Yes. It can cause nodes to swell. I notice that my nodes in my thyroid (neck) are more swollen when I have a flare up. I’m also on a thyroid med bc as stated above thyroid issues often accompany RA. As stated above, get some rest, take your meds, eat as best you can, get some exercise to ease the anxiety, and feel better soon.

I also suffer from anxiety so it can be very scary when you discover something that you haven’t noticed before. Once I was dx with RA I thought I was being paranoid about my thyroid and then found out I wasn’t being paranoid.

My point is that sometimes you may not be being paranoid. It’s okay to get it checked out. The RA may be causing something else. I wouldn’t panic though, like I did. 😉 It’s usually, from my experiences, not anything major and it can usually be taken care of with time, rest, and/or meds.

Swollen lymph nodes is just one of the many problems with RA. Also thyroid problems are also a symptom of RA.

Ive been having the same problem. Its scary when you think of swollen lymph nodes amd no sign of infection you think cancer. Ive been tested too and everything comes back fine. Ive had other peole on here tell me its ra related. I then talked to my rheumy again and she thought it was due to lack if sleep. I was out on a muscle relaxer for sleep and theu have actually went down. Bascially i wasnt getting enougj restorative sleep. Hope this helps i know how scary swollen lymph nodes can be makes your
mind just wonder. Relax and get some sleep!!

I am sorry that you have had this monster at such an early age. I hv only has RA three years diagnosed but have never had your symptoms. Wish I could help.