I've had an abscess on my neck (about the size of a nickel) for two weeks now, so I went to my PCP today. He put me on 500mg of cephalexin 4x per day for 7-10 days. This, of course, terrifies me.
I fought chronic lyme for years before my LLMD told me that I'm in the clear. It's been about 20 months since I've been treated with antibiotics for lyme. As such, I don't really want to put abx in my system if I don't absolutely have to.
Has anyone else encountered something like this? I have half a mind to just call the ENT doc & have them drain the abscess unless it goes away this weekend.
Thanks, K
Posted by joalo (Member # 12752) on :
Up.
Posted by Edessajarrue (Member # 35310) on :
Hi KWS,
As long as the abscess is encapsulated, the antibiotics will do nothing to help it. It's in it's own bio-dome of protection of sorts, nothing in, nothing out; especially antibiotics.
I think it's a great idea to contact your ENT to have them drain or give advice. Once an abscess has reached a certain level of bacteria, it won't go away on it's own.
If it gets painful, red, swollen or larger, or you start running a temperature that is outside of normal for yourself, then it is the start of an emergency and must be drained/looked at immediately.
Once the abscess has been opened and the the sack interrupted, antibiotics can get to the area and it can do its job, clean up the bacteria.
So yes, I would say your instincts are correct. Make an appt with an ENT and get that abscess taken care of properly.
-Edessa
PS: I have bathed a forming abscess area with pre-surgical soap scrub called Betadine. You can get at any pharmacy over the counter. It has helped me a few times when dealing with an abscess that has just started forming and hasn't gotten out of control. Still see your ENT for further evaluation if not totally gone by Monday however.
Disclaimer: I am not a MD or Ph.D or an MA or even a BS or lay claim to any other cool initials others can put after their names. My experiences are a culmination of 40 years of dealing with life in a human body. I like sharing what has worked for me under certain circumstances within the bounds of my personal, real life experience. Please consult a professional within the profession of your choosing with appropriate initials after their name.
Posted by Edessajarrue (Member # 35310) on :
KWS:
Please note at the bottom of my post that I mentioned betadine. It is actually Hibeclens that I meant, I just checked the bottle I keep in my shower for my wounds and occasional abscess. Hibeclens is also found easily at any pharmacy over the counter.
-Edessa
Posted by KWS731 (Member # 17786) on :
Hi Edessa,
Thanks very much for getting back to me. I did start taking the antibiotics, however, as I consulted with my LLMD & that's what she recommended. However, I think I'll end up consulting my ENT on Monday, too--the abscess has shrunk in size, but still hasn't gone away.
I haven't noticed any pain, swelling, redness, or fever, though (I did have a high heart rate / faint feeling while exercising the other day, but that could've been from insufficient amounts of water/food before working out).
Also, I've been using Prid drawing salve on the abscess, & it seems to be helping a bit.
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