I read this thread with interest as I also have the swelling at the base of my neck, I have been aware of it for about 18 months but cannot say for sure when it started. I am a 50 yr old female. I have no pain whatsoever, I am just conscious of the "Fat Pad" on the my neck and sometimes the airflow feels a bit restricted, especially when I am feeling stressed. Searching for causes, I also clench my teeth, especially while sleeping and in the past applied cortisone creams for eczema. I have started taking ayurvedic remedies to cleanse the system (have taken them now for about 3 weeks) so will report if this improves the swelling. All the best and I truly hope we can find answers!
Hi czarinna, I have 2 doctors who believe I have Fibromyalgia and I see a rheumatologist on June 6th for another opinion. I noticed you were taking Cymbalta. For your own safety, please look up cymbalta brain zaps. It was enough to scare me out of taking it. I'll live with the pain. I also just started taking Curcumin - a natural supplement for inflammation. It seems to be helping. Have you also been checked for Lupus? Your symptoms sound similar to mine and they think I have Lupus as well. I have one doctor here who believes the lumps are coming from candida. He says the swelling is coming from an internal infection stemming from the stomach. I just finished a detox this week the pain is minimized but unfortunately the fatigue is pretty bad. You're on the right track with eating organic, but in my humble opinion, you might be doing yourself more harm by taking Cymbalta. I just ask that you look into the brain zaps.
Mike, What is your age? Do you have a history of either alcohol problems and/or liver problems?
Docmex
Docmex
I have had exactly the same swelling on both sides of my neck for several years,no pain, a little fluctuation in size on occassion, I am healthy, 51 year old women average weight, even had my thyroid tested & it was normal. I asked my doctor about it & he said it's fat, and fat can start to deposit in different areas as you age. That makes since because it's happening all over my body.
My Doc said that the puffiness on both sides of where my collarbone meets my neck is inflammation from my lungs. This I had never heard before. Next month he wants me to take a lung exam even though he does not think it's a pathology linked to COPD. He's just wanting to rule out all possibilities. 3 years ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the birth of my first child. I have had 2 more children since and my medication (levothyroxine) has fluctuated almost always higher by 25-50 micrograms(mcg's), except this last time they checked my blood at my 6 week post partum doctors visit, where they needed to actually lower my dose to 75 mcg's to regulate me. This had me thinking that my thyroid was on its way to functioning on its own just perfectly. In that time I decided to become a lacto octo vegetarian and substituted soy products quite a bit for the meat I used to eat. Sure enough, my next blood test showed that my TSH was at 24! The highest it's ever been was when I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, and that was 125. Hence, I read online about soy consumption having bad effects on the meds being absorbed properly. So I am back to eating meat, and I take my next blood test in a month. My primary care provider thinks I have always had this puffiness at the base of my neck bit did not notice it. I think otherwise as I had first noticed it after my Mom told me I did not look right and that my face was puffy.(Summer of 2009). I honestly cannot remember if the puffiness went down after my TSH and T4 were regulated initially 3 years ago. All I know is that I noticed it again most recently and that is why I went in for another blood test. I'm hoping it's just my thyroid acting up. I am almost 37, and have been a non smoker for over 3 years now. That said, I used to smoke on an off for 15 years. I am also a singer.
Finally! A doctor who has seen these lumps and knows what they are!
Hi everyone! I've been waiting months for this appointment and yesterday I saw an Endocrinologist in Los Angeles who specializes in Cushing's Disease/Syndrome. I asked her if she had ever seen these lumps before and she said, "Yes, of course, they're caused by the steroids", (prednisone, cortisone shots, epidurals, etc). For those of you who don't know, my lumps showed up 2 days after a cortisone injection in my left shoulder, I had 3 other cortisone injections that year (neck and elbow) and after the 4th, my body finally reacted. The previous year I had taken prednisone. When I told her I had an MRI she said, "They showed up as fatty lumps, right?" I said yes and even told her I had one doctor who wanted to do liposuction! She gasped and said No! She said this doctor should have known what causes this. I told her what we've all been going through and said that some of us have had these lumps for a few years and some people have the lumps without the steroids. She said the steroids cause Cushing Syndrome symptoms but will subside with time. So basically, it looks like most of us are suffering from side effects from steroids.
She said the bilateral lumps are from the steroids, but a lump on one side is something different. She said it just takes time for the steroids to work their way out of the body. She does research on this, so I'm thinking of compiling information from all of us to pass on to her for her research.
