Beyond the Bandages: What True HS Support Really Looks Like

When it comes to hidradenitis suppurativa, it is so important to have a strong support system. Having a group of people, or even just one person, you can go to when you are sad and upset about your HS is critical for your mental health and well-being.

I am lucky to have strong support

Bottling negative thoughts inside might even lead to worse flares and nobody wants that. I feel so lucky to have family and friends who are supportive toward me and my HS. I am especially grateful to my boyfriend, Mike.

Even though Mike does not have HS, it still takes a toll on him. He often sees me suffering and in pain from HS flares and he does what he can to help. He goes to the doctor with me and supports me physically and emotionally. I'm about to start a new biologic treatment that involves injections, and guess who is going to administer them.

That's right. I honestly don't know what I would do without him.

Thank you

I just wanted to put into words how thankful I am for everything my support system does for me:

For support during flares

Thank you for supporting me on my HS journey. Thank you for listening to me complain about my pain. Thank you for trying to cheer me up. Thank you for asking me if I need any help. Thank you for not making me feel like a burden. Thank you for understanding I can’t answer texts right away sometimes.

For learning about hidradenitis suppurativa

Thank you for not minding that I need food modifications. Thank you for coming with me to the doctor. Thank you for trying to calm me down during painful procedures. Thank you for looking up and researching hidradenitis suppurativa after hearing me talk about it. Thank you for trying to make my days as painless as possible.

For soothing my pain, emotional and physical

Thank you for showing me love. Thank you for letting me cry. Thank you for wiping my tears. Thank you for being there for me when I’m in pain, both emotionally and physically. Thank you for trying to find remedies that will help me feel better.

For holding my hand

Thank you for trying not to treat me differently. Thank you for not thinking I'm gross or unhygienic. Thank you for helping me bandage my wounds. Thank you for driving me to the doctor and holding my hand the whole time.

For understanding and compassion

Thank you for doing the cleaning and cooking. Thank you for doing everything I'm not able to do. Thank you for buying things to try and help with the discomfort.

Thank you for understanding. Thank you for working hard to understand HS better. Thank you for not shaming me. Thank you for not blaming me for an uncontrollable disease. Thank you for listening and showing compassion.

For learning advocacy

Thank you for going to conferences and symposiums on HS with me. Thank you for understanding that everyone is different and what works for some might not work for others.

For loving me

Thank you for everything you do to help me feel better. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

Thank you for not loving me any less because of my hidradenitis suppurativa.