E cigarettes over smoking?
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi there. This group is so informative, more so than any professional I have seen. I'm hoping you guys may be able to shed some light on this subject.
I have suffered with HS for 5 years (self diagnosed) I currently have a sinus tract in my inner thigh/groin which drains off and on, and a harder cyst type lump in my armpit.
I have eliminated all night shades from my diet, reduced weight (I'm not overweight anyway) and I take turmeric twice daily with zinc, plus wash with antibiotic soaps and I am prescribed lymicycline AB's and have peroxide cream. It controls my thoughts, my mobility, my sex life and my work/social life. I've been depressed in the past and I can feel myself going back there.
Admittedly I am an occasional smoker and have always battled with this, I continue to seek ways in which to stop as I know there is a link between smoking and HS,
I now have a vape pen e cig. Doctors class people as non smokers if they convert to these, but will this be the case with HS?
Is it the nicotine or the other harmful ingredients in tobacco that trigger HS? As I know tobacco is a nightshade.
I am on the waiting list to see a dermatologist but don't hold out much hope judging by others experiences.
Thanks for any advice/replies/support in advance.
0 likes, 11 replies
hypercat bex1892
Posted
There are lots of chemicals in cigarettes and they don't help your health. I have seen recent reports on e-cigs and there is only nicotine in them which is a lot less harmful, so why not switch to them anyway? E-cigs from the latest research are a lot safer and it might not impact on your HS so much.
Don't underestimate the results of seeing a dermatologist as they can recommend other treatments that doctors don't have the expertise to. x
bex1892 hypercat
Posted
I do look forward to seeing the derm, I guess I just don't want to be on meds forever, and I'm so scared of eventually needing surgery. Thanks again for your support.xx
Dotcon bex1892
Posted
bex1892 Dotcon
Posted
I'm currently on holiday with my boyfriend who proposed a few days ago...because of the pain I've not been able to even consider sex, it's so sad...bless him for understanding so far. He supports all these strange diet changes and my limited ability to walk places (which we used to do a lot of) I just hope It doesn't impact on our relationship forever!
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit!! Smoking has stopped thank god, but just now on vapour e cig, so will try and kick that next. I just need to time my battles carefully otherwise the whole process causes more stress which = more HS!!
Thanks for your kind support.x
victoria16194 bex1892
Posted
In my opinion, stress and depression are bigger causes of my 'episodes' than smoking is. Our mental health has a huge impact on our physical health. Please remember that you aren't alone. It's just that HS isn't a very pleasant condition so many people are too embarrassed to talk about it. Try and consentrate on exercise, a low alcohol consumption, healthy eating and keep positive people around you.
Like you, I am a light/social smoker of cigarettes and I also use the vapour ecig. If quitting cigarettes comes easy to you then, go for it, for your overall health! Doctors can't really tell us exactly why and how smoking effects HS, but I believe it has something to do with fighting antibodies and healing. So, with that said, it has to be positive thing to pack up the fags!
Good luck!
Vicky
bex1892 victoria16194
Posted
I'm so relieved to have you guys reply with support and understanding of this condition.
Our fight continues.
Xxx
victoria16194 bex1892
Posted
Good luck with the stopping smoking and be strong!
Vicky xx
sanj55687 bex1892
Posted
Im really sorry you are going through all this, iknow exactly how you feel, iv suffered with HS for about 15 years (im 35 now) and so does my bro. I had tried every thing and i mean everything until my doc though i should visit the best dermatology clinic in the country ( Guys and St thomas Hospital, London) there i met the doc who changed my word , Doc Pink... BIG UP DOC!!! lol but anyway back to the point , i have medium severity HS and he prescribed me a combination of antibiotics clindamycin 300mg and rifampicin 300mg to be taken twice a day. pelase please please please all who are suffering form HS pelase go to your docs and ask him about these it has changed my life!!! in two weeks i was completely clear even one that never seemed to heal under my arm healed and it did the same for my bro, he was going to go for surgery but afer a 2 weeks of the antibiotics he was told he didnt need it, and he didnt.... please people go to your doc and tell him you cant cope with this and you want a specialist, one who will prescribe these meds!! I
I took these meds for 3 months and i cant tell you how they have change my life, i do still get the odd flare up but no way near like what i used to
Loves
ps.... i smoke!!! i stopped for 2 years and it made no difference to my HS. but i guess we are all different, and smoking is bad for you anyway!! ;0)
Sanj man
bex1892 sanj55687
Posted
Wow thanks so much for your advice. Your story has given me lots of hope and I will be seeing my derm/ doc when I'm home from my holidays to request this combination.
So far all Ive been prescribed is fluoxicillin and co-amoxiclav. (Plus my ongoing lymicycline) which just haven't done anything like it used to.
Your doctor sounds great, I'm so pleased you've found something that works for you. Fingers crossed they will prescribe this for me too. I'll let you know in the near future how things progress.
Much love and appreciation.
victoria16194 bex1892
Posted
Good luck,
Vicky xxx
Dotcon bex1892
Posted