Hidradenitis Suppurativa

I look at this pic and think of how awesome my God, family and internal makeup really are!!!

This was three days past the opening of the most troublesome and painful cyst I’ve ever had. It was located on my right upper abdomen. About three inches across and sat out more than an inch from my body. The pain was so intense, that when I stood, the gravity, caused sweat to form on my forehead. Any pressure caused horrible pain, and that included moving my bowels……yeah, imagine having to dread a natural bodily function.

As I said, that was a horrific experience… The worst single cyst I’ve ever had. But, when I look at the picture of me wearing my red celebration hair💁🏾….I feel proud to be me! Proud that despite the struggle and the pain… I’M STILL HERE! I don’t wither up, shrink back or give up, no matter how tough the going gets! I continue to fight, laugh, love and live and nothing will change that!

Yes, I have HS, but HS doesn’t have me! Nor any HS like situation that life brings my way… I’m a warrior and always will be!!💪🏽💕

I found myself in need of getting some air yesterday. I figured I’d run some errands and treat myself to some takeout.

While en route, I found myself in one lane to proceed straight, but opted to switch to the left turning lane at the last minute…..AND THIS WAS NO COINCIDENCE!!!!!!! As I’m driving along, I spotted someone that previously worked at my former job. As I focused in, I realized she was talking to my sister-friend, Ebony! We hadn’t seen each other in quite a while, so I was excited to see her. This led to me swinging a quick right and circling the block to catch up to her.😃 I pulled up directly across from her and waited to her attention ☺️ We both got out our cars and squealed with joy of seeing one another 🤗🤗

As it turned out, we were headed in the same direction, so I parked and got in with her. I have to say before going further, that as with any friendship, ours isn’t perfect and we’ve had our rocky times, but deep down, on the level that really matters…. We’re very much bonded! I love, know and get her and the converse is true. Very little need for explanation between us and sometimes not even words… we get each other. That’s a really special kind of connection ❣️❣️❣️

After a day of conversation and much laughter, I returned home with a smile in my spirit. I felt refreshed, enriched and very much assured of how loved I am! Reflecting on this and other relationships, I want to be mindful to allow for times of differing opinions and occasional friction. Those things need not color the relationships that matter, the ones where the good outweighs the bad and the love is real. And again…. I’m truly blessed 🥰🥰 Love you Ebster❤️

I am very much ready to be transported here😊.. granted it’s only the Jersey shore, but it would give me the fix I’m longing for. The sight, sound and smell of the ocean is incomparable!

I don’t believe this pandemic is going anywhere, but I don’t think that means that I can’t…..(with the right planning and precautions of course)🤔….I think it would be good for my physical and mental well-being.

We shall see.🌊🏖️⛱️☀️

This pic of my sister and I flashed up on my timeline today. This was taken five years ago at the Regional convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Liacouras. Those were good memories ☺️

Now due to the pandemic, we’ll view our convention via streaming on jw.org. I’m thankful for this provision, but still very much miss the in person experience of these annual gatherings.

So yes, five years ago to the week…. perhaps we’ll capture a moment or two in this new normal setting📸😊❤️

I’m so thankful today for a decent night’s sleep 😴😴…it was the most sound I’ve had in a notable time. I’m attributing it to my new adjustable bed 😊.

Over the years that I’ve had HS, my most comfortable position for sleeping, is on my back and occasionally on my right side. Up till now, I’ve used reading pillows to assist in maintaining my desired position, but always end up sliding out of place.

My new bed was delivered yesterday, and I’m very pleased with the level of comfort. There’s nothing like the feeling of awakening and knowing you slept sound. I’m going to pray for a repeat tonight 🙏🏽. Perhaps this is the answer to my problem.

After two weeks and two days, I’m back in my room!👏🏽 Yaaaaaay!

From finding a contractor, clearing out of my room, relocating to my sister’s place… packing up and clearing out of there..and now finally, here in my new room and in my bed..Whew! Praise Jah!

I look forward to settling into my new environment. I’m very thankful for aaaallll the support and help my loved ones gave throughout this process…. Can’t wait to close my eyes and hopefully sleep sound. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 🥳

Two weeks ago today that I came to stay with my sister Leah, while renovations were done on my room. The time has flown, and though anxious initially with adjusting to my environment/routine, I’m now settled and it’s time for me to return home..lol.

As previously posted, my body took a bit of a blow as my mind made it’s adjustments and adaptations, so I made it my aim to be very aware of remaining calm and taking note of when I needed to take a breath, pray, not think and just relax. These steps are important no matter what’s going on in one’s environment.

Soooo, I’m going to continue to proceed calmly as I make the transition back home over the next couple days… taking my time getting set up and moved back in…Oh, and I’m very pleased with the finished product!☺️

There you have it! After much deliberating, thinking, overthinking and downright dread…. MY ROOM IS DONE!!! I’m thankful to Jehovah and my family for their loving support and help during this time….❣️

“Blood is Thicker than Water”…..never have more untrue words been spoken! I’ve learned that solid, honest, supportive, consistent friends are your true family….. They’re the family you choose!

I attended a meet-up with my HS group today. Many shared their personal experiences and stories. Most times I participate, but appreciated just listening today. It really is helpful being reminded that you’re not alone.

Most valuable to me though, was having my beautiful sister, Lydia, listen in with me on our video call since she was unable to log in. Her support and determination to share this part of my life with me today, touched me to the point of tears.😭 This woman has proven to be an encouragement and source of strength to me in so many ways! Our 20+yr friendship continues to grow stronger and more sure, as we keep Jehovah as our individual anchor and the sure foundation of our bond. I’m truly blessed!

So for the past few days I’ve been bleeding and draining a lot from an HS spot on my lower right abdomen. This morning, the area was noticibly puffy which made me nervous at the thought of a flare potentially brewing.

I treated the site with tea tree oil and ichtammol ointment, and applied extra bandaging since the flow of fluids was so heavy. Despite the added layers of gauze, I still drained through the top I was wearing.🙄

After returning home and changing the dressings, I could see the puffiness was still there. I used some of my topical clindamycin and covered it with new padding. After a couple hours, as I prepared to change for bed, I had once again saturated it. The cause…I don’t know…but the puffiness has gone down….. I’m thankful for that… We shall see what tomorrow brings..

Will Always Lovvvvvvvve This!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😉😉🥰🥰