I recently did a detox and it helped. My white blood count is down and is no longer showing an infection. My Vitamin D levels are starting to come back up and my DHEA is coming back up. The lumps on my neck have diminished, you can still see them, but at least now I can see my collar bones again.
I've cut everything out of my diet - Sugar, Dairy, Gluten, Caffeine and Alcohol. You may ask, what's left?? I have a diet rich in antioxidants to continue to kill off the junk that's in my body! I have eggs, chicken, fish, quinoa, vegetables, fruits, goat cheese, almonds, walnuts, green tea and water. Pretty basic, but I've lost 17 lbs since January - the weight that the steroids put on me! I take a ton of supplements too (all natural)
I hope this helps some of you. I'm certainly not out of the woods yet, but at least it confirmed my suspicions, now I have to tackle the muscle weakness and my fatigue.
Best to all,
My wife has never taken steroids. The "Fat pads" began over 5 years ago. 6 Doctors, no answers. CAT scans, MRI's, Ultrasounds, Blood tests, you name it. I doubt it is steroid related. Please read our past posts. Docmex
Since we began researching this "seriously" in 2009 I have been leaning toward "kidney" problems. Cat scratch? I don't think so. You do mention "Kidney stones" (a.k.a. Renal Calculi) in July '11. Have you had any further Kidney problems? Pain on either flank? If you sleep on one side do you awake with pain on that side? Do you use diuretics? How is your salt intake? Aside from Kidney problems my only other answer (after all we have been through since '09) is; something new and yet to be diagnosed/classified. Sooner or later one of of will come up with an answer. "Getting Old is Not for the Weak." Best of Luck, Docmex
Hi Everyone!
Find a cure...I am so happy that you found a Dr who identified with the neck swelling and I do believe that steroids could be a possible cause. Or even if it isn't the direct cause, it could have contributed. If steroids are the cause, did your doctore have any idea or say how long it would take to get the steroids out of our system and the swellings to go away? Did Dr have an average guess or anything? I have seen posts on here where people have had the swellings for 7 years or longer. It puzzles me though that Docmex said his wife never took steroids and she has the neck swellings too. I had numerous steroids and an epidural when I had my twins.
Docmex....Did your wife ever have an epidural or spinal, not just a steroid? I also have thought and suspected kidney problems as an answer. I have experienced flank pain and aching in my lower right stomach area that occurs here and there. Sometimes the flank pain is intense especially when I am standing. Then it subsides. A few weeks ago I went through very bad back pain that lasted about a week. I didn't do anything to pull out my back or anything. It hurt right where my kidneys were located. I went to urgent care and they did a urine test for kidney infection, but it came out no infection. I hurt so bad I felt like I couldn't get a deep breath. It went away after a week. I thought about the fact that if your kidneys aren't functioning correctly, then you could have toxins and fluid building up in your body which could cause the neck swelling. Have you brought up the kidney problem with any doctor to see their thoughts?
I think one of us will find an answer...we just have to stay positive and keep trying even when we feel like giving up!!
Hi Docmex,
We're all here looking for answers and just because it doesn't feel like the answer for you, doesn't mean it's not the answer for others. There are an extreme number of people on here who have had steroids in one form or another. I have proof to back up what I'm saying about the steroids, it's not just my opinion.
First, how many of us have gone to our doctors, (including me) and none of our doctors have seen the fat pads, or know what's causing it? I went to a Cushing's Specialist who deals with this and sees it all the time and she knows what's causing it. I spoke with her again yesterday and she said, "The Fat Pads in your neck are directly related to the steroid use" If you don't believe my doctor, then go to your favorite search engine and type in 'Fat Pads on neck, prednisone'. You'll find an article and pictures from John Hopkins that states, "Supraclavical "fat pads" are a collections of fat at the base of the neck, just above the collarbones, which are common in patients on steroids."
Do I believe there may be other drugs that can cause this? Absolutely. Do I think that the use of drugs, whether they be steroids or other, have screwed up our bodies and now we can't figure out what's wrong? Yes I do. Docmex, I know you are writing for your wife, but when your wife first wrote on here (page 2) she wrote "Take thyroid medication, b/p med, Protonix (pantoprazole)-similar to "Prilosec"" Have you looked up the side effects of Pantoprazole? They're horrible! Amongst other things, it blocks the acid in your stomach, which we need for digestion and for absorption of our foods. If there's an absorption issue, we're not getting the nutrients we need. Also, is it possible that when your wife had her gall bladder removed or her tumor removed, she was given a steroid and you may not have even be aware of it?
