EP04: Finding the Right Doctor

EP05: Community & Hope — HS Week Finale

The final episode of HS Week — the research pipeline, finding your people, and real reasons for hope backed by science and community. TOPICS COVERED * The HS research explosion * Drugs in the pipeline (IL-17 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors) * Finding online and in-person communities * Patient advocacy and HS Awareness Week * Real stories from the HS community RESOURCES * ClinicalTrials.gov [https://clinicaltrials.gov] * r/Hidradenitis [https://reddit.com/r/Hidradenitis] * myHSteam [https://www.myhsteam.com] * HS Foundation [https://www.hs-foundation.org] * Violytic - Symptom Tracker [https://violytic.app]

EP04: Finding the Right Doctor

How to find doctors who actually understand HS, build a care team that works for you, and advocate for yourself in a healthcare system that doesn't always make it easy. TOPICS COVERED * Why HS requires specialists * Red flags and green flags in providers * Building your care team * The appointment toolkit * Insurance navigation and prior authorizations RESOURCES * HS Foundation Provider Directory [https://www.hs-foundation.org/find-a-doctor] * Violytic - Document symptoms for appointments [https://violytic.app]

EP03: Living With HS

The day-to-day reality of life with HS — mental health, relationships, work, and finding ways to thrive despite a chronic condition. TOPICS COVERED * The mental health impact * Relationships and intimacy * Work accommodations and ADA rights * Wound care basics * Finding supportive communities CRISIS RESOURCES * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 * Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 RESOURCES * ADA Information [https://www.ada.gov] * Job Accommodation Network [https://askjan.org] * Violytic - Track flares with photos [https://violytic.app]

EP02: Treatment Options for HS

From topical creams to biologics to surgery — Maya and James walk through the full landscape of HS treatments, what to expect, and how to have informed conversations with your doctor. TOPICS COVERED * Topical treatments * Oral antibiotics * Hormonal approaches * Biologics deep-dive (Humira) * Surgical options * Lifestyle factors RESOURCES * HS Foundation Treatment Guide [https://www.hs-foundation.org/treatment] * Humira Patient Info [https://www.humira.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa] * Clinical Trials [https://clinicaltrials.gov] * Violytic - Track treatment response [https://violytic.app]

EP01: What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Maya and James break down what HS actually is — the biology, symptoms, stages, and why it takes so long to get diagnosed. If you're newly diagnosed or suspect you might have HS, start here. TOPICS COVERED * What HS is (and isn't) * The hair follicle and inflammation connection * Hurley staging system * Why diagnosis takes 7-10 years * Common misdiagnoses RESOURCES * HS Foundation [https://www.hs-foundation.org] * AAD - HS Overview [https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hidradenitis-suppurativa-overview] * Violytic - Symptom Tracker [https://violytic.app]