Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hello all☺️, I’m a few days past my initial humira injection two weeks ago. Tuesday made a total of four injections and my second one on my own. I’m glad to be building confidence in doing them.

Loved ones have been asking if I’ve noticed any changes. After taking a closer look, I have. 1. The drainage from the holes in my stomach and chest area has decreased. 2. (I’ll observe more closely) But I believe there is a decrease of inflammation in the lining of my groin. There appears to be less sensitivity there.

Now, what I’ve also noticed just in the past two weeks, but didn’t attribute to the new drug, is tooth sensitivity in the upper left side of my mouth. When I drink or eat anything cold, it shocks the nerves up there. I had forgotten that my sister Lori suggested that it may be the humira, until my sister Leah mentioned the same. After my dentist was unable to find any explanation for the sensitivity at my visit yesterday, I googled it and saw some post where other humira users had experienced the same thing. I’m going to follow the suggestion of using the sensodyne, to see if it helps.

Lastly, I’m now experiencing acid reflux. Something I haven’t had in years! This one is a no brainer for me. It’s the humira. I’ll mention it to the dermatologist so that I can get something to manage it.

So there you have it! All in all, I feel that I’m responding well, and as long as nothing manifest more serious than these issues, I’ll stay the course.

I did my first solo humira injection today! This makes the third dose. I was a little nervous, but it went well. I feel I’ll be more at ease going forward.

The injections are to be put in the front thigh or on either side of the belly button, alternating injection sites from week to week.

Continuing to hope and pray for noticeable improvement.🙏🏾❤️

I received my two starter injections of Humira yesterday, and so far no issues. My month supply arrived today. Next Tuesday will be my second dosage.

Thank you for your care, concern and prayers.🙏🏾💞

1. I met my 15hr goal for increased field service activity for the month of February!🎉
2. I’ve set the same goal for the months of March and April.,🙏🏾
3. This past Tuesday was my first in person on stage demonstration at the kingdom hall in six years. Though nervous, I got through and greatly appreciated the in person and virtual support of my family.🥰🫂
4. Though a struggle, I did in person ministry Saturday and attended my mtg in person today. I anticipated doing either or, but Jehovah helped me push for both.☺️
5. This Tues will be my first Humira injection. Hoping and praying for the best possible outcome.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Stay tuned 😉

My apologies. I failed to post the outcome of last Friday’s appointment and day.

As it turned out, the Lyft ride I scheduled so as to get to my appointment on time and avoid parade traffic, came only five minutes later than scheduled. I got in town about half hour before time. I checked in and was called back within five minutes.

The resident Dr. was nice and allowed me to show the affected areas that wouldn’t require that I unbandage. Praise Jah!! The clearly visible inflammation caused him to prescribe a body wash, topical antibiotic and oral antibiotic regimen. He also suggested that I try Humira instead of the Cosyntyx.

The supervising physician agreed with the assessment and treatment plan. The appointment went smoothly and I then headed to another floor to have the required lab work done.

I went back into the waiting area since I had a good amount of time before my sister Lydia was due to pick me up. I hadn’t been seated for long before she texted that she was headed to get me.🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Traffic wasn’t bad and I was truly appreciative of her self sacrificing love. I’m presently waiting for everything to be processed so that I can begin the medication. I’m thankful for how things turned out.

I have an appointment tomorrow at the dermatology office I was referred to some years ago. I saw the Philadelphia region HS specialist who wanted to put me on Humira. I was reluctant because of side effects and didn’t return.

The debacle with the dermatology office I visited most recently, caused me to set up an appointment with the previous office. I’m hoping to get completed paperwork and script for Cosentyx. My prayer is for a productive painless visit.🙏🏾🙏🏾

Additionally, this appointment is unfortunately coinciding with the eagles parade and Valentine’s Day. About a million people are expected in the city. 🙄 In an effort to avoid transportation issues, I’ve scheduled Lyft rides to and from. Again, I’m praying things go as smoothly as possible.

While doing my personal bible reading in Matthew, I came across this paragraph in a Watchtower article:

Instead of consuming myself with the what ifs of tomorrow, I’m working on strengthening my faith that Jehovah will have my back and allow things to work out in my favor.🙏🏾💕

I was able to kick February off in the ministry yesterday. I have a fifteen hour goal for the month that will be balanced between in person and zoom ministry. It was enjoyable getting started in person with my sister Leah ❣️

After some errands, we went back to her place for some association and 🍕. She was expecting a few guests and it was a nice time for all.

Getting to my meeting today rounded things out to what I feel was a fulfilling weekend❤️

Can’t believe it’s been an entire week since spending the weekend with my sister Lori. It was enriching as always. She arranged everything for my comfort and enjoyment. I ended up spending time with both of my sisters which was an added bonus.

Sadly, one of the agenda items last Friday was to sign onto the memorial of a friend on zoom. Fast forward to this Friday, with us learning that a very dear family friend died last night.

You really don’t know from moment to moment what in your life will change or how. It’s important to let our loved ones know that we love them. Tomorrow isn’t promised.💜

Today was a day where I was able to accomplish all the things I set out to do.

1. Retrieve some grocery items my sister Leah kindly bought for me.🥰
2. Retrieve an Amazon delivery with multiple bulk items in it.
3. Warm-up, clean the snow off and move my car closer to my house.

In anticipation of this, after showering, I fully bandaged and clothed myself, whereas I typically wear a self altered Tarzan/Jane dress around the house so that my wounds can get air.

I also plan to shave my head after I get back up from resting. I thanked Jehovah multiple times for fortifying me and allowing me to do what I needed. I feel accomplished and thankful.🙏🏾💖

Met with my sister and her congregation for their meeting for service with the visiting speaker… Went into the ministry for a little afterwards.

While out I received a call from the office of a dermatologist I’d seen in the past to schedule an appointment regarding Cosentyx. She’s the HS dermatologist specialist for the Philadelphia region. I’ll be seeing one of her associates on February 14th. This follows a very frustrating back and forth with another dermatologist that failed to provide the financial assistance agency/pharmacy with the completed paperwork to execute the script.

I made the prayerful decision to see someone else after getting nowhere for many weeks. Prayerfully things will go well. I’m not a pessimist, but have learned to just stay tuned for what happens next. There’s always a hiccup of some sort in this life.

I arrived home this afternoon and fixed myself a turkey burger and baked sweet potato, as well as a turkey meatloaf for my h household. Thankfully I don’t feel exhausted, but I’m quite glad to be relaxing and to have nothing scheduled to do tomorrow. I feel accomplished for the day💓