A new problem! A Bartholin gland abscess

[deeindiana]

Went to doctor today for a large, painful lump in my pelvic region. I thought it was some kind of boil.  Nope. Its SjS related. Yes, of COURSE it is!

She called it a Bartholin gland abscess. Never heard of it before. She explained that women have two small, mucus-filled glands that deliver moisture to the lips of the vagina. The mucus can get thick and clog the openings. Many times its just a pea-size bump that will resolve itself. But mine was swelled to golf ball size and she had to lance it because of infection.. She took a culture and started me on Keflex.

She said its common for post menopause women to get them but a hot bath will usually open them up with no problem. But SjS makes it much worse and it may become a chronic problem. If so, they can put in tubes to keep them open or surgically remove the glands.

So, something new to deal with. Oh boy!

[KatyB]

Wow, doesn't sound like much fun!    Hope the antibiotics kick in & you feel better soon.

[Scottietottie]

Oh my! - That strikes a chord. Just recently I have discovered a little lump where you describe. No abcess - but will keep an eye on it. I really can do without anything else just now!

I do hope this resolves for you - without surgery. Sounds horrendous. Must be painful. Do keep us posted.

Take care - Scottie

[deeindiana]

ScottieTottie, the doc said to take hot bathes with Epson salts. Why does it seem that something is always clogged!

[irish]

Dee, If it secretes it can cause issues with our Sjogrens. Life just isn't fair. This is one of the things that we don't know about early on with Sjogrens, isn't it. Takes a while for all these issues to come to our attention. I hope that you get over this fast cause I am sure it is miserable. Good luck. irish

[Kathy57]

Dee,

Sounds painful and unfortunately it sounds about right with Sjogrens - the gift that keeps on giving!😱 

You have given us all valuable advice if it should ever happen to one of us, so thank you for that.

Hope you get over this soon and that it doesn't end up being a chronic issue.

Kathy

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Thanks for the advice. I haven't actually had a bath for years since I got stuck in one once. I couldn't get out. Not sure if I could get in or out without falling now. I do shower regularly!

maybe I'll try a few baths if hubby will help. Scared I might put his back out!

take care - Scottie 

[irish]

There are those small sitz basins that fit onto a toilet that can be obtained at drug stores by special order or on line. These are made for people who need to soak hemmorhoids or other issues on their bottoms but are unable to get into a tub. I think that a google search would result in finding this product. Good luck. Irish