Well, I don't know much about abscesses, but I had an eye infection when I was immuno-suppressed. My healthy right eye became painful, as if there was something in it. When my doctor examined it, he told me that this was because of the Imuran and the corticosteroids, as well as the "extra stress." The name of the infection was Herpes Keratitis. The doctor gave me an ointment and my eye became better in two weeks. It could have healed up even faster, had I used the ointment exactly as prescribe. I was skipping doses, because I was on a vacation with my gf. Anyhow, this was the only infection I have gotten when I was immuno-suppressed. I took immuno-suppressing drugs for almost 10 months. So, maybe you shouldn't worry that much about getting more infections. I truly understand what you're going through, I have been there. It was quite stressful. I kept on thinking what's next. Please try to relax and be a bit more cautious. All the best.

Love and kisses :)

Thanks Astro,

I am trying to relax, but the thought of being trapped on this cycle of immuno suppressants for who know how long really is a huge issue.
An abcess is huge ball of infection and l had cellulitis all the way around the infection.Vey painful.....
I have to stop over analysing and be greatful for each healthy day l have.
Thank again and take care
Lorna .k.C

I hear you well. I have been there before. But as you said, all what we have is to hang on. Wish you all the best :)

I woke up with an abcess the back of my thigh near my rear end this thanksgiving. i went to the Rheum and the GP they both said since it was healing on its on to ignore it. I do have a steroid ointment to put on any skin issues and they told me if it happens again to use that. i havent had a second.
did yours kind of look like an ulcer? mine did. but it scabbed up on its own.

Hello Lalyabelle27,

The abcess om my rear end looked very much like an abcess and not like an ulcer. Believe me l know ulcers very well. Had many of them.
It also had cellulitis all around the outside of the abcess.
I went to a GP for this one as did not believe it was behcet,s related. However who really knows. Being immuno suppressed can also have issues. I was put on atibiotics and had too stop the methotrexate that week to give the anbtibiotics a chance to work. For this one l contacted my rheumy for advice as the doctors are mostly ill informed and l really have no faith in them now....

Hope this answers your question.

Lorna.k.c

This is very serious. Any fungus or bacterial infection can trigger a BD flare. The flare starts from the inside and works its way out. Hence, a small outer spot has much larger inner damage. Once the flare hits the bacteria or fungi, they can enter your blood system. I had surgery and developed bed sores that became infected and flared. The results was that I was in wound care for three weeks. The sores went completely through my skin. The moral of the story is that any sore must be treated immediately and flares that break through must be treated with antibiotics and antifungal drugs. Topical treatment may not be enough. I am concerned that your Dr. was laughing. The Dr. is not aware of the serious nature of BD and I think you need to find a Dr. that is familiar with the serious BD complications.

Hello Fireman,

I hear you loud and clear. This doctor was a fill in as my regular doctor has gone to work with the aborigines in the Northern Territory.
I will never ever see him again and like many others in my choice of medical people l will walk with my feet and seek another.
I have been considering for a while changing medical practices completely as the doctors in the one l attend keep changing as they are young and seeking new challenges.
With this disease we need people who can see the whole picture and not just a snap shot in time. Eg abcess. Also like you have said they need to realize the serious nature of this disease.
Thank you for your concern

Take care
Lorna.k.c