These abscesses appear to be more than abscesses.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

As some here may know, I developed a major one on my back about a week ago- it's still active and draining, but at least it's not painful any more. However, I'm not the only one that got one. My BIL had one earlier in the year that ended up as a 7 inch wound on his heiny, and he was in the hospital for a week fighting a staph infection because of it. That one has healed, but now he has a shiny new one on his leg.

His doctor said these are showing up a lot lately- apparently there's some sort of superbug making the rounds, and these abscesses are the form the infection takes.

Sorry I don't have more of a first-hand report about what he said, but I believe it. If you or someone you know develop one, hie thee hence to the doctor posthaste. I have a feeling this could be the beginning of something bad.

[crim son]

1. Thank you for the warning.

I hope you and your BIL heal quickly.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. I hope you guys aren't dealing with MRSA

[LeftyFingerPop]

3. Do you have active abscesses now?

If it was just the one that you had surgically taken care of, don't worry.

If you get another one, make sure it is cultured, and specifically, checked for MRSA.

Also, be aware that immune system deficiencies can cause these.

Finally, if you have, or are at risk for diabetes, make sure your blood sugar is checked. Chronically high blood sugar will reduce your ability to fight these off.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

4. I'm well aware of each of your points.

The doc did say he was going to culture my goo. He said it would take a week to do all the tests he wanted. Tomorrow will be a week. In the meantime, mine is still draining, and my sister is changing the dressing twice a day. It's getting better but it's till very much active.

I'm arthritic, and I'm on some heavy duty medication that weakens the immune system, so I'm especially at risk to begin with. I always have to take care.

Plus the fact that diabetes runs in my family.

My blood is tested at the hospital every 6 weeks because of all those factors.