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Updated 11 months ago,May 29, 2024
She was only eleven years old.
She sat in the backseat of her moms minivan, embarrassed and sniffling back the tears.
She never missed volleyball practice, but today the pain was excruciating.
Afterwards well have to pack the hole full of gauze so it can heal over the next week.
Horrified, she could no longer stop herself from crying.
But learning that name came with years of painful tests, procedures, and failed treatment.
Sadly, this is a journey that most people with HS know all too well.
On average, most patients wont receive a diagnosis for seven years.
It is not an STI, and it is not contagious.
Most importantly, it is not at the fault of the person with HS.
That last one took me a long time to learn.
Instagram has created an outlet and connection point for just that.
At first, my account was just a place where I shared food inspiration.
We are not less valuable, worthy, or loveable because we are not healthy.
Lastly there is no standard of health that is achievable for all bodies.
I wish I could tell her that her disease is not her fault.
