HS, It's a daily battle, a life filled with agony surgeries, I&D procedures, removing of the packing in the wounds, boils all of my body
Auckland
Introduction:
Hello, my name is Scott Denham, and I'm a 34-year-old living with a little-known autoimmune condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). I've been battling HS since I was 16, and I'm here to share my story with you. Many people have never heard of HS, and that's precisely why I need your support in raising awareness and helping those who suffer from this debilitating condition.
Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS):
HS is a chronic condition characterized by painful, recurrent acne nodules that can lead to abscesses, draining sinus tracts, severe scarring, and life-altering disability. It often takes years to diagnose, leaving individuals like me in pain and uncertainty.
The Struggle:
Imagine not knowing what's wrong with your body for over seven years and then discovering there's no cure. To make matters worse, many sufferers, including myself, have been wrongly blamed for this condition due to a lack of understanding by some medical professionals. This misjudgment can lead to feelings of shame and depression.
Along side living with the multiple side effects from years of Doctors and skin dermatologist experienting on me with a variety of prescription drugs : Including drugs used for Cancer patients. That have caused my teeth to decay.
My Experience:
My life has been profoundly affected by HS. It's a daily battle, and simple tasks like dressing, walking, or even sitting can be excruciatingly painful due to cysts covering my body. The pain is relentless, surgeries are frequent, and the cost of dressings alone is astronomical. 4 years ago, I had to withdraw all of my life savings from my KiwiSaver to cover these costs and unfortunately it's all gone now.
The Need for Support:
I've been deemed unfit to work due to my condition, which is both a relief and a burden. Pain medication helps, but it's not government-funded, making it costly. With the support of my amazing community and fellow supporters such as yourselves , I've come a long way, but I still need help.
How You Can Make a Difference:
Spread Awareness: Share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks to help educate others about HS.
Financial Support: Donations will go towards my medical expenses, including pain medication and dressings, which are essential for managing HS.
Advocate for Research: Support research efforts to find a cure for HS. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of thousands of sufferers.
Conclusion:
Your support can change lives, Especially mine. Let's stand together to raise awareness for Hidradenitis Suppurativa and provide hope to those who are suffering. With your help, we can make strides towards a future where HS is better understood and, hopefully, one day, cured.
Thank you for being a part of my important journey.
Kind regards,
Scott Denham
Medicine that isn't subsidized. Unfunded pain relief and dressings.
Sad update. 18 April 2026
Hi everyone, Thank you so much for your continued support, kindness, and donations. It really helps me keep going while living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and my other health challenges. I wanted to give you an update on what's happened recently. I paid for a new car to replace my old one that had died, but the sale fell through. The money is gone, and I'm now left with no car at all.This has hit me hard because I desperately need reliable transportation. I rely on a car to get to my regular nurse and doctor appointments for HS wound care, pain management, & essential medical needs. I also use it for grocery shopping & picking up prescriptions basic things that become extremely difficult and with my disability and mobility limitations. Losing those funds, on top of having no transportation has made an already tough situation even more overwhelming. I'm doing my best to stay strong and continue my treatments, but these setbacks have left me feeling stuck. If you're able to help in any way it would go directly toward helping me get safe, reliable transportation again so I can attend my medical appointments and manage my daily needs without added pain and stress.
Your support, shares, and kind words have meant everything to me. Please keep sharing my page if you can! It makes a real difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with me through these challenges. Your generosity gives me hope on the hardest days. With deep gratitude,
Scott
Hi Jane. Thank you 😊 I hope you are keeping well.
Thank you so much for reaching out and offering your advice , I really appreciate you taking the time, especially since you're dealing with your own stage 3 condition. That means a lot.Just to let you know, I’ve already cut out the nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, etc.) and sugar from my diet. I’m also not interested in cannabis oils or medical cannabis, as I don’t like the feeling or the taste. I will look into the bandages/dressings from the hospital, the high user card, and the supplies you mentioned. The estrogen information is interesting too — I know everyone’s body is different.Wishing you all the best with managing your condition in your new town, and thank you again for the kind words and blessings. It’s nice to know there are others in New Zealand going through this.Take care 🪽
Hi Jane, I just wanted to say a huge, genuine thank you. For over a year now you’ve been my one and only supporter, and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without your kindness. Your support has meant the world to me, truly. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Scott
Thank you Jane for your continued contributions, over the last 2 years you have been my only donor, I am forever grateful for your on going care and support. Much love Scott x
Hi Jane, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your constant generosity and unwavering support. Your repeated donations mean the world to me, they truly make a difference, allowing me to be able to fund the medication that allows me to feel less pain, have more mobility and just truly an overall better quality of life and that is truly the bestest gift in life. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and trust. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and all the magic of the season! May you and your family have a safe, peaceful, and truly fulfilling New Year ahead.With heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes - Scott -
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