Growing up, Justus Bell faced a life filled with unique challenges due to a chronic skin condition.
In Nelson County, where she spent her childhood, Bell dealt with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a condition characterized by painful skin nodules and recurrent flare-ups.
“My life was always bandage or dressing changes, follow-up appointments with dermatology or plastic surgery, or my primary care doctor trying this antibiotic or that antibiotic, this topical, that topical,” Bell shared. “I mean, anything you can name, I probably tried to help my HS.”
Her journey took a positive turn at UVA Health, where she discovered a treatment that significantly improved her well-being. This experience inspired Bell to pursue a career in nursing, aiming to help others as she had been helped.
Early Diagnosis and Challenges
Bell’s struggle began at the age of 12, when she was first diagnosed. Recalling the moment, she said, “I think when I first initially got diagnosed, especially as a young teenage female, it was very hard for me,” pausing to hold back tears. “I never felt normal.”
Despite the challenges, Bell found strength in her support network. “It took me a lot of learning and realizing with not only myself, but my caregivers and my family and support system, that even though I will have to go through this for the rest of my life, that I still am normal. … Life goes on.”
Now 27, Bell has undergone seven surgeries. She vividly remembers her first surgery at 12, an ordeal that required her to relearn how to walk using a walker. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “When I had that surgery, I had to learn how to walk with a walker, and being 12, that was like the worst thing I ever had to go through.”
During this difficult time, two nurses, Cheryl and Jessica, provided her with much-needed comfort and encouragement. “I remember them being so comforting and caring for me … as if I were their own kid. They gave me something positive to look forward to,” Bell recalled, a sentiment that influenced her decision to become a nurse.
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