new to this group

I have just recently been diagnosed with HS. I have had this painful problem for the last 11 years, however, I was not correctly diagnosed until just recently. When it first began I was 19, I thought I had a typical staph infection, I had never had one of these painful nodules before. I went to my GP who opened and drained the cyst and placed me on antibiotics. This worked, and I didn't have a breakout for at least a year. After that, I would have skin cysts and lesions that would appear about 3 times a year. I would always end up at the GP thinking it was agian a boil. About 3 years ago however, I began to get them more frequently (in the groin region and lower), at least 1 every 2 months. Since January I have had 3 and I am suffering through my 4th one now. I began seeing a dermatologist in April. Still I continue to get them. They always open, drain, and then pack them (in which I remove the packing 2-3 days after the excision of the cyst). The area takes a while to heal, but when it does, the cyst is usually completely gone...then next month, a new one arrives (during ovulation I may add) in a different place.

I am so tired of this. I am at my wits end and feel like it is hopeless. In May, my doc put me on a reigmen of washing with Hibiblens and using Ceocin T on the area 3 times a week. Well that didn't work.

Today I had one opened, drained, and packed. I do not feel that this one will heal so easily. Since I have gotten home from the appt, it seems that 2 more nodules are forming at the base of the one he just removed. I am hoping it is some form of swelling or granulation associated with the procedure today.

It's nice to know that there are others out there that are experiencing this. HELP PLEASE!!!

I am sorry about your recent diagnosis. But really glad you found us.

Your story sounds familiar and it is appreciated that you stepped forward to share your experience. The frequency of this illness can make a healthy recovery frustrating.

In my case it is common to see multiple cysts gather in one spot. How to stop it or slow it down, varies person to person.

I have tracked what happens around the time I can feel the pea like hard lump form. For example stress, diet (bad foods), or that time of the month.

I make sure prior to that time my vitamin schedule and good food diet is in place. Anything that works to even out the hormonal imbalance/frenzy that is about to happen.

Have a good look at your hormonal health. HS is heavily affected by hormonal activity. Each time in our lives (teens, 20's , 30's, 40's etc) the hormonal activity will differ. You may have to reconsider adding supplements/vitamins to aid in the pms time.

Consider talking to your family doctor/Gynecologists about hormonal health. Proof of it is the cysts arising around that time.

Check out the different forums here and you will see what others have posted in terms of what aids them. We also have links to HS USA that can provide documents to help you understand HS.

What I had to do was get a handle on the pms time and menses week. I have had to cut down sugar, salt, fried foods, etc.

Read up about PCOS - Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Plenty of books out there that can help bring your diet in line, along with vitamin assistance to calm your hormones down. You may not have PCOS, but the diet guidelines would help keep cyst formations down, especially during ovulation.

I followed a PCOS diet as prescribed medications contain anti-inflammatory ingredients I am allergic too. HS still has a grip on me but I don't get new ones as often. Old wounds are healing after a very long slow healing time.

Unfortunately you will have to note what triggers yours off. You may not be able to nail down one trigger but being alert to trigger(s) can aid in preparation for menses.

Post edited by: hsshutterbug, at: 07/02/2008 13:02

Post edited by: hsshutterbug, at: 07/02/2008 13:03

Shutterbug is great for information on different things to try, hopefully for you it doesn't continue to get bad.. Mine goes in spurts, dormant for a while and then active again.