I Have Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hello All
I am a 45yr old female, who lives in Australia. I have had HS since I was a teenager but it only really started to get consistent until I was in my mid twentys. That was when I started to seek out doctors and they all said I had ingrown hairs and for years these boils were my shameful secret. Then last year things got a whole lot worse, the pain became unbearable and sinus tracks formed and multiple huge "heads" that just did not seem to heal under both my arms and my groin, buttocks and anus.
After seeing some really rude ignorant doctors (who made me feel unclean and all pushed antibiotics on me, one even suggested that I bath in pure bleach), I finally found a doctor who referred me to a specialist and in Sept 2011, he named this for me, which was a relief on so many levels and a heartbreak on others, as he said there is no cure. He also said that surgery should be a last resort and he recommended ocean bathing and salt baths at home, which I feel are very helpful when the flare ups are bad. he said stop using any chemical products, some drugs may even trigger a flare up.
I at least had a name, so I went home and started to do my research. I have since turned my life around by 1. giving up processed foods and all sugar in food and drinks. 2. taking herbal supplements vital greens, zinc, Curcumin (turmeric) and AZO yeast tablets. 3. De stressing my life as much as I can and at least being mindful of when I am stressing. 4. I am not HS, I have HS, it does not define me as a being and it could even be an allie to me, as I need to be healthy to stay free from outbreaks. 5. taking regular salt baths and ocean swimming when I can.
Giving up processed foods and sugar has been difficult but I am seeing results so it is all worth it ( and I have lost weight). The sores under my arms and the sinus tracks have all healed and any outbreaks I do have are minimal compared to last year or even, ever ( the bumps are small and a lot less painful and don't seem to hang around long,,, a few days) and are directly triggered from stress and eating or drinking sugar. I now am feeling confident enough to say that I seem to be in remission or at least well on the way, I know I will always have to work with my HS but I am hopeful that it will not define who I am and what I can give and experience in this life. I am an Artist and for the last year I have not been able to be physically creative, I now have my arms back and it is so Awesome to be expressive on canvas again rather than just in my own mind...good luck everyone, it so great to have you all to talk to about HS as I am sure anyone who does not have it is totally grossed out by the very idea of it.
I am a 45yr old female, who lives in Australia. I have had HS since I was a teenager but it only really started to get consistent until I was in my mid twentys. That was when I started to seek out doctors and they all said I had ingrown hairs and for years these boils were my shameful secret. Then last year things got a whole lot worse, the pain became unbearable and sinus tracks formed and multiple huge "heads" that just did not seem to heal under both my arms and my groin, buttocks and anus.
After seeing some really rude ignorant doctors (who made me feel unclean and all pushed antibiotics on me, one even suggested that I bath in pure bleach), I finally found a doctor who referred me to a specialist and in Sept 2011, he named this for me, which was a relief on so many levels and a heartbreak on others, as he said there is no cure. He also said that surgery should be a last resort and he recommended ocean bathing and salt baths at home, which I feel are very helpful when the flare ups are bad. he said stop using any chemical products, some drugs may even trigger a flare up.
I at least had a name, so I went home and started to do my research. I have since turned my life around by 1. giving up processed foods and all sugar in food and drinks. 2. taking herbal supplements vital greens, zinc, Curcumin (turmeric) and AZO yeast tablets. 3. De stressing my life as much as I can and at least being mindful of when I am stressing. 4. I am not HS, I have HS, it does not define me as a being and it could even be an allie to me, as I need to be healthy to stay free from outbreaks. 5. taking regular salt baths and ocean swimming when I can.
Giving up processed foods and sugar has been difficult but I am seeing results so it is all worth it ( and I have lost weight). The sores under my arms and the sinus tracks have all healed and any outbreaks I do have are minimal compared to last year or even, ever ( the bumps are small and a lot less painful and don't seem to hang around long,,, a few days) and are directly triggered from stress and eating or drinking sugar. I now am feeling confident enough to say that I seem to be in remission or at least well on the way, I know I will always have to work with my HS but I am hopeful that it will not define who I am and what I can give and experience in this life. I am an Artist and for the last year I have not been able to be physically creative, I now have my arms back and it is so Awesome to be expressive on canvas again rather than just in my own mind...good luck everyone, it so great to have you all to talk to about HS as I am sure anyone who does not have it is totally grossed out by the very idea of it.
By:
Jatza
Age:
41-45
,
Female
