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.
Why I am doing Page extended update 12 March 2026
As many of you know, I live with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic and often painful inflammatory skin disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for HS. The best we can do is manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and minimize pain through ongoing treatments like medications (including antibiotics, biologics, pain relief, and sometimes other therapies), specialist appointments, wound care supplies, and occasional procedures.These treatments are essential for keeping the condition under control and improving my quality of life, but they come with significant ongoing costs. Medications alone—especially newer or biologic options—can be extremely expensive, even with insurance or subsidies, and the expenses add up month after month. Without continued support, it becomes very difficult to afford consistent care, which is crucial for staying as comfortable and functional as possible.That's why I'm keeping the donations page open for the foreseeable future. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps cover these recurring medical expenses and gives me a bit more breathing room to focus on healing rather than worrying about the next bill.I'm truly grateful for any continued support, shares, or kind words. Living with HS is tough, but knowing there are people who care makes it so much more bearable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Much love
Scott
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 -
Hi Jane, I hope you are well. Thank you for your contributions. 😇
Thank you for your contribution. Your support means a great deal.
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