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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Surgery Again

courtneyosterman
courtneyosterman
Had to go to my doctors yesterday thanks to my new flare up, got one in the crook of my right arm, and not for the first time. Also not for the first time it is ridiculously large, hard, and is causing shooting pain both up and down my arm. My doctor is sure that I am pinching some kind of nerve with it, and scheduled me a surgical consult, though she feels it's too hard to drain just yet. I disagree only because its broken twice so it must need something out. Anyone else ever get these in the crook of the arm? I think there, the back of my hand, and the arm pits are just the worst places I seem to keep getting them. Anyone else keep needing surgery? So far mine have yet to successfully go away without me seeing a doctor.
macdenise
macdenise
Currently in the same situation had several surgeries for HS now 4 in my arm pit. First time to have HS in my arm pit. Pain shoots up my arm and burns and pinches. Sounds like it's deep and prob nerve pain. I would ask your doctor for nerve pain meds. It will help. I have to see a doctor too mine won't go away on their own. I have to keep needing surgery.
WithGrace2
WithGrace2
I used to need them treated by a Dr also. But now I'm usually being told "it doesn't look ready...it may not drain...etc." So the Drs I have been getting won't lance. One said that 4 months ago but she tried anyway and was very surprised. Lanced and packed and healed perfectly. No return and I don't anticipate return.

How long have you been getting treatment? I was just diagnosed recently. Glad for this board just hope more use it.
luvmycapt
luvmycapt
I am just curious, how do you know when you need to see a doctor for your sore? I haven't had anyone look at mine for a year now. How do they determine if you need surgery?

I am pretty sure I have some spots that qualify but I don't want to take the time to heal from a procedure. The last thing the dermatologist said to me was that I need surgery. Right now I am seeing a health and hormone clinic and they are assisting me in repairing the damage to my body caused by 18 months straight of antibiotics. But I am not confident that the areas that are already present will ever stop filling up and draining. I am considering seeing a plastic surgeon to get some cut out.

Do you know if they can do that in the office or do you have to go to a hospital and be put under?

Thanks!
rhimel01
rhimel01
I had my first surgery in Jan 2013. It was a softball cyst on my right rear buttock. I had been suffering with these for 20+ years but was finally diagnosed properly. Since then I have had 4 major surgeries on my rear, a right armpit totally removed, and 2 surgeries on my groin. I have been put under for every one of these surgeries. I have been told by my doctors that I will need at least 4 more surgeries. I have the cysts under my left arm, butt again, and 1 in my scrotum. I also have tunneling in both of my thighs. I am not sure if the pain from these is worse than the embarrassment from the smell of some of the cysts that continue to consistently puss. Luckily for me I have an awesome who does all of my home health care after each surgery. Unfortunately the right armpit that was totally scraped clean 2 years ago is starting to signs of tunneling again. I have some very good doctors and when they recommend surgery I have said ok.