- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Interviews
EmmaHopkin's interview
How did all start?
With a lump under my left armpit 15 years ago
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed in 2017. It took 15 years
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Changing my diet has helped massively.
Being honest and open with my partner about how I'm feeling and what's going on
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Working full time whilst having flares, trying to not let the pain affect me.
Trying to remain upbeat and feeling attractive to my partner
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I have only told my sisters and my partner. Nothing has really changed apart from that we can no longer go out for a meal without a lot of planning first
What things have you stopped doing?
I've stopped eating dairy, wheat and nightshades. I've stopped drinking alcohol
What do you think about the future?
Since my diagnosis I feel more positive about the future. Although there is no known cure I now know what I'm dealing with
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The best years were between 2013 and 2016. I had a minimal amount of flare ups and they were small. My partner and I moved house, got a puppy and started planning our future
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Eat cheese! Like seriously, I discovered that dairy is a major trigger and cheese is my favourite food!
Also exercise without worrying about the pain afterwards
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life is a never ending train of pain medication, antiseptic dressings, Drs appointments and love ❤️
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Make changes!
Start an elimination diet to see if you have food related issues, keep a diary.
Badger your GP into getting you some help.
And stay positive. It's smelly and it's painful but it's part of your life now, deal with it as best you can
