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If you or anyone you know is affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and would like to share your experience, please contact tellmystory@thoughtcatalog.com.

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This is one personal story of being affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). If you or anyone you know would like to share your experience, please contact tellmystory@thoughtcatalog.com.

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This is one personal story of being affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). If you or anyone you know would like to share your experience, please contact tellmystory@thoughtcatalog.com.

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For Mary Fehr, getting diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa — also known as HS — was more of a relief than anything else. Mary was a pre-teen the first time she realized something wasn’t quite right with her skin.

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Was there a cure? What are the treatment options? Where do I go from here?

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It’s constantly on your mind, but not in a good way.

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It is important to know that there will be ups and downs with HS.

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Remember that confidence is key.

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Know when to give someone space.

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During the two long years between the emergence of my symptoms and an official diagnosis, I was left to wonder, question, research, and hope for the best.