Lump (perianal abscess)

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

I pondered posting this in Sporner's Corner but no photo for obvious reasons so am appealing here for advice. (And I know that this isn't a substitute for a medical opinion).

Yesterday a really painful lump appeared very near my bum. Apparently it was weeping a little last night. It's really painful today, with a constant ache that gets worse when I'm sitting down. I'm fairly sure it's an abscess but I can't get to a walk in centre until Monday afternoon (only A&E here and it's neither) or possibly Thursday given Christmas.

a) how urgent is it to get seen (can it wait until Thursday or is my bum going to go septic if I don't get antibiotics), and b) what can I do to make it less painful until I'm seen?

sounds like an A&E presentation on the basis they wouldn't criticise you for going (no reasonable person would ) and sepsis is the name of the game these days

What's putting me off is going to A&E on one of the busiest nights of the year.l and having to stand up for 6 hours. I don't feel ill with it (although was incredibly shivery on Thursday evening). It's just really painful.

Sunday morning 8 am youll still have the drunks with head injuries of course but new shift

Good tip. I'll see how it is overnight too, if it's no change it can probably wait until Monday afternoon.

If anal abscesses are not treated promptly with antibiotics they tunnel into the rectum causing what's called a fistula that requires surgery and packing. Obviously that's a lot of hassle and pain. Don't wait.

I don't want to scare you......

I had one of these years ago, go to A&E - mine was painful when sitting but bearable. Went to the GP the same day, was sent to hospital, ended up having emergency surgery - I know a few people this has happened to, by the time it's painful to sit you really need to get seen.

I've had one since that just twinged when I sat- I had antibiotics then. It wasn't painful to sit that time.

At the hospital now, thanks for the nudge guys. Turns out A&E have a GP center attached. Glad I came - and borrowed a cushion!

Good luck.

All the antibiotics in the world, codeine, and laxatives, and orders to see a doctor if it isn't improving in a couple of days. Glad I went.

Hope you feel better soon.

Antibiotics nearly finished and lump nearly gone. Fingers crossed it won't come back! Thanks for the advice on this thread, I don't think I would have seen someone so soon if I hadn't posted.

Good news. Hope it sorts itself out!