Corticosteroids can come in many forms and many names. Creams and ointments, nasal sprays, asthma medications, eye drops, tablets, pills or injections, used for autoimmune disorders, used in preventing rejection in transplants, epidurals, etc.
If you read everything on here, the fat pads seem to be the least of our worries - We've all become sick with various symptoms, but I think the root cause are the chemicals we've put into, or had injected into our bodies and we're all suffering side effects. I think the goal now is to figure out how to rid our bodies of those chemicals and get healthy. The sad thing is, traditional doctors want to prescribe more meds which seems to perpetuate the problem. I will continue to look for answers, as I don't want to live with these symptoms the rest of my life and I'm not too fond of the fat pads either.
Hi Dadams9041,
My doctor said they usually go away when the steroid use subsides. I've been off the steroids for 4 months and they have subsided, but still very much there. I have a friend who developed the fat pads after a cortisone injection in her hip. She does not have any other side effects, but after a year, the fat pads are still there. I will continue to see this doctor and show her the posts from here. I'm sure she will find it very interesting for her research and hopefully find an answer for us.
back again. My "pads" began about 3-4 mo. ago. I had prednisone about 6 years ago. I am very sensitized to any chemicals & today's perfumes,mold, cig smoke , new carpets/paint, etc. I haven't been able to detox well for 20 years so I avoid exposures. I exercise, eat sort of well & mostly organic. The pads do fluctuate in size so don't think it's anything to do with fat pads. I think it's an inability to clear exposures . I tire a lot easier . best wishes.
Docmex,
My swelling actually started in the submandibular lymph glands. After several weeks of persistent coughing, I was diagnosed with "asthmatic bronchitis"; two conditions that I've NEVER had before. When the swelling under my chin didn't go down, I attributed it to the coughing. This wasn't too alarming, as my lymph glands have swollen when I'm under stress or get run, down for many years. I was treated with a short course of Decadron and a Ventolin inhaler (great stuff, btw). It took another week, without medication, before the cough went away and I was able to get enough air in my lungs to sing normally. The swelling at the base of my neck, and above the clavicle bone, must have started about four weeks later. It has all the characteristics that have been described in this blog - soft gel pad, decreases at night, increases during the day, etc... Neck stiffness, but no pain.
Nine months ago, I moved in with a family from my congregation who has young children (3 and 7). Since then, I've been sick more than in the last thirty years. It makes sense, as children are known for their generosity when it comes to sharing germs. However, I normally have a very robust constitution. Does this mean I have a compromised immune system? It could support that idea. Or maybe, its been so long since I was exposed to childhood illnesses that my immunity to most of them is expired. Who knows?
In regard to your questions: 1) I have no history of drug or alcohol abuse. I have never smoked. 2) There is no history of liver disease in my family. 3) I've never been dependent on narcotic pain relievers. 4) I HAVE had a slight problem with HBP, which decreased considerably when I left a high stress job, and is controlled by medication - Lisinopril and Hyldrochlorothiazide, 20 mg/25 mg. 5) Caffeine intake can be anywhere from just 2 cups of coffe;, up to, the coffee, a bottle of Mtn. Dew and 2 glasses of tea. Probably about normal. 6) Submandible lymph nodes swell with stress. I don't believe the clavicular swelling is lymph related. It doesn't seem to be influenced by stress either way. 7) I am post-menopausal. 8) I have hypothyroidism and have been on medication for many years. 9) On two occasions, widely separated, I suffered from hives during times of high stress. 10) Last time I had any blood work done, both WBC and TSH were both normal. I also suffer from depression.
I, too, am looking for commonalities, Docmex. After my first visit to the Dr, I quit going. I had already read some of these posts, and was convinced that regular medical doctors were not the answer. Maybe we should try ruling out everything that is NOT the same. There seems to be quite a diffuse array of symptoms. I'm wondering if some aren't completely unrelated to the swelling. If that were the case, including those factors would not only confuse the diagnosis, but could possibly prevent someone from getting treatment for something that was diagnosible.
I'm very interested in others' take on this idea. I have great sympathy for Dadams, who seems to be leading the charge in the medical field. A lot of us don't have the resources (or energy) to pursue that avenue. I, personally, have used her reports to rule out possible options for myself. Thank you D.
Please let me know what you think . I sincerely believe that finding any answers, or support, at all is up to us.
