Well, I have been talking with my Mom about HS, but too embarassed to actually tell her how bad and yucky HS is. She would be sympathetic but didn't really "Get it", ya know? So I had a really bad flare up and was basically a hermit, and decided to print out some information on HS for my mom. I gave it to her and a few days later I saw her. She told me that she was very grateful for the information, because she says she has had "bumps" before! She said they could get up to the size of walnut and that they were very painful, but never burst, would just fade away. She has had only a few in her life and thought it was just a big pimple or something. She is going to pass the information on to my grandmother to see if there is any history of HS there.

I am so glad I gave her that information! Now when I tell my parents I can't go do something because of a flare up, I don't get the eye rolls that I felt I got for complaining about "big pimples". I get support and compassion! Please don't get me wrong, my parents are very loving and supportive, but have always been as healthy as horses!

Anyway, just wanted to encourage others to share with their family. It really helps with the depression associated with HS. Ever since I gave them this article, they call me more often asking how I am doing and if they can help with anything like go to the store or if I want to just go with them to get out of the house a bit. (I have HS in the groin area so when there is a flare up I can't walk too much. Going to the store is an ordeal.)

I got the information on HS from hs-usa.org and it is good information because it is informative without being too technical. It also explains the mental and emotional aspects that are associated with HS.

Anyway...just wanted to share my experience with you all! HUGS!