It was three years after I first had HS symptoms that I got a proper diagnosis for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. I remember the doctor saying the condition out loud and to this day I still do not know the proper pronunciation. When I left the doctors office that day I did a quick Google search and found a lot of conflicting information. Was there a cure? What are the treatment options? Where do I go from here? Those were and still are some of the questions I have about HS.
My personal experience with HS goes back over ten years. Throughout this time I have seen multiple different types of doctors to get help with treating the painful symptoms of HS. What I have learned and continue to learn thru this experience is that there is no one size fits all answer for HS. What works for one person might not work for another. It is important that as you are seeking treatment for HS you are as patient as possible. Because a lot of times you will encounter people who do not know how to pronounce HS let alone what it is.
While getting treatment for HS I have gone down many different paths. I have had doctors try treatments that were not designed for HS but could help. It is a lot of trial and error and with that comes the need for a lot of patience. I encourage you to research as much as you can on your own and do not be afraid to ask questions about treatment methods that have been presented to you.
What getting treatment for HS is really like… well it can be a long, painful, and confusing road. It has taken me a long time to realize that I have to be my own advocate in the treatment process for HS. It is really a challenge sometimes to stand up for yourself but when working with your health care provider you should. You should work together with your best interest in mind. And the first thing you try might not work, but do not give up. The treatments available now for HS are better than they ever have been and with continuing research are only getting better all the time.
In my experience I have tried a lot of different treatments for HS. Some are injections, surgery, antibiotics, and a ton of other medicines. For each individual it is all about finding the right balance of what works for you and your lifestyle. There are also diet changes that can significantly help some people’s HS. It just really depends on the person. There is not one right treatment plan for everyone.
My best advice when it comes to going thru HS treatment is to be patient and find a good doctor who is willing to help you and is knowledgeable about HS. It is not an easy road and you will feel like giving up but there is something out there that will help you. 
