Hidradenitis Suppurativia stopping me from pursuiring my dreams
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hello everyone
This is my first time joining a forum for HS but I was looking for some advice on my dilemma. I've had HS since I was 15 and am currently 19and have never opened up about it till now. My doctor told me losing weight could help and after losing more than half my body weight it has but as you all know HS can leave horrible scars on the skin and I have a sinus tract in my armpit that won't heal. I was thinking about getting surgery for it but my doctor wants me to wait until it gets to thar point. Recently I was approached by a scout from a modeling agency at a fashion show I attended who wanted me to send a portfolio to the agency for a contract he'd be willing to offer. Honestly I've always wanted to be in the modeling industry but never believed it could happen because of my weight and now that I've dealt with my weight problem I don't know if i can accept due to HS. If there's anyone out there who would be willing to give me some advice I know it's not the average question you expect but this is giving me quite the anxiety.. I'd appreciate any advice
Thanks
0 likes, 7 replies
Debbon iman22560
Posted
I would say go for it don't let hs rule your life .have you tried following a paelo diet this helped my daughter 100 % .get tested to see if you have any allergies. She found that she was dairy intolerant. So since cutting it out she has almost gone into remmision. Hope this helps
iman22560 Debbon
Posted
I haven't tried the Paleo diet but will definitely try it. I have the similar issue with dairy every time I consume milk i get flare ups so I will try to get the allergy test, thanks! Also how did your daughter deal with scarring and did she get any surgery?
Debbon iman22560
Posted
With scarring she uses coconut oil and tea tree oil.they help a lot also a lot of garlic and turmeric in her diet. She hasn't had surgery since making these diet changes it has made a huge difference. Good luck
amy61071 iman22560
Posted
I would suggest seeing another doctor, might be good for you to get a second opinion. It's such a sucky thing to have HS and can so easily bring you down, but don't let it!
iman22560 amy61071
Posted
HS is the root of all evil, I saw a dermatologist when I wad 15 and she told me I had HS but I do think that getting a second opinion is a good idea since its been so long that I have seen a doctor for it
Thanks
nishia31572 iman22560
Posted
I had the surgery and a skin graft done on my arm a few months ago it was very painful and if I'm honest it hasn't been worth it as I'm still suffering with hs.while I was recovering from the surgery and in a lot off pain I keep telling myself it would be worth it in the end it wasn't I would try other things before you go 4 the surgery
sehra iman22560
Posted
First off-you should be so proud of yourself for losing all that weight. I have had HS since I was 13 and I am 23 now. Like you, I had doctors advise me that losing weight would lessen the symptoms. I also tried numerous drugs including topical and oral antibiotics and finally found one that works for me. The antibiotic I take is called Duricef-generic version is called cephadroxil and it's 500mg. Before I found this antibiotic I was completely hopeless. But with the help of this pill as well as changing my diet, I've beeen able to manage my HS for the last 5 years. I used to have unbearable lesions in my groin that prevented me from going to school because I couldn't walk, I had them under my arms too and even in the buttocks when the flare ups were really bad. Every doctor I would see told me to use hibiclens and topical antibiotics to keep it clean and dry. While keeping the areas clean and dry are very important, it's also important to note that the kinds of materials of your clothes matter A LOT. Only wear cotton underwear-ALWAYS. It is more breathable and doesn't trap as much bacteria down there, leading to more outbreaks. If you work out, make sure you shower right after. I personally find that Gaving less hair in those areas helps keep the bacteria growth down.
As far as the scarring-I have been there and felt the same way you do. I was a virgin when I started having outbreaks and I was afraid that no guy would ever accept me because of my HS and would think it was gross or god forbid mistake it for an STD. The scarring is inevitable but you can use a gentle bleaching cream called hydroquinone and that helps take away some of the darkness of the scars.
For prevention- I would pay attention to your diet and find out which foods your skin is sensitive to, because it's different for everyone. For me, it's cheese, nuts, nut butters, shellfish, dark sodas like coke and Dr Pepper, and chocolate (I know, the worst). Once I started eliminating these foods from my diet as advised by my esthetitician at the time, my skin started breaking out a lot less, and the skin on my face started clearing up as well.
I would definitely recommend getting a second or even third opinion--it's always good to talk to more people because they may have info that other dermatologists don't. Some that I've seen in the past haven't even heard of HS, let alone knew how to treat it. Try finding an oral antibiotic that works for you (doesn't make you nauseous or give you bad side effects) and really pay attention to your diet. That's the best advice I can give. That, and finding bandaids that don't irritate your skin. I've found that Curad, blister bandaids, and other medical grade bandages help the most and are the least irritating.
I really hope this helps. You shouldn't let this disease get in the way of your dreams! There may not be a cure, but there are definitely ways to manage it and make your life more enjoyable.