Back

I decided to CW this post because it's got some "OUCHIE" pictures, and I decided to educate you using my own body (please be kind )

So, I have #HidradenitisSuppurativa. Feel free to Google it, but beware it's rough to learn about. I cried when I first researched it after getting dxed in 2010.

ANYWAYS:

notice how in the 1rst picture, I have it labeled "stage 1" , and I drew a white arrow that points to a red line, or streak, that forms on the skin. Usually in HS, the streak goes from one lesion/spot and travels to form another spot, before the two just merge into one swollen, red-hot bit of hell that just keeps expanding and spreading (people can lose affected body parts from it).

Notice in picture 2 it's labeled "stage 2"

This is when the two have merged.
This is the point I have buckled and chose to seek virtual urgent care, because it's very difficult to walk and sit in an office for 3 hours like this. I was able to show the doc this picture on the screen and they got the point real quick.

This CANNOT, should not be lanced, as there is no head anyways. It will just spread infection into the bloodstream and risk getting sepsis (that's happened to me before, in 2018, and I am LUCKY to be here!)

I was prescribed Keflex and an increased dose on my Prednisone. I already have an appointment with my specialist on the 12th, so hopefully it will be better or close to gone and we can decide on next steps.

I hope this can educate anyone who is unsure about what to do, or when to get care. I honestly shoulda gotten care right when I saw the line. That would've been even better timing.

I'm leaving this helpful, informative article about cellulitis here for you. It's got information on what it is, it's stages and symptoms and what treatment entails and how long to expect to be sick with it:

https://www.dispatchhealth.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-for-cellulitis-to-heal/

I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing.
Fingers crossed