Thanks Stinky! I sure didn't want this to show up on the other board. lol.

This will be long, that's how freaky it is.

Went to bed last Thursday night. I was watching TV as usual and I always turn it off. I'm a light sleeper and just the light from the TV will keep me awake.

DH fell asleep in his chair in the LR. I woke up about 8 am with the TV still on! DH was awake by then and he even commented on me leaving it on. It's just not something I do.

At the same time, I couldn't move my head, neck was stiff on all three sides. The back of my neck was swollen.

I was slurring my words and dh kept asking if I was okay. I chalked it up to me being very sleepy and no big deal.

I've had cricks in my neck before and knew it took forever for them to go away. This one just happened to be a really bad crick.

On Mother's Day I started slurring my words again and my balance was awful. I chalked that up to how I had my head which was bent forward, because my neck is too weak to hold my head up straight without hurting.

On Monday my family told me I needed to go to the doctor, and by then I knew I needed to also.

The slurring of words is all gone, but I walk like I'm half drunk. Balance is still bad but tolerable.

I went to the doctor today and he found two "bumps" under the skin on the back of neck, both about the size of a 50 cent piece. I can feel the swelling when I bend my head backwards. That's what keeps me from bending it that way amd probably why my balance is off.

So I get an MRI tomorrow. I've looked all over the Net for information on what could be wrong with me.

Of course cancer came up. But I did read something promising. It said if swelling and pain happens suddenly, it's usually due to an injury or an INFECTION. I happen to have a tooth infection that started last week!

It also said that if the swelling begins gradually and there's no pain, then it's usually not cancer.

I was put on antibiotics on Monday by my dentist. And my gut tells me the tooth is involved with this.

I asked my doctor today and he said no. The internet on MANY sites says yes. Sadly I believe the Internet over my doctor who is about to retire.

Many years ago my friend had a tooth pulled, it abscessed and she was hospitalized because the infection went to her temple and they had to stick a tube in there to drain it.

That's why I think I have an infection due to the tooth.

Of course cancer scares me to death.

But OTOH, could I have passed out during the night (instead of sleeping) which caused me to leave the TV on? Or could I have done something in my sleep to injure the neck? I'll probably never know.

Anyway, that's my story. Isn't it weird?

Anyone know how long will I be in the "tube" for the MRI?

I meant to say, "If the swelling is gradual and no pain, then it could be cancer." And I had the opposite, it all happened overnight.

I have two words of advice: SECOND OPINION.

Sending lots of good thoughts your way.

Oh Oakley, how frightening! I certainly hope this is nothing to worry over, but like you, I'd be trying to "self-diagnosis" by reading online as much as possible too. I hope you are able to quickly receive a proper diagnosis from your doctor (or the second opinion as mentioned above, if warranted) and that this can quickly and easily be taken care of.

I'm betting on the tooth infection. The lymph nodes on the back of my neck and behind my ears always swell and become tender when I have an infection.

Wishing you well!

Thinking of you and hoping everything turns out okay!

Oh no Oakley! I hope too that it's tooth related. My mom had an abscess once and her face swelled up so badly. She looked like a character in a Twilight Zone episode!

I hope the antibiotics help. I suspect that if it is infection, that could be affecting your balance. Fluid in the ears is something that causes balance problems. Be sure to update us when you learn something else.

This is a scary thing, but because of the quick onset, I'm betting it's not cancer. Now, re. the MRI: probably won't take long....IF you can be very still. My main reason for replying is to suggest that you be sure to get something for relaxation( Xanax would be my choice) if you are at all claustrophobic. If you do, also be sure your DH or another can drive you home. And don't fret( easier to say, I know) in advance...it's most likely going to be fine!

Sorry to hear that Oakley, I had a friend with a similar experience but hers turned out to be from a midgie bite and the bite infected her lymph nodes, thus the bumps. She never even knew she had the bite. Keep us posted, we care.

Yaya, a bite? I'm going to have to look up midgie. Never heard of it.

At one point I thought I had a mini-stroke while watching TV and fell unconscious & messed up the neck while falling backwards. lol.

I have xanax, I'm going to take a half of one before I leave.

Another thought is it could be muscle knots. I heard about that while surfing. :)

I try not to guess on my diagnoses, but to wait until the tests are done. It's because I usually think the worst and the anxiety has, so far, turned out worse than whatever it is that is ailing me.

Advice on the MRI if it is not an "open" one. Do NOT open your eyes. I have had two "closed" MRIs and on the first one I opened my eyes for just a second, and then quickly closed them. But that glimpse was enough to freak me out a bit. They were playing some music, and the technicians would intercom in to ask how I was doing. Both of which helped. And I mentally planned a beautiful garden while I was in the MRI, no costs contraints involved. Just lay there and concentrated on trees, plants, colors, even statuary.

Good luck and I hope they don't find anything but reassurance that nothing serious is going on.

Oh, and if you know yoga breathing, it is very helpful. Better than xanax, and doesn't affect your driving.

I'm with Barb on the breathing exercises! SO much better for you than meds!