My swelling actually started in the submandibular lymph glands. After several weeks of persistent coughing, I was diagnosed with "asthmatic bronchitis"; two conditions that I've NEVER had before. When the swelling under my chin didn't go down, I attributed it to the coughing. This wasn't too alarming, as my lymph glands have swollen when I'm under stress or get run, down for many years. I was treated with a short course of Decadron and a Ventolin inhaler (great stuff, btw). It took another week, without medication, before the cough went away and I was able to get enough air in my lungs to sing normally. The swelling at the base of my neck, and above the clavicle bone, must have started about four weeks later. It has all the characteristics that have been described in this blog - soft gel pad, decreases at night, increases during the day, etc... Neck stiffness, but no pain.
Nine months ago, I moved in with a family from my congregation who has young children (3 and 7). Since then, I've been sick more than in the last thirty years. It makes sense, as children are known for their generosity when it comes to sharing germs. However, I normally have a very robust constitution. Does this mean I have a compromised immune system? It could support that idea. Or maybe, its been so long since I was exposed to childhood illnesses that my immunity to most of them is expired. Who knows?
In regard to your questions: 1) I have no history of drug or alcohol abuse. I have never smoked. 2) There is no history of liver disease in my family. 3) I've never been dependent on narcotic pain relievers. 4) I HAVE had a slight problem with HBP, which decreased considerably when I left a high stress job, and is controlled by medication - Lisinopril and Hyldrochlorothiazide, 20 mg/25 mg. 5) Caffeine intake can be anywhere from just 2 cups of coffe;, up to, the coffee, a bottle of Mtn. Dew and 2 glasses of tea. Probably about normal. 6) Submandible lymph nodes swell with stress. I don't believe the clavicular swelling is lymph related. It doesn't seem to be influenced by stress either way. 7) I am post-menopausal. 8) I have hypothyroidism and have been on medication for many years. 9) On two occasions, widely separated, I suffered from hives during times of high stress. 10) Last time I had any blood work done, both WBC and TSH were both normal. I also suffer from depression.
I, too, am looking for commonalities, Docmex. After my first visit to the Dr, I quit going. I had already read some of these posts, and was convinced that regular medical doctors were not the answer. Maybe we should try ruling out everything that is NOT the same. There seems to be quite a diffuse array of symptoms. I'm wondering if some aren't completely unrelated to the swelling. If that were the case, including those factors would not only confuse the diagnosis, but could possibly prevent someone from getting treatment for something that was diagnosible.
I'm very interested in others' take on this idea. I have great sympathy for Dadams, who seems to be leading the charge in the medical field. A lot of us don't have the resources (or energy) to pursue that avenue. I, personally, have used her reports to rule out possible options for myself. Thank you D.
Please let me know what you think . I sincerely believe that finding any answers, or support, at all is up to us.
Hi Everyone,
I saw a very well-respected Rheumatologist today at UCLA. She said the lumps on my neck are a side effect of the steroids. She said the steroids can cause cushingoid symptoms. I asked her if there are other conditions that can cause these fat pads and she said diabetes can cause them as well. I told her about this forum and that some of you have had these fat pads for years. She said it can take a very long time for them to go away. The sad thing is that our regular doctors do not know this? Why is that? It's also very sad that these drugs have screwed up our bodies and now each of us are dealing with various side effects of the drugs we've been given. I'm continuing my natural approach to healing and the resounding thing I'm hearing from all of my doctors is to get to sleep at least 2-3 hours before midnight so that the body and adrenals have a chance to repair themselves.
I hope this information helps some of you. It may not be the answer for all, but this is now the 2nd specialist I've seen in 2 weeks who has confirmed that the fat pads on my neck are due to the steroids.
Best to all -
Hello All;
After reading all thirteen pages of this blog, I feel compelled to add my experience with these "fat pads" to the list.
As a generally healthy 69-year-old male, not overweight, non-smoker, I drink moderately, but have suffered several bouts of gout beginning about three years ago. Indomethacin normally makes quick work of that in a few days. I began taking Crestor last year, and for HBP: Rampril 5&12.5 mg two years ago, and Pantalok 30 years ago. I do not recall ever having taken steroids, directly or indirectly. I did recover from a dose of Acute Bronchitis and the prescribed antibiotic about that time.
Perhaps 10 weeks ago, I noticed the "fat pads" on either side of my clavicle.
My next appointment with my GP is at the end of June 2012 when I will show him my new affliction for the first time.
I subscribe to your thoughts about sorting through the similarities to try to find a reason for the affliction. And I will add to this blog any conclusions that my GP reaches after my meeting with him.
W.