Living

What is desirability, and what makes us think we need to be desirable to others? Is it instinct? Is it our need to mate and find a partner? What is...

Inevitably, there are going to be bad days with HS. And as much as I may hate that sometimes, it comes with the territory of having a chronic illness. During...

Before becoming part of the online hidradenitis suppurativa community, I really felt alone. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, HS isn’t the most pleasant thing to talk...

It took me a long time to realize this, but just because someone has the prefix “Dr.” before their name, it doesn’t mean they’re going to necessarily help treat you...

In case you missed it, check out Parts 1 and 2 of this series! In addition to all I had to learn about my body to manage my HS, I...

Medical gaslighting is a hot topic now, as we become aware of how we are “handled” historically and currently as hidradenitis suppurativa patients. In the past – and that includes...

It’s no lie that the pain associated with HS can be unbearable and agonizing. For those of you with HS, you know exactly what I mean. For those of you...

As 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...

I am huffing and puffing and wiping some dew drops off of my brow. Now it’s time for a water break. Okay, I’m just 30 minutes in, but I know...

Content warning: This article may be a trigger for individuals who are dealing with or have dealt with eating disorders. At one point in my life, food soothed my anxious...

In case you missed it, check out Part 1 of this series! I’d be lying if I said that there aren’t times when the pain of hidradenitis suppurativa can completely...

I find that I tend to carry guilt and sometimes it has to do with my hidradenitis suppurativa. HS is so difficult to live with and sometimes it causes obstacles...

In case you missed it, check out Part 1 of this series! Eventually, at the end of the semester, I came clean. For our Movement, Voice, and Acting classes, we...

Finding out that your health insurance company has denied a claim can be frustrating and complicated. Your insurance company must provide you with the following pieces of information if it...

Self-care is important no matter who you are but having a chronic illness means taking extra steps to ensure you're taken care of due to the toll it may have...

Aside 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...

When I was younger, I used to love bath time. I would bring in my dolls and toys, swim around (well, swim around as much as you possibly could in...

As a child, I found peace in watching television, for the fantasy, and the investment in other people's lives that were not my own. These 30 to 60-minute increments of...

Who is ready for some math? I know, I know, you told yourself that there is no way you needed that Algebra II after the final that you passed in...

As 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...