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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JoeyGT 02/21/2012

Hello everyone! I'm a male 42 yrs old who has had HS for YEARS!! I've been on so much medications which have done nothing. Finally I have opted for surgery which is set for tomorrow 2/22. The doctor is doing a "skin flap" under my arms. I will be doing the left arm first followed by the right arm approx a month later. Has anyone had this type of surgery before? I know I will be in pain for a few days/weeks but I'm hoping it's temporary and I can start living a "normal" life.

Thanks
Joe

deleted_user 02/21/2012

Good luck !!! let us know how it goes :)

deleted_user 02/21/2012

I had my left arm and left groin area done with the flap or Y incision. It took months to heal due to the fact that it was my armpit and July so..that sucked. It also left a line of numbness down my arm. I'll be honest i was pissed at first.
However, it's been almost a year and haven't had any bumps around either area. The numbeness recedded and the healing is complete. I have a gnarley ass scar but it's better than the chronic HS there. I now have alot on my right side.
Trust your surgeon and ask questions. Will you get a drain tube? What rx for pain are you getting, how many refills? You should use Hibiclens on the area when you begin to shower the area. It's an antimicrobial surgical scrub that works great for HS.
Good Luck!!!!

celestialmeg 02/21/2012

Hi Joe! Best of luck with your surgery. I haven't had any surgeries yet, but will most likely have my first within the next couple of months...as I wait for insurance approval :).

PhoenixNite 02/21/2012

I had a flap done on m left armpit 2 months ago. There wasn't really much pain. Due to the fact that its under the arm too much movement can pull your stitches I did it twice. Just make sure you keep that arm down to your side at all times and you'll be fine. Good luck tomorrow!

MsPrincess213 08/15/2016

I am having surgery under both arms in 10 hours. I do not know whether or not he will use skin flaps or primary closure.

vany 08/24/2016

MsPrincess213 how was your surgery ?

vany 08/24/2016

Hey Joe can you share your experience after surgery.....

JoeyGT 08/24/2016

My surgeries went GREAT!! Yes, I had the 1st surgery back 2012 & had my 2nd arm done in 2013. ABSOLUTELY no regrets! I had an "excision of the Hidradenitis with a latissimus flap". Basically my armpits were removed and my latissimus was rotated, and is now my new armpit. I have large scars, but the tunnels are gone. I was back to work in about 6 weeks. I had a FANTASTIC plastic surgeon from NYU preform the surgery & was covered by my insurance.

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