Just diagnosed!!
I'm 46 about 3 months ago I got what I thought was a infected or ingrown hair in my left arm pit. I have never had anything like this happen like this. After 3 months of unbearable pain and 4 ER trips to have huge bumps drained. Infection on top of infection. Antibiotics nonstop. They finally said I have HS. I am left handed and just moving my arm at times brings tears to my eyes. I just need some relief for just a little bit. I can't get comfortable to sleep. So I'm in pain can't rest and just plain miserable. I can't imagine having spent most of my life living like this like some of you have. I'm scared I may never be able to live my life pain free again. This had totally taken over my life. I work but somedays it is almost impossible to move because the lumps are so large and inflamed. How do I cope with this. I can't even pick up my grand babies because the pain.
Hello,
, I just wanted to second Lori in welcoming you here. I can hear how painful it has been for you recently. Please know that you aren't alone. In addition to the information Lori shared with you, I wanted to share a link to this article with some tips for the newly diagnosed, https://hsdisease.com/living/advice-diagnosed. As well as this article with some tricks for managing armpit flares from one of our health leaders, https://hsdisease.com/living/flare-tricks. Of course, what works for one person won't necessarily work for another, but I wanted to share some of this information with you in case something resonates. Please don't hesitate to reach out here anytime! Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) 
Hi
. Welcome to the community. I'm glad you found us, especially since you are so newly diagnosed. My heart goes out to you. Hearing that you have HS disease can be overwhelming, but there are treatments for HS disease and there are lifestyle changes that can help. While some people get constant flares, others rarely have them. Let's hope you are among those who rarely have them.
Are you seeing a dermatologist who specializes in HS disease or one who is at least very familiar with it? If not, that would be the place to start. It's worth finding a specialist even if you have to travel for appointment. Here is an article that lists treatments that can help bring this flare under control: https://hsdisease.com/treatment. We have lots of other articles, forum posts and stories from members that discuss other approaches that have help reduce flares and pain. The more you learn about HS disease, the more effective you will be at advocating for yourself.
I hope this helps and that you find treatment that helps you heal from this flare. I would love to hear that you are lifting your grandbabies with ease again. Please know we're here for you whenever you need us. Warmly, Lori (Team Member)
