. According to the Mayo Clinic, they suggest that my healthcare team might consider the following:
“If the cause of your lymphedema isn’t as obvious, your doctor may order imaging tests to get a look at your lymph system. Tests may include:
- MRI scan. Using a magnetic field and radio waves, an MRI produces 3D, high-resolution images of the involved tissue.
- CT scan. This X-ray technique produces detailed, cross-sectional images of the body’s structures. CT scans can reveal blockages in the lymphatic system.
- Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to produce images of internal structures. It can help find obstructions within the lymphatic system and vascular system.
- Lymphoscintigraphy. During this test, the person is injected with a radioactive dye and then scanned by a machine. The resulting images show the dye moving through the lymph vessels, highlighting blockages,”.
While I await test results, I am trying to get enough rest, eat healthy, take extra vitamin C, and drink lots of fluids. Unfortunately, I have used up over half of my PTO (paid time off), and it’s not set to be renewed again for another ten months. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired, but I’m hopeful that I’ll have some relief sooner rather than later.
If the above tests do not show anything, my healthcare team might continue with some other procedures and tests that could assist in diagnosing potential diseases of the lymphatic system. They are as follows:
- Lymph node biopsy: A doctor removes a sample of tissue from a lymph node to check for cancer cells. This is considered the best way to diagnose lymphoma.
- Physical exam performed by a physician who will feel lymph nodes through the skin to diagnose lymphadenitis
- Blood tests that show a complete blood count (CBC) will measure the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets in the sample, which also measures the number of lymphocytes in the blood
- Bone marrow biopsy is when a doctor removes a sample of cells from the bone marrow to check for lymphoma cells
- Immunophenotyping is a laboratory test using antibodies to identify cancer cells, diagnosing certain types of lymphoma
What are the major functions of the lymphatic system?
Ok, so I know I have something going on with my lymphatic system, but we do not know what it is exactly just yet. But what is the lymphatic system, and what are the primary functions it performs? Let’s see what the experts have to say about it.
The world-renowned Cleveland Clinic explains the lymphatic system, “ Your lymphatic system has many functions. Its key functions include:
Collecting excess fluid from your body’s tissues and returning it to your bloodstream. This supports healthy fluid levels in your body. Your lymphatic system also filters out waste products and abnormal cells from this fluid.
Helping your body absorb fats. Most nutrients can travel through tiny openings (pores) in the walls of your capillaries, and your body can then absorb and use them. But certain fats and other molecules are too large to travel in this way. Your lymphatic system collects fluid from your intestines that contains these molecules and transports it back to your bloodstream.
Protecting your body against invaders. Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It produces and releases lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and other immune cells. These cells look for and destroy invaders — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi — that may enter your body,”.
Apparently, each day, our bodies use about twenty liters of plasma (the liquid part of your blood) which flows out of tiny pores in the thin walls of our capillaries. Then, it delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues surrounding each capillary, where they hungrily soak up all the nutrients while leaving behind the nasty, unneeded bi-product – waste.
To make matters worse, because my lymph nodes are swollen in critical areas, they are pressing on my nerves, causing my nerve pain issues to flare up and get worse. As a result, it is causing me to have many restless, sleepless nights, tossing and turning in pain. The following diagram shows precisely where I am having discomfort as well as intense nerve pain:
Lymphatic system organs
The lymph system is part of the body’s immune system and is made up of tissues and organs that help protect the body from infection and disease. They include:
- Tonsils
- Adenoids
- Thymus
- Spleen,
- Bone marrow
- Lymph vessels
- Lymph nodes
These organs and tissues work together, acting as a sophisticated filtering system to maintain our health. Notably, the lymphatic system also plays a role in regulating interstitial fluid levels, preventing fluid accumulation, and ensuring that tissue pressure remains stable.
Navigating these diagnostic tests can be daunting, but it is vital that I continue to stay informed and engaged with my healthcare team. A dear friend recommended that I keep a symptom journal as that could be useful, noting any changes in symptoms, which can provide further insights for my doctors.
Gentle exercises and massage have also been suggested to improve lymphatic flow, in addition to seeking supportive therapies such as acupuncture or physiotherapy, which some patients find beneficial for managing discomfort.
Lymphatic system diagnostic tests
In conclusion, navigating lymphatic system diagnostics can be overwhelming. Still, if I can continue to stay informed and engaged with my healthcare providers, I can at least have some emotional relief and possibly lower my stress levels about it. Undoubtedly, the uncertainty is challenging, but understanding these intricate processes and maintaining a proactive approach offers some comfort and control over the situation.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.