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,...
Hi,
I just found this group though I have been on DS for about a year in other groups. I was diagnosed about 20 to 25 years ago. 7 or 8 years ago I started seeing a dermatologist after a particularly bad flare up that my GP was wanting to put me on IV antibiotics for. Ultimately I ended up with no health insurance so I would manage at home and see my GP for flares. I have had insurance for a couple of years but just never went back to derm. Well...for the past 6 weeks I have been battling a flare in the left armpit. It ended up tunneling about an inch and a half. It closes and swells, drains, closes and so on. As per usual once one armpit or side of groin gets inflamed the opposite side flares up. I tried to get into my GP today because the pain is so bad I can't lift my arm. She had nothing until Thursday. I tried 3 or 4 dermatologists and couldn't get in until July. My old derm is doing mostly cosmetic stuff now and she isn't available until September. I ended up in Urgent Care and came out with a script for Keflex. I know it won't make the cysts go away but hopefully it will take away the inflammation. I hate going through this. No one understands the pain and thinks it is just a zit. So frustrated right now.
I just found this group though I have been on DS for about a year in other groups. I was diagnosed about 20 to 25 years ago. 7 or 8 years ago I started seeing a dermatologist after a particularly bad flare up that my GP was wanting to put me on IV antibiotics for. Ultimately I ended up with no health insurance so I would manage at home and see my GP for flares. I have had insurance for a couple of years but just never went back to derm. Well...for the past 6 weeks I have been battling a flare in the left armpit. It ended up tunneling about an inch and a half. It closes and swells, drains, closes and so on. As per usual once one armpit or side of groin gets inflamed the opposite side flares up. I tried to get into my GP today because the pain is so bad I can't lift my arm. She had nothing until Thursday. I tried 3 or 4 dermatologists and couldn't get in until July. My old derm is doing mostly cosmetic stuff now and she isn't available until September. I ended up in Urgent Care and came out with a script for Keflex. I know it won't make the cysts go away but hopefully it will take away the inflammation. I hate going through this. No one understands the pain and thinks it is just a zit. So frustrated right now.
I understand too and have been in a very similar situation ending up in Emergency here in Australia. I hope you don't mind my advice - it is to go to your GP when you can and demand they refer you to a dermatologist who can see you immediately. Your GP should be able to get you an emergency appointment as it is an urgent issue. I had to do that and I managed to get an appointment with a derm who is great and helps me manage my HS. The derm will make time to see me on a day that she is booked out because she understands the condition. There are doctors out there that understand it and will help! Please don't give up even! I understand exactly.
All the best to you and let us know how you go.
Great news the inflammation is down and you have an appointment! I am also allegic to dressings but you can get some good ones which don't give you blisters. I'm in Australia so I probably can't recommend brands but look around.
Yes stress is my main trigger. I have been meditating every morning for 10-15 minutes. So far it is doing my wonders for my mental health.
All the best