15 Years with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)As 2023 approached, I realized this marked 15 years since my HS introduced itself like the most unwelcome of visitors. I first started having HS symptoms when I was 13... By Isela Nataly3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments9 comments
How COVID-19 Affected My HSCOVID-19 has changed our world. I was ordered to work from home in 2020 and I had a huge fear of catching COVID-19. I knew it could jeopardize my health... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Tattoos & HSHistorically, tattoos have been around for thousands of years. They tell a story and can tell you everything about a person. I have always admired the intricate ink designs. I... By Isela Nataly3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Chronic Illness In Your TwentiesAs a 20-something woman, my life is expected to look a certain way. There is a certain Sex-and-the-City-esque romanticization of being in your 20’s. People think you go out partying... By Isela Nataly3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
How I Budget Money With A Chronic IllnessAside from the physical challenges of having a chronic illness, the financial challenges are one of my biggest stressors. I am lucky to have a full-time job with great benefits... By Isela Nataly3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Another Year With Hidradenitis SuppurativaAs we begin 2023, I can’t help but to reflect on my past and contemplate a future, like many people do during this time. I am currently ending 2022 with... By Isela Nataly3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Holiday Gifts For Your Loved One With Hidradenitis SuppurativaChristmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season in general is a wonderful time of year – for most. However, when living with a chronic illness, specifically hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), the holiday... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Making Health DecisionsIt feels like every time I go to the doctor, they want to make a change to my care. Every change strikes fear and anxiety. Will this new medication affect... By Isela Nataly3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Therapy and Chronic IllnessYou either hate or love therapy. Some days, it’s both. I have been in therapy off and on for 9 years, and recently, I found that therapy can be a... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
HS and STIs: Dealing with StigmaContent warning: This article includes mentions sexual assault. When I was around 13 years old, I was the victim of an attempted sexual assault. Ironically enough, my HS symptoms began... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Hidradenitis Suppurativa at WorkThe COVID-19 pandemic shifted my perspective about HS and my job. I work in a court with four day workweeks, 10 hour days. When the pandemic shut down society as... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Getting Rejected Because Of My HSRecently, I went on a first date. Now for some people this isn't huge news. But for me, it was BIG. I am not embarrassed to say that it has... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Getting an Inflectra (Remicade) InfusionStarting a new medication always makes me anxious. When my Humira stopped being effective for me, my doctor recommended we begin Inflectra (the equivalent to Remicade). I was not sure... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Getting Another Diagnosis with HSHS is a grueling disease that has taught me so much. I was diagnosed when I was 17 years old and will soon be 27. Coming up on the 10... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Hustle Culture and HS“You have as many hours in a day as Beyoncé” “Rise and Grind” “Sleep is for the weak” How many of us have heard this as ‘inspirational’ advice on social... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Mental Labor of Chronic IllnessWhen I was 17 years old, I got my HS diagnosis after 4 years of painful, recurring abscesses. Little did I know this would be the beginning of a lifelong... By Isela Nataly2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
