HS surgery

Hi megan I had surgery to both my armpits at the same time. The abcesses under my arms were black and the core very deep. I had both my arms cut open and had them packed by the district nurse every day. I was in hospital for a week. It took a good three months before they both healed. I was 20 when I had that done. Just remind them before you go in to surgery to make sure they give you pain killers. I came round from theatre and was screaming with pain. They had forgot to administer morphine and it felt like they had amputated my arms. I'm 45 now and guess what yes the lumps are back under one of my arms. I suppose 25 years without having any lumps under my arm was a bonus but they have reared their hugely heads once again. I'm off to see the dermatologist in January not sure what they will decide this time. They took my sweat glands out at the same time and I never have to shave under my arms as no hair grows there that's a bonus. You won't be able to lift anything for at least a good week or two and the first time the packing comes out is very uncomfortable. I don't wish to put you off at all your best to have it done, but I think it's best I tell you what to expect then you do. Good luck with your surgery and keep me posted on how you are. Xx

Hi Megan,

I'm 17 and just underwent my first surgery on the 18th of November. I'm from Australia so my experience could be different if you're from somewhere else.

I stayed overnight after an excision in my left underarm (they removed cyst and tracts) and they gave me stitches, however after I had the stitches out (last Friday) it opened up again so now it has been packed and will hopefully heal well in the next ten to twenty days.

I was very sore after my surgery but the most important thing is to REALLY take it easy. Even if you start to feel better, just continue to take very good care of yourself.

Painkillers were a given for me. In hospital they gave me plenty of Endone as well as Ibroprufen and Panadol so I slept very well!! Hopefully they send you home with some pain meds or (in my case) a prescription to get some more.

Best of luck with your surgery, and please take care of yourself ☺️ X

So I've had a few procedures done on both armpits and in my groin. It's definitely not what I'd classify as a fun experience, but nowhere near as painful as what my HS had already put me through. It didn't give me any long-term relief, but my HS was already so advanced by the time I was diagnosed, that was probably why. My diet is the only thing that keeps mine under control.

Definitely tell the nurses and anastesiologist to give you pain meds. And after the procedure, make sure they're giving you your pain medication at the earliest possible moment, before your previous dose has completely worn off. So if you're supposed to take 1 pill every 4-6 hours, take another a little after 4 hours, not six. Do NOT wait until you're in pain again to take your meds, because it takes about 20-60 minutes (depending on your metabolism) for it to kick in.

Also, you might want to request some anti-nausea meds as well. Some people get nauseus from the anasthesia and from the pain medication itself. So when the anasthesiologist comes in to meet with you before the procedure, tell them you're concerned about nausea and they'll probably be able to give you something for it. And ask for some anti-nausea pills to take with your pain medication for post-op.

And on that note, you'll want some stool softener handy as well. Pain meds really slow down your digestive track and can stop you up pretty good, so having a stool softener or a very mild laxative would definitely be helpful.

As for restrictions and your recovery time, it'll depend entirely on how deep they have to go, how much tissue they remove and what kind of incision they'll be using. Your surgeon should give you instructions when you're released, read them like they're your bible and follow them like they're your commandments. You definitely won't be able to lift much of anything for a week or two, at least until a few days after the packing has been removed. Not sure how long they're planning on leaving it in. Be careful of any sudden arm movements, or stretching (like trying to put a bra on) and keep it clean and dry.

They'll likely give you an antibiotic as well to prevent infection. Take the whole course, don't stop early.

Healing time again will depend on the person and the procedure. My armpits took longer than my groin though, probably because they were the worst at the time. One armpit healed completely after about two, maybe three months, the other took nine.

Take your time, don't stress out, keep yourself relaxed and make sure you go into this procedure knowing that your recovery is going to be a process. Eat healthy, lay off sugar if you haven't already, and drink a lot of water. Steer clear of caffeine too. Be patient with your body and don't push yourself. Good luck!

hi everyone! my surgery went very well and I'm having minimal pain. my HS had just occurred so it was in the early stages of my arm pit so I feel that's why mine went so well. I was just curious to know how everyone showered?