@lindy1965 - I realize this is an old thread, but I wanted to chime in as this is the first time I'm reading someone sharing my exact symptoms/issue. But first off, if you happen to see this, was your issue resolved? I feel for you, truly!!
My story: I had Covid in January 2021. I was in a living situation with LOTS of people at the time, so Covid was coming and going through our house quite a lot. So I didn't think much of my still swollen lymph nodes over the following weeks and months. I also had other lingering post-Covid symptoms, so I chalked it up as "it's all tied together". However, after a year (early 2022) I caught a cold and went to urgent care. It was then the left side of my neck not only had its usual swollen lymph node, but it felt tight/hard, tender to the touch and (even though I thought I may be imagining it) seemed larger than before. The urgent care physician was startled by the size of it too. She recommended allergy medicine and rest. I hadn't even thought of allergy medicine before, so I added that to my daily routine. I then brought it up with my primary doctor, but didn't really advocate for myself; kept thinking it was long Covid and it would resolve on its own. She said if the condition worsens to let her know.
I moved in 2023 and the swollen lymph node moved right along with me; growing in size and sometimes painful. Insurance issues kept me from seeing a new primary until January 2024. But once everything was good to go I was ready to (hopefully) get some answers. I was lined up with a fantastic PA through my new primary. After a couple rounds of blood work, x-ray, MRI and CT scan she referred me for an open biopsy. It (thankfully!) came back benign. I was then referred to a general surgeon, but she advised me not to attempt to have it removed due to its location in my neck. Had it been malignant, that would have been another story, but not worth the risk being that its benign. She noted that it appears to be "reactive" and to pay attention to what may "trigger" it. I explained that it's persistently swollen. Yes, it will vary in size depending on my overall health, but it's ALWAYS swollen. I left very discouraged.
I continued my usual care with the PA at my primary's office. The lymph node is still swollen as ever and she is still concerned. At my most recent visit she put in a request for a new biopsy. I'll keep trudging along in hopes to get some more definitive news. But it seems this little swollen lymph node may be here to stay.