I'm so sorry that you are so stressed out because of this I know exactly what you're going through. In regards to the antibiotics, they never really worked for me. If they are making you sick I would definitely tell your surgeon on January 5th because the surgeries that I had from plastics required no antibiotics and they were some very big areas that were removed. Forget about clinical deodorant or anti-perspirant completely. Never use them, even if they say sensitive skin or non-clogging pores or any of that nonsense. We have a very sensitive skin and my rule is no lotions, sun blocks, oils, nair hair removal, razor blades or anything really that isn't a soap that I can wash off in the shower. They irritate the skin. If you need to shave use a good electric shaver and keep it very clean. The only thing I put on my body is a good shampoo/ body wash/ face wash that doesn't have too many chemicals or moisturizers. Talk to your surgeon about what kind of procedure is best in the removal of these lumps. The ones that have worked best for me are the ones were they open it completely and let it heal from the inside out without stitches/ dissolvable stitches/ staples or sutures of any kind. I've had two surgeries where these were put in me to keep the wound closed and they only seemed to make it worse. But I did recently have an inverted skin flap to close the wound in my armpit, but only after the complete removal of skin on my armpit and it wouldn't close. Ask about a cream called Silvadene for after the surgery, it did wonders in keeping it clean and from sticking to the gauze pad. Speaking of which, I really recommend the Medline brand 4x4 inches that is 100 percent cotton and woven. The other brands feel too rough for my skin., and the ones that you can get at most pharmacies or Target or wherever are a blend of rayon and polyester which is very bad for breathability. It generates more heat and can cause sweating which would make it worse. You can order a pack of about 200 sheaths from Amazon for about $8. Try to layer about 4 gauzes over each other to cover the areas and hold them with a kind of gentle tape that will hold, but also not irritate your skin. Make sure the tape does not touch problem areas. I love the mediopore 3m tape. It's a little pricey, but again on Amazon you can get 3 for like $28 or so. Please do a plea analysis of your diet is well, because I've noticed people seem to have different "trigger foods" That seem to cause more break outs. As a rule anything that is dairy is disgusting, and not good for HS because even if it is organic milk has such high levels of pus and bacteria it is disgusting. Your body absorbs this and then needs to process it out. Cheese, butter all of it can go to hell. Some people also seem to notice more irritation when they consume products that have wheat in it. I am by no means vegan, but I am steadily on my way to the style of diet. I've read a lot of research that shows that even getting rid of meat and all animal products makes your body healthier, these are all acidic and for your body to be healthy it should be more alkaline. I take a supplement of liquid turmeric from the Brand Gaia Herbs Extra strength Turmeric, it is the best anti inflammatory in the world. I've tried other brands and they don't seem as effective. I also take Lakewood brand cold pressed aloe Vera juice with some fruit juice, it also has internal healing properties. I know I've gone on about a lot of things and if you have any questions on anything about anything please feel free to ask. I hope your consult goes well and please know that you are not alone. Stay super duper strong!

Have you thought of trying Humira injections? With my insurance and the Humira complete program, my treatment is $5. I start my first dose tomorrow and have heard a lot of success stories about it. I didn't have a lot of luck with surgical options. My areas would reopen. Just something to think about. Hang in there friend.