i had the same problem in my neck. my ears rung and the swelling was very painful and lasted a long time. the antibiotics did help, but it was about 6 months before it was totally gone. the doctor told me i had cat scratch fever. i just got a tattoo last nite, and i noticed this morning a lymph node in my neck is swollen (about 1/2 in. in diameter), but it's not extremely sore. i wonder if it's from the tattoo? it's pretty large on my upper back.