Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Group

Hidradenitis suppurativa (hi-drad-uh-NIE-tis sup-yoo-ruh-TIE-vuh) is rare, long-term skin condition that features small, painful lumps under the skin. The disease manifests as clusters of chronic abscesses or boils, sometimes as large as baseballs, that are extremely painful to the touch and may persist for years with occasional to frequent periods of inflammation,...

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HSchich 04/24/2013

I went to see a general surgeon today. He told me that he would do the top portion of my armpits and 3 weeks later remove the stitches and do the bottom half of the same armpit. He is doing two surgeries 3 weeks apart, that way I do not need skin grafting. I am getting both armpits done (where my HS is located) so both will require the same amount of technique.

I am so relived that I have a doctor that seems to understand this disease. He also said that he's done many of these surgeries and I will be impressed with the way it looks and heals (I hope so).

He's not going to remove my sweat glands. He said that it was said that HS is not caused by sweat glands, but it's a hormonal problem. I don't know too much of the cause but didn't ask.

My surgery date is May 2nd...and my second half of the surgery is 3 weeks later. I am just glad I'll have this removed..I'll keep you all updated.

Wish me luck. Thanks!

HSchich 04/24/2013

relieved*

SRG43 04/24/2013

Glad you found someone that can do the surgery. I wish you all the best.

deleted_user 04/24/2013

Yay! I'm so happy for you I hope you find the same relief I've had the past few weeks! I'm currently in remission cross your fingers it stays that way for awhile!
I will be thinking of you!
Chuck

HSchich 04/24/2013

Thank you SRG43. If you would like the name of the doctor let me know. He is in Norwalk, CT.

Chuck, thank you. I hope yours stay in remission forever. Thanks for the well wishes you two. I hope my surgery goes well. :)

deleted_user 04/25/2013

It's totally a hormon thing. I know that the problem presents itself near and around the sweat glands area though. I have been diagnosed with hypothryoidism. But once I got this diagnosis, I kept telling my doctor I felt like my other symtoms and the thyroid issue were a part of a bigger problem. Finally, the HS presented itself so shockingly, it became clear. The HS is responsible for all the hormone probems with my thyroid, sometimes I get "diabetic feeling" even though I'm not diabetic, I have problems with skin tags, my blood pressure and cholesterol both are a little elevated. All these things point to a hormone problem caused from the HS.

deleted_user 04/26/2013

glad for you. good luck, i hope every thing goes ok. let us know how it goes..

HSchich 04/26/2013

Thank you for the well wishes seccop....will do.

ksb123 04/26/2013

Good luck. Not to be debbie downer but know that having the surgery is a 50/50 chance. It may come back in armpits or may pop up in new area. Thats the only reason I am scared to have the surgery. I pray it works 100% for you. I am a member of a FB group for HS. If you want support on this site and more please join us. I cant wait to hear how your surgery goes!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HS.HidradenitisSuppurativaKnowledgeisKey/382011188579983/?notif_t=like

HSchich 04/27/2013

ksb123 you're right. I've heard of so many horror stories of HS returning...that's what kept me at bay. But since my armpits are only getting worst I'll take the chance. Thanks for the well wishes and Facebook link...I'll keep you posted. :)

deleted_user 05/01/2013

I had a bilateral incesion done on both my armpits in december of 2011 and I had a skin graft done, and my sweat glands removed. The worst part for me was the actual donor sight of the skin graft. I had no pain under my arms and I healed in about 6 weeks. So far I haven't had any issues under my arms anymore.

I am glad that you found a doctor who understands HS, they seem to be so rare. I actually went to a plastic surgeon. A few months after my surgery, I did begin to have alot of outbreaks in the vaginal area. So I don't really know about having the surgery performed down there.

I hope you pull through. Good luck.

HSchich 05/01/2013

cdh718 that wonderful your HS has never returned in your armpits. I hope I get the same result tomorrow. It's good to know I won't be in much pain as I thought I would be (

HSchich 05/01/2013

**was cut off haha

cdh718 that wonderful your HS has never returned in your armpits. I hope I get the same result tomorrow. It's good to know I won't be in much pain as I thought I would be (

HSchich 05/01/2013

Sorry to hear about your other problem area. I hope you get relief there as well. Thank you for sharing your story and the well wishes.

deleted_user 05/02/2013

Great! I had surgery, that consisted of the skin graph/gland removal, in 2004 (right arm) and it helped a lot. There is a small area left under my right arm that still grows hair and about 2 years ago I had a minor flare up in that area. I also had a surgery on 4/10/13 that consisted of a drain tube being stitched under my left arm (for 2 weeks) to relieve a flare that had grown to the size of 2 eggs. I'm guessing I'll end up having the procedure done that you are having today as well (my left arm is now a non-healing mess). Keep us updated; I wish you strength and peace on today!

HSchich 05/05/2013

klpklp sorry to hear about your right armpit. That's horrible..I'm glad your left armpit is well. It's been 3 days since my surgery and surprisingly I am in no pain much. I had much more pain with HS. I had both scaring in the armpits removed (besides one small part in my right armpit he's going to get in 3 weeks bc he wanted skin to stretch enough). I feel much better than I've ever felt in the past 3 years dealing with this disease. I truly hope it never returns. Thank you so much for the well wishes. Wish you the best as well.

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