By
Updated 11 months ago,May 29, 2024
Hidradenitis Suppurativa is not a rare disease.
It is estimated that 1%-4% of the population has HS.
When someone is diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it can be isolating for this very reason.
gariwatkins
I was diagnosed at 17 years old, 7 years after my first HS flare.
HS can be embarrassing.
These boils often open, leaking fluid and blood.
The boils can be painful and reduce mobility.
They can also be itchy and inflamed.
I was afraid and embarrassed.
My friends and family love me and they want to help me.
She listened, attentively and quietly.
She was patient while I got it all out.
I was afraid that when I finally told people what I needed, they would not care.
But she accepted what I said and asked how she could help.
I also started talking to my parents more about the struggles I face while managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
They became more involved in managing my health and started researching other treatment options.
Having their support made me feel like I could take an active approach to managing my HS.
I want to say it was easy after that, but it wasnt.
When I was 22, I had a skin excision procedure with a CO2 laser.
This made me dependent on others and forced me to tell people what I needed.
Since then, I have been open with them about HS and my other health needs.
The confidence I gained from that experience helped me open up more with other friends and family.
He now checks in with me and asks me if I need a break.
It means I can be more in tune with respecting my body and needs.
They will show up and take the time to educate themselves and ask you about your limitations.
I had a difficult week last week.
I would not have gotten through it without the support of my friends and family.
I was with my cousin when I found out I could not get a procedure done.
She sat in the car with me and listened while I cried and talked about my frustrations.
I called my parents and we came up with a plan to move forward with a different option.
Without my trusted friends and family, last week would have been a lot harder and more isolating.
As it is, I was able to process my feelings in a healthy way with their support.
Showing my friends a vulnerable side to me was scary but I am glad that I did.
I feel closer to my friends and family and am grateful for their support with my journey with HS.
Now, they are additional advocates for me.
They also spread awareness about Hidradenitis Suppurativa, so that HS may be better known and better treated.
