We're with HSA and they pay for consultations. Apparently its a good way of jumping the queue because the private specialist refers you to the NHS and the appointment comes through within 6 weeks!
I've seen manuka honey. Do you mean eat it or put it on the abcess?
I've been on the antibiotics since friday, but it hasn't helped with the pain, so I don't know if they're working. How would you know if it turned into a fistula? I hope yours gets sorted out soon,
best wishes and good luck!

You put the honey on the abscess, it has antibiotic properties apparently.
I'd never heard of it before, but my sister-in-law is a ward manager on a geriatric ward and she swears by it. She's used all kinds of natural remedies (including maggots and leeches...yuk!) but she's adament they work :)
Hope your specialist refers you then, 6 weeks is not bad! I think I waited nearly 3 months initially, and I was supposed to be a priority (I dread to think if it wasn't priority!) Hubby is kicking himself for not filling the forms in, he's changing jobs in the new year so we'll make the forms a priority :) If he doesn't get helthcare with the new job we'll def get it ourselves.