In addition to deep belly breathing before the test-

When in the tube, close your eyes and mentally guide each part of your body to relax, starting with your head, and ending at your toes. Say, "Relax ears, relax eyes, relax mouth, relax throat. Move to your chest, shoulders, forearms, hands and fingers.

When you get to your toes, tell yourself, "I am relaxed and at peace, serene and calm. I am thankful for this test, and the care I am receiving. I am in good hands and all is well."

Guide your mind to relaxing, positive thoughts, and guide your body toward a relaxing, calm state. Don't feed anxiety or nurse negative thoughts right now. Treat yourself gently and kindly and trust that you are doing something good for yourself by getting this test.

Sending hugs and positive vibes to you Oakley!

Yes, it could very well be swollen glands due to infection. The slurring and off balance would be what worried me. I agree with Barb - both about the looking up diagnosis and the Xanax. Stinky's suggestions are really good too! And really, if you feel that way about your doctor, you owe it to yourself to find a good one.

Hope it all works out well.

Oakley- just read this I am thinking about you- it wont take long for an MRI of your neck and head- compared to other parts.I know :)
Try to relax and breathe.

I had an MRI of my head and neck last year and the worst part of it (for me, since I'm claustrophobic) was the gizmo that they put my head in to immobilize it. That, and the fact that the tech just told me to "try not and swallow". You know that as soon as you are told not to do something that is all that you can think of doing. In my case valium is my friend. You really can't do breathing exercises while the MRI is being done.

Thoughts of good health coming your way oakley!

oakley I only have a minute ,. I hope you are OK !! PLease email me and let me know. c

Hi everyone! I went to the hospital and they were backed up with ER patients and the waiting would have been a few hours so we rescheduled it for 8 in the morning.

At this moment it seems the swelling has gone down some, so I'm hedging my bets on an infection and the antibiotics I'm on now are slowly helping it.

I love the garden idea! Will I at least have a pillow to lay on? I have asthma and the worst thing is laying flat on your back.

I didn't take a xanax before I left today, I was pretty calm. So I doubt I take anything in the morning, I don't want to be groggy the rest of the day.

I've been checking in on this thread but haven't posted because everyone else was giving you such great advice but I thought you could use another hug, so (((big hug from Golddust))). You know I worry about you.

Thanks for checking in, Oakley. I will be thinking about you tomorrow morning!

I like the garden meditation idea too. Have fun planning!

Btw, when we go to Alpha (the state of brain waves we have just before falling to sleep) we are most receptive to our thoughts, both positive and negative. Tonight before falling to sleep, think positive thoughts!

Hang in there, Oakley. The only thing I have to offer is that it's noisy. Oh - and terriks is right; they tell you to remain still, so of course your nose will start to itch or something halfway through. Just try and tell yourself a nice story, and focus on the details, and it will be over.

Good luck with the test, do keep us posted !!!

Hi Oak! Just wanted to add my support. Please know you have many here praying for your health.

It's over! I doubt I hear any results until Monday.

Got there at 8am. Laid down in the MRI which was a small one, and it hurt my neck so bad I couldn't lay there.

So I came back at 1:30 and they gave me Lortab and we managed to lift the pillow a bit to get me comfy.

The different noises were freaky! Sounded like my dh was in the next room watching a Sci-fi movie! lol.

They injected me with dye, but the whole ordeal lasted an hour and a half.

I actually fell asleep a little bit.

Sending good thoughts your way...

Sorry to hear you're having trouble and that you are feeling 100% soon!

You're so lucky to fall asleep in it, my first time I made the mistake of opening my eyes and freaked out. They had to get me out. In the case of my friend with the bug bite infection, she had to have 2 lymph nodes removed as the infection was so deep.

I'm glad it went well the 2nd (3rd?) time around, Oakley. You're stronger than you thought and should be very proud of yourself! I hope everything turns out great and I'm sending good thoughts your way!

Okay yaya, what did you do when you freaked out? LOL!!!

I remember opening my eyes in the beginning and saw some red flashes and suddenly shut them again.

You can go to Youtube and listen to an MRI. I had my dh hear it and he couldn't believe I put up with it for an hour and a half!

Should hear something today. Movement in neck is great, bump still there.

It's just a badly sprung neck! Yay! And what an expensive sprung neck at that. lol.

Thanks for being here for me guys, I've been so stressed out all week because it came right after I smashed my foot which is still swollen, and I lost my 14 year old cat yesterday.

Being so imobile these past few weeks makes me tire so easily.

Yay!! Oakley, have you considered physical therapy, to keep moving what you are still able to move, while being immobile because of your foot?

I am so sorry about your cat. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. (((Hugs))).

that's good news !! although I know it can be so painful.

What a day of mixed news, huh? Glad to hear your neck will be ok and it's nothing too serious.

I am so sorry you lost kitty. 14 is a good life for cats. I've got a couple who are up there in age and I treasure them every day because I know my time with them is shorter than I want it to be.

I just read this....I had no idea! Oakley....hope you feel beter soon!