My update for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hello Everyone;

I just wanted to update you all on how my life has been going living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Recently I have been to a specialist appointment in London with the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic at Guy's Hospital near London Bridge. My appointment was Monday 15th February at 8:45 am. Making my way to the appointment took 1 hour and 10 minutes. The appointment went really well, I went into the appointment with a poor mindset, I wasn't expecting to come out of the appointment. I was expecting them to tell me that they are just going to put me back on antibiotics and tell me that I have to take them and hope for the best.

But I met with a lovely lady on the HS team, she listened to me whilst I explained how it all started. I explained the pain and the hurt that Hidradenitis Suppurativa puts me through. I showed her my skin, she seemed genuinely concerned about how bad it has gotten. After showing the Doctor my skin we sat down and spoke about past medications and treatments that I have had. She turned around and explained to me that I am past the point of antibiotics being the answer to my skin. This is the first time that a doctor hasn't just tried to palm me off to having antibiotics.

I was finally listened to and heard. She got a consultant to go through the same thing that she did so she knew the right treatment to give me. After an hour of talking and listening she gave a treatment that I was hoping for. This treatment is a biologic therapy that is used to treat HS, it is called Humira.

** HUMIRA is a prescription medicine used to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people 12 years and older. You should always discuss the potential benefits and risks of HUMIRA with your doctor. HUMIRA is a TNF blocker medicine that can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. You should not start taking HUMIRA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.

TNF blockers suppress the immune system by blocking the activity of TNF, a substance in the body that can cause inflammation and lead to immune-system diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis.**

We spoke about the side effects and the possible things that could go wrong. Whilst I was in the hospital I was asked yo have a chest x-ray and take a total of 9 blood tests to make sure that my body was okay to start this injection. After doing all that I needed to I mentioned to the doctor that my mental health has been affected massively because of my skin condition. I will be speaking to a mental health specialist that also is a specialist in skin conditions. This is also a massive deal for me because I have always struggled with speaking about my mental health. Being able to speak to someone about how my skin condition is affecting my mental health.

3 days after the appointment I received a text from the hospital informing me that I have another appointment on the 22nd of March. I'm not 100% sure what this appointment is about but I will be speaking with the Monday and finding out. I am hoping that this appointment is about the injection that I will be starting.

I want to thank all my friends and family for always being so supportive and loving with all that I have been through. They have always supported me and make sure that on my dark days that they are there for me. Thank you so all of my friends and family. Much love to you all!

Stay safe everyone.

Much love