Abscess and lupus

[shell2138]

Hi everyone, please can I ask how many of you get abscesses? I've had 2 in 2 years and they have both been in my groin. There very very painful and distressing, they are huge and effect my everyday life. I've read some bits online that say theyare ccommon, but I wanted to know from you guys that live this everyday. Thanks in advance xx

[Silvergilt]

I've had them -I actually had to go into surgery for one as it inflamed so badly and got so big I was apparently the talk of the surgery theatre for a week! Not my proudest moment. I had another one recently but managed to get my GP to take immediate action and a boost in sulfasalazine and antibiotics sorted it out, but was also a signal the sulfasalazine was no longer doing the job, so I've a referral to rheumatology.

Everyone is different but I treat an abscess or cyst as a warning sign that my meds aren't doing the job -it was my first really bad abscess which got the medical profession to start taking me seriously, and now if I have one my GPs are quick to act. If you haven't been into a doctor yet, would be an idea to get in and get your bloods done to see why there is so much inflammation, as aye a course of antibiotics would help get on top of things.

All my sympathies, it's not fun :/

[Lizzy_G in reply to Silvergilt]

Hi there...I have recently been told that I do not actually have lupus and that my twenty odd abscesses that I had when I was first ill have nothing to do with lupus. I also had one very large one with the cellulitis covering my thigh that was removed by surgery. I have numerous lupus related symptoms and the new consultant I have is treating me like a hypochondriac as if I really want to be ill!!! I have been in constant pain for two years and take morphine to help me function. Sorry to go on but I am new to this and have lots to say. I hope you don't get a reoccurence of the abscesses as I know how painful they are...good luck!!

[shell2138 in reply to Lizzy_G]

I'm booked in today at half 4, I'm in pain and dreading the next ten days. I'm going to tell him all my symptoms and fingers crossed he's gonna listen. So would you say then that they are/not apart of lupus?

[Lizzy_G in reply to shell2138]

I really hope it goes well for you. I am seeking a second opinion as my consultant even says my ANA blood results are a red herring!!!!

Good luck and let us all know how you get on

[shell2138 in reply to Lizzy_G]

And good luck to you x my bloods came back all clear but I'm asking for a copy of my blood test just to make my own records. Xxx

[Silvergilt in reply to Lizzy_G]

Defo second opinion time..It's frustrating when they won't listen but not everyone is so stubborn so keep looking!

[shell2138 in reply to Silvergilt]

I will thank you for your advice x

[Amos23 in reply to Lizzy_G]

Have you heard of a condition called hidradenitis supprativa? It is reoccurring abcess’s with deep seated painful lumps, I suffer terribly with it in my groin. I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I was starting to look into the possibility that lupus could be the cause I’m from a mixed race background and I’ve read it is more common with Asian/black genes. If anyone was has any tips on what to mention to doc or places I can read info or advice it would be greatly appreciate, I hope you get sorted it’s awful feeling this way

[Tigerlily4]

Oh yes, regular abcesses Shell over the past 30 years. Mostly in my jaws - most are painless (although some are agonising) and have quietly eaten away large chunks of of my jaw bones. In some areas, the only thing holding in my teeth is my gums and I'm set to lose quite a few eventually. My Dentist maintains oral bacterial infections are extremely common in people with SLE, especially if taking steroids>which can turn gums to mush. Also had them on my legs too, along with folliculitis. The grand finale of abcesses (well, at any rate I hope so) was an infection that perforated my bowel and an abcess grew within my abdominal cavity last Feb. Out of the blue, found myself in ICU with a temp of 104F and tachycardia, fighting for my life. Luckily the abcess didn't burst burst but I do now need a bowel re-section because of the damage caused. Never a dull moment

[shell2138]

Omg I feel for you I really do, I don't know what to say. They are so painful I can't imagine a lifetime of them. I just hope the Dr can help and listen to my lupus quandary. Thank you for sharing your symptoms with me. X x x

[shell2138]

Well I went to the doctors and he's given me flucloxacillin and strong co codamol for my abscess I've been sick 8 times tonight so he's advised I don't take them and has rewritten a new one, as for lupus he was quiet knowledgeable and is now testing me for dle lupus and is making me an appointment with a rheumatologist, so we have progress just to keep you all updated.

[Silvergilt in reply to shell2138]

We'll the researching is good news, hope your stomach settles tonight

[Versailles]

I have the same problem. I am told that they are opportunistic infections caused by the immunosuppressants I have to take to keep my lupus in check. Some GPs will give you antibiotics repeatedly which is not a good idea. I found a proper old- fashioned GP who lanced the last one and I haven't had one since. The amount of pus that came out of it was horrifying but I felt instantly better. One thing you could do to try and avoid them is to get your GP prescribe Dermol to put in your bath.

[shell2138]

I'm really greatfull for all your advise, I'm feeling much better now and fingers crossed I won't get them back for at least another 2 years. I'll talk to my go about the dermol thank you. I'm due for some more blood tests this week so fingers crossed I should get some more answers soon x