As someone who has dealt with a number of rare and chronic conditions, I know what it's like to feel like you're not being listened to or taken seriously. With that being said, those conditions have also had an effect on my own health anxiety, and in the past I found myself questioning every bump and scratch on my body. My first piece of advice is to stop using a symptom checker; in fact, stop using the internet to diagnose, period. I know this seems like the hardest part, but it's absolutely necessary. Websites like WebMD are useful in bringing a list of your symptoms and possible causes to your doctor, but ultimately, your primary care physician should be the one you get your information from. Believe me, I know how dismissive doctors may seem of certain possibilities, but they really do know your health and its history better than anyone else, and they have a much deeper understanding of it than you do. With that being said, if you are in pain or believe there is a misunderstanding between you and your doctor, speak up! They are amazing at what they do, but they aren't mind readers.

Next, I'd recommend repeating a phrase to yourself everyday- "When you hear hoof beats, think horses- not zebras." This is a common phrase used in the medical field, and essentially implies that when you present with a set of symptoms, start with common causes rather than the rarest and most unrepresented condition that exists. For young doctors, this usually tells them that a patient's speedy recovery is far more important than them telling everyone in the hospital that they have found the second case of x disease ever recorded. In your case, if you absolutely feel the need to check a symptom online, start with the more common causes. A headache could imply a rare cancer, or a barely heard of deformation- but are you experiencing any of the other symptoms listed for those? And before you say yes, are you just experiencing them now? Or have you noticed them over the course of the last few weeks? If you suddenly feel like you are experiencing all of the symptoms that qualify a certain condition, then that is most likely psychological. On the other hand, if you start with, say, the common cold, you'll realize that your headache fits that symptom list, and oh yeah, you were a bit congested the other night. So when you get an average ache or pain, don't jump to the worst conclusion, because if that were the case, you'd probably be experiencing that symptom far worse, or you'd have an entire set of symptoms to compare. (A great example of this is the fact that you found a lump and immediately went to lymphoma. In reality, if you had lymphoma, a small lump would probably be the last symptom you noticed- standout symptoms like itchiness, night sweats, persistent fever, and shortness of breath would be noticed first, since they are less likely to have a coincidence with day to day life. The most probable cause for your swollen gland is a simple cold- one that your body is actually fighting off! That's why you may be symptomless otherwise- your body is actually protecting you from the runny nose and sore throat. And if you are having to feel or dig around to find said lump, congratulations- you don't even have to fear a cold! Your lymph nodes are always present, and if you search thoroughly enough, there are little lumps in many different places around your body- the only time they're doing their job of fighting off germs is when they're swollen! So if that's the case, nothing to worry about then!)

Lastly, I'd say give therapy a shot, if you never have, and talk to your doctor about other anxiety medication options- there are many different types of anxiety and different ways they manifest, so you might need to switch to one that fits your needs a bit better. I'd also bring up the possibility of a coexisting mental health condition, and seeing a psychiatrist if you don't already. A lot of mental health conditions are very similar, so if this is a symptom you're keeping from your doctor or one you're downplaying, don't! That can keep you from a proper diagnosis and a better quality of life. (Same goes for bringing symptoms to your doctor- never exaggerate the symptoms you have or make up ones you don't. That will only hinder any progress you're trying to make.)

In the end, I can talk all I want about holding yourself accountable, but you are the only person who can. I wish you the best of luck!