Shantell’s Battle
A Challenging Decade to Diagnosis
Shantell’s journey with her skin condition began at just 13 years old, marking the start of a challenging decade. Despite seeking care at SickKids Hospital and undergoing over 12 surgeries, health care professionals were not able to diagnose her condition. The treatments she received often worsened her symptoms leaving her feeling scared and isolated. It wasn’t until she was 18 years old and referred to a dermatologist that she finally received an accurate diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa, a complex and painful chronic skin condition that causes skin abscesses and scarring. While its exact cause is unknown and there is no cure, the diagnosis brought Shantell much-needed clarity and a tailored treatment plan. Living with this incurable condition will still have its challenges going forward, but understanding the condition has given her the strength to face both the physical and emotional hurdles ahead.
With regular follow-ups and expert guidance, her dermatologist became the cornerstone of her care, offering specialized care to manage her condition. This consistent support made all the difference to her quality of life, including her career in nursing. While Shantell still navigates the emotional and physical toll of her condition, she is grateful for her dermatologist’s expertise and dedication to some of the lesser-known skin-related diseases that affect patients across Canada.