Silvia
Art is my therapy! There are times when I CAN'T sit to do art, and those days are the worst for me!
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I was diagnosed with H.S. back in 2009/2010, however, I was born with it. I don't have any memories of a life without H.S. Of course, the older I get, the worst my H.S. gets... But we carry on, because that's what we're supposed to do!
My father had H.S., and my older sister has a touch of it. Between the 3 of us, I seem to suffer with the worst!
When I was a baby, I had it on my inner thighs. As I got a bit older, it moved to my buttocks. Now it's back to my inner thighs and groin areas. My bikini line is so terrible that I can no longer wear underwear because of the pain.
I am very lucky to have a wonderful husband!
I work full-time. Since the lockdown, I've been blessed to be able to work from home. That has been awesome! I know many people have suffered through this lockdown, but it's been a life saver for me!
I am a temp. I've been with this agency for almost 3 years, and I've been on the same assignment for about 2 years. The temping agency offers medical insurance, but it's a bit steep! Could I afford it? Probably, but it would make things tight for me.
I don't have any credit cards or credit card debt! So I live off of what I make! Which is why I said I probably could afford it, but it would make things tight on my end!
I did find a city funded clinic, and they have been very good to me! It costs me about $10 to be seen, and they refer me to different local hospitals who work with their referral system.
Through this clinic and their help, I was diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis back in 2017/2018 and very recently (last week) diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome.
For my H.S., I don't take medicine. I am terrified of the side effects of some of the medication, and I'm allergic to Doxycycline. So, I just live with it as best as I can, and I do smoke to help with my pain (because the pain meds mess up my stomach) ... And I paint!
I paint as much and as often as I can!
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See Silvia's artwork here