New Diagnosis

I lived the most boring life ever as a child - or, at least, that was my perspective.

Anything that was interesting or unusual happened to "other people." Not us.

But somewhere along the way, our family started to "collect" a variety of health issues, many of which are unknown to others. 

Last night one of my sons said we seem to have every weird thing from A-Z.  Made me laugh.

Seriously, off the top of my head we've dealt with (or are currently dealing with) in our immediate biological family the following: pheochromocytoma, polycythemia, idiopathic thrombocythemia, Steven-Johnson syndrome, chronic urticaria, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, Hashimoto's, POTS, hyperhidrosis - and that's before the "normal" diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, gall bladder surgeries, hypothyroidism, etc.

All but one of the above have appeared in either me, my children, or both. Oh, and there may be asymptomatic multiple sclerosis hanging around that will beg for attention some day. But that day is not today.

Seriously, someone should look at us under a microscope. And chastise whoever is leaving the unicorn feed at our door.

Because now now we can add another to our virtual shelf of oddities: hidradenitis suppurativa, an insidious inflammation and infection of sweat glands that can be unpredictably progressive with no therapies that consistently work. Oh, and it comes with a higher risk of half a dozen cancers, its way of bringing a housewarming gift, I suppose.

Now we can't go as far as to welcome HS into our midst. In fact, it's going to find we'll do its best to make it feel as unwelcome as possible.

But it will certainly feel right at home among its new friends.

The diagnosis came as no surprise.

But I'm thankful for lots of reasons.

One, the latest flare looks healed with no scarring.

Two, I have a clear treatment plan until the the HS outsmarts it, which may never happen.

Three, I have terrific providers.

Four, the news came on Holy Wednesday in the Orthodox church, which is dedicated to healing. 

Coincidence? God's timing? You decide.

And have a beautiful and blessed day!