Get to know… Sammi
Name: Sammi
Age: 41
Location: Isle of Man
Battling HS for: More than 20 years
Current stage: Unsure/It varies (Stage 3 tendencies)
Socials: TikTok – @sammih1985
“It’s okay to ask for help and not have to suffer in silence. Family and friends want to be there for you, but if you don’t tell them how, how can they know?”
**Warning – Graphic Images contained on this page.
The Beginning: A 20-Year Journey
My journey all began with my first flare-up on my belly button at the age of 15. I visited the GP and they said the usual, which I’m sure every HS warrior has been told: ‘oh, it’s just an ingrown hair’. So, at the time, I believed them.
Then I started getting them in my pubic area. I thought I had an STD! I was so embarrassed, I didn’t go back to the GP because I was ashamed. A year or so after that, it started in my armpits. I tried the usual painkillers and hot and cold compresses, but nothing helped. I ended up going to A&E. Luckily for me, the doctor I saw there just happened to be a dermatologist and she said, ‘Ah, you have Hidradenitis Suppurativa’. I thought, ‘what the hell is that?’ I’d never heard those words before. They drained the abscess, and 176ml of pure blood came from it. They took swabs; there was no infection, just blood. That’s where my journey all began.
A ‘Bad’ Day in the Life
Urgh, a ‘bad’ day consists of me not being able to get out of bed. Not being able to cook for my daughter or do anything with her. She is 15 so she’s able to do it for herself, but the mum guilt is huge when my HS is so bad. My daughter helps change my dressings because I’m not able to do it myself. Lying in bed, in the most excruciating pain… I can’t even put into words how the pain is. Crying, feeling sorry for myself, and taking very strong painkillers then realising they aren’t even touching the pain. Having to stay in the same position because it’s too painful to move.
The Armoury: What Keeps Me Going
My kids and watching them grow up are what make me happy. They are my greatest achievement. Beyond them, I enjoy doing diamond art. Many a time I have been stuck in bed, and doing that helps to distract from the pain a little.
A Goal for the Future: A New Beginning
I would love to be a midwife. I always have. My aim after my upcoming surgeries is to start working towards that goal. I’ll be near to 50 after doing the training, but I think that’s a good thing—more life experience.
My Message to You
Get started on the medications straight away. Where I live (and maybe where others live), you have to go through the rigmarole of trying all the antibiotics for months on end before being able to see a dermatologist. I left it too late, I didn’t ask enough questions, and now I have to go through 2 major surgeries this coming month. Don’t be embarrassed, ask for help.
Want to share your story?
We are always looking for more brave warriors willing to share their story too. If you’re interested, please click this link to submit your story and be featured like Sammi. Thank you.