Ashley Hidradenitis Surgery Fund

Hello! Thanks for stopping by my page. My name is Ashley Christianson and I suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa or HS.  Never heard of it? I'm not surprised; most people have no idea or are too embarrassed to talk about. There is no known cure for HS.
HS is characterized by recurrent inflamed deep-seated acne nodules that result in large abscesses and chronic draining sinus tract formation leading to scarring, disfigurement and life-altering disability.  My HS is genetic, it was explained to me as a genetic defect in my pores.

Here is a link about Hidradenitis Suppurativa
HS Explained
http://www.hs-institute.com/index.php/what-is-hs

I have had 26 surgeries and over 80 incision and drainage procedures over the last few years. I&D procedures are when the doctor numbs the cyst with lidocaine (that in and of itself it horrible, because you're injecting an area already inflamed) and then using a scalpel to cut the cyst and release the pressure or drainage. The surgeries consist of removing the cyst and infected area around it and fill the areas removed with sterile packing.  If you do not seek treatment, it can be days or weeks before your skin peels and thins out enough to drain on its own.  The slightest touch can feel like razor blades running across your skin. The areas can be as big as a softball. I've had over 8 feet of sterile packing in one spot before. HS is one of the most painful things to endure, constant surgeries, I&D procedures, removing packing, swelling of cysts in my breast, groin, underarm, under breasts, stomach and thighs. HS affects my entire life. I wake up all the time in pain.  My job has suffered as I miss days, sometimes weeks recovering from surgeries and outbreaks. Basic everyday things like getting dressed, walking, driving and even sitting can all be painful with cysts all over your body. 

I have a wonderful support system. My husband Mark has been my rock, always by my side. He helps as much as he can, but often feels helpless himself, as he can't do anything to ease my physical pain. My sister being a nurse has seen firsthand the agony of removing the packing after surgery.  My Mom has been there for my breakdowns & days where you're just tired of the pain. My friends and other family jump on the opportunity to help when they can.

In June 2014 I visited the HS Institute in Ohio and met with Dr. Hazen. He was the most kind and well informed doctor I have met since being diagnosed with HS. He is using Co2 lasers or Carbon Dioxide Laser Excision to treat HS.As of July 2011, a total of 332 areas were treated with the co2 laser therapy with only 6 reoccurrences (1.8%)

Here is a link to the website: http://www.hs-institute.com/index.php 
 HS Institute

****UPDATE***6/18/15 I have met with a doctor who has trained under Dr. Hazen with Co2 lasers. Dr. Barry Resnik has met with me and said he can do the same procedure. Here is the link to his site:

link: http://www.drresnik.com/

The average cost for one session is $3500. I need 3 sessions, but am starting with one for now. The procedure is not covered under insurance, as it's seen as "experimental". There is no guarantee with HS to fully stop or go away, but if I can get relief even for a little while, I'll take it. 

Please feel free to ask any questions!


I thank everyone in advance for your support!!

Ashley