One thing on it stood out to me.
It was the recommendation of joining support groups.
Id just been diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
After having my first child I noticed some lumps/spots appearing on my breasts.
However, as time went on they became more frequent and more consistent.
So I went to my GP, who in turn referred me to a dermatologist.
After a fairly brief examination she knew exactly what she was looking at.
You have Hidradenitis Suppurativa, the doctor said.
This had been going on for years.
How did I not notice?
The truth is, I did notice.
I assumed it was a weight related issue, something which I have struggled with my entire life.
I came straight home and searched online for any information that I possibly could about this disease.
Treatable, I remember my Dermatologist saying, but not curable.
These abscesses are extremely painful, tender and sore and leave permanent scarring, even when healed.
Sometimes, they will burst and drain away.
Sometimes, they can leave open lesions on your skin which can take days to heal.
I cant put into words how painful that is.
Other times, they will drain underneath the skin and create what is called tunnels.
The knock this gives to your self confidence is a difficult pill to swallow.
The biggest problem is, not many people know about HS.
There is the possibility that it may be a mixture of genetic and environmental factors.
However, there is no definitive answer universally recognised by doctors or dermatologists.
Second is the stigma.
It is something which is hugely embarrassing.
These are especially personal and intimate areas, and can cause intense shame and humiliation.
As I sit here today, I currently have six areas of my body affected by HS.
Three of which are Stage I and the other three have progressed into Stage II.
This then results in scarring, which I have across my body now.
I also have my own bag of dressings for home emergencies, which I was given by my GP.
I have often asked for advice on support pages.
It makes you feel like you are not alone anymore.
I still get embarrassed if any of my flares or scars are on show.
I still feel a sense of shame.
I still feel pain from the current flares and past scarring.
But this is my body.
Its the only body Ive got.
