Oh my goodness, Bob Ireland! I’m glad it’s over, bad abcesses can be BAD. I had one taken out w/out anestheisia and it was worse than childbirth with no numbing stuff. I can relate.... I hope the problem is now 188% cured.
So, I guess it isn't all that rare. Still, while I don't know about childbirth pain, I hope to never go through that procedure again!. But the alternative of waiting and doing nothing was unacceptable.
As Shakespeare said - the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to. !:^O