Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

I have done lots of research on HS and I believe that my husband possibly has it.

I'm looking for personal experiences. What yours looked like, where it was located, pain, relief? When/how long did it take for you to see a doctor? Meds prescribed? Recurrances? How often does it recurr? Etc etc........anything you can give me would be a great help. Thanks.

Like I said, Ive done lots of research, I've read the material on all the websites, I'm looking for personal accounts. Thanks.

I have had HS for 14+ yrs, was not officially diagnosed until '04, and was approved for SSD in '06. My initial diagnosis was Stage 2 under both arms, but Stage 3 for the pelvic areas. I am now Stage 3 under both arms and the pelvic areas. I might have a few days or a week without any lesions, but I usually have active lesions (in varying stages) on a monthly basis.

I am currently waiting for my Medicare to start in Jan '08 and have been using self-help methods to ease some of the discomfort caused by the illness. For bathing & soaking, I use warm (not hot) water and a Tea Tree Body Wash that you can pick up from Walmart for about $3-4 a bottle. For pain management, I usually take Aleve or 3-4 (an equivalent to 800mg) Ibuprofen tablets.

I had to search for a dr that was knowledgeable about HS when I was 1st diagnosed b/c my dr at the time did not treat it. You will want to find a dr that knows something about it (check the HS-USA website for some recommendations). Some drs will suggest surgery for the condition, but there are risks that come with it. (If your husband's HS is not severe at the moment, surgery could further aggravate it.)

It is sometimes hard to really describe the lesions accurately. I have my HS photos uploaded, but they are too graphic for most people to see. If you would like to see them, email me & I can send you the link.

If you would also like to learn more, please let me know. I'm open to helping anyone learn about this disease and can possibly point you in a direction where you can get additional information.

I think that you could get some answers here :-

http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/Hidr...

Remember to click 'Forums' when you get there.

I have this and there is alot of help if you go to hs-usa.org. They have what the disease is, support groups, doctors, and answers and pictures. It is not a fun disease. I wish you and your husband well.