The lab test came back with the result that the flare had the presence of staphylococcus lugenesis together with a sensitivity test. The result however can be seen as inconclusive, given that I’ve been taking phages and no one knows just how long bacteriophages remain in our systems. Due to this, it is possible the that primary bacteria causing the inflammation may have no longer been present, but rather the result may have shown the bacteria that has taken over the process instead of it. As we know, the absence of one type of bacteria can very well create an open market for other bacteria to manifest themselves.So even though the test was inconclusive, I was glad to have done it. Although truth be told, I would not wish that agonizing pain of having a scalpel cut into an inflamed, already painful area of your skin that already feels like it is being ripped slowly from the inside. I had no anesthetic done and the procedure felt like an hour, although it only took a few minutes.
Life with Hidradenitis suppurativa will constantly have you looking up new publications that may give you a little more information into understanding HS. My recent investigation got me across some medical articles that mention a possible relation of Hidradenitis suppurativa and a mutation in the gene PSTPIP1. I have not had the chance to check this out for myself with the current situation worldwide. I was left intrigued and am looking into getting this test to check if there may be a possibility that my HS may be a result of a mutation in this gene.
Some of you may wonder what on earth has that got to do with Hidradenitis suppurativa. A lot of studies have recently been aimed towards studying the microflora and particularly the bacteria that is found in our digestive system. As we know, the presence or absence of one type of bacteria can lead to the absence or presence of another type of bacteria. From that way of thinking, if we were to introduce beneficial bacteria in the gut, we can very well weed out the harmful bacteria in the process.It is also not too farfetched to think that bacteria causing discomfort and inflammations can very well fester in the gut, as it is known that the human gut is an entire universe and some even refer to it as an organ, all on its own, filled with all sorts of microorganisms. Some even go so far as to say that a certain presence or absence of particular bacteria can result in someone’s sudden change towards certain foods. Almost as though the micro-world within our digestive system effectively dictates what food we crave and which we no longer like. When it comes to sourdough bread, it is known to foster beneficial bacteria which helps to stabilize and create balance within our system. Some experts mention that sourdough bread contains prebiotics and probiotics, specifically lactobacillus, bacteria that are beneficial by mainly helping us break down food, absorb it, and fight off harmful organisms.I’ve decided to try out this theory, as I could not find any downside to eating a fresh homemade loaf that is actually good for me! It has been a month since I began eating homemade sourdough bread. I eat different quantities, but I eat at least one piece every day. It has also been the first month in 6 months that I have not gotten a flare-up. Actually, one began to develop, painlessly and disappeared in less than 12 hours. Now am I saying I found the answer to rid the world off HS? No. But it certainly seems promising.
Other changes I noticed is the lack of digestive problems and even the clearing of my skin. There are many articles that also mention that eating sourdough bread, especially in large quantities can result in bloating. Another change to my daily meals is to drink a cup of brewed fennel, which is very well known to be an excellent remedy for an unsettled stomach. My skin became prone to acne a few years ago. I’ve never had acne, not even spots in my teen years. Doctors checked a rainbow of hormones and still were left puzzled until my dermatologist said that it is very likely due to me having HS, however in the past month, the skin has cleared.For those who want to try making sourdough bread at home, this is the recipe I followed:
Life with Hidradenitis suppurtiva
HS, just like us, is not frozen in time. It appears and acts individually for every patient and it is constantly developing as are we. So yes, it is very possible that what worked for you a month ago may not work for you a month from now. In my case, intermittent fasting, phage therapy & a diet change seems to be working for me today. I may have to change my routine next month or a year from now, and even that would be ok.
Although the search and understanding of Hidradenitis suppurativa continues, those who suffer from this condition need to find a way to continue attempting to live a normal life. This territory is unknown to all, so all we can really do is change our routines to those that give us relief and a sense of normal, whilst attempting not to cause additional harm and unnecessary pain.
I am still a firm believer that, in my case, bacteriophage therapy has played a significant role in helping subside pain and the number of flares, as well as played a role in extending the time between re-occurrences. If you are interested to learn more about bacteriophages, you can find more information on Bacteriophage.news. Apart from phages, the more research I conduct, the more I get intrigued by the crucial role the microbiome plays on our overall wellbeing. It is something I will certainly keep looking into, and maybe it will uncover more options for HS patients.
