Gp appt today need some help!

[S.A 28]

Hi guys, new to forum and this is my first post!

I've had psorarisis since I was about 16 and now I'm 28, so I've been struggling with it for 12 years. Usual story, got to watch what I wear, can't do certain things etc...

Need some advice if anyone can help, I've got an appointment with the doc today after waiting 4 weeks. They keep fobing me off with creams, ointments and so on which are not helping me and haven't been helping for a very long time. Last few appointments I had I asked for a different treatment like uv, my mums has psorarisis aswell and it worked a treat on her but they keep using me as a guinea pig and testing different creams, gels, ointments on me.

How do I tackle this because it seems like they really don't care about what I'm going through.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Troll]

You say appointment with a Doctor haven't they sent you to see a dermatologist yet ? After 12 years you should have had a referral long ago, demand they send you to see a dermatologist is the best advice I could give you.

[S.A 28]

No they haven't sent me anywhere, I've never seen anyone apart from my gp!

[Caroline]

On the contrary to Troll, sorry Troll, I would advise you to see also at least a reumatologist, next to the dermatologist.
Psoriasis is an immune disease, dermatologists have the tendency to only look at your skin and go for after care, while in fact you would need pre-care, prevention.
A reumatologist might take a better look at your insides..

Furthermore you will find on this board very much different treatments with their accompanying supporters, so go for a read... And ask if you want to know more.

[Troll]

No they haven't sent me anywhere, I've never seen anyone apart from my gp!

Well in that case, tell your GP to send you to see a Dermatologist. You have the right to do this on the NHS and a dermatologist is better suited to help you. A GP will only be able to prescribe creams and will carry on doing so. You may have to push your GP as some don't take psoriasis seriously, but it's your body so demand it.

[S.A 28]

Thanks for that, il definetley give him a push.

[S.A 28]

On the contrary to Troll, sorry Troll, I would advise you to see also at least a reumatologist, next to the dermatologist.
Psoriasis is and immune disease, dermatologists have the tendency to only look at your skin and go for after care, while in fact you would need pre-care, prevention.
A reumatologist might take a better look at your insides..

Furthermore you will find on this board very much different treatments with their accompanying supporters, so go for a read... And ask if you want to know more.

Looks like il be having a long chat with the gp then, I wasn't aware of anything you or troll mentioned until now. Il do a little research.

Thanks

[Fred]

Hello and welcome to Psoriasis Club.

I don't know if I'm to late, you may have already left for your appointment. As you have seen by the other posts we all have different thoughts about the treatment of psoriasis, there are some who just use the natural approach and go it alone.

I notice you're in the UK so I'm with Troll on this, go to your doctor and ask him/her to refer you to a dermatologist. Caroline mentioned a rheumatologist, but I think in the UK your GP will only refer you to a rheumatologist for joint pain. Usually a dermatologist will refer you after they have investigated first and then only if they suspect Psoriatic Arthritis.

I don't think you're being fobbed off or being used as a guinea pig by your GP. As much as I moan about GPs especially in the UK not being interested in Psoriasis, they just don't understand it enough to know how to help you. Hopefully that will change soon see this thread: NICE issues new guidance for GPs treating psoriasis

Like Caroline said, have a good read through the other threads on this forum to help you understand more about psoriasis, how it affects people, and what they use to help them cope with it. Arm yourself with as much information as you can, keep your own notes and form a good relationship with your dermatologist. They are there to help you but it will take time to find what works for you.

Good luck with your appointment, if your GP won't refer you. Kick up a fuss and demand to see another GP and push for that appointment with a Dermatologist it's your right. And please keep us informed on how it's going, we may not have all the answers but sharing with others here who understand will be a huge help.

Regards.

Fred.

[S.A 28]

Hi guys, good news! I've been put forward to a dermatologist. He's given me the coal tar treatment in the meantime.

Thank you all for your great advice. Hopefully things will start to get a little better now.

[Fred]

Hi guys, good news! I've been put forward to a dermatologist. He's given me the coal tar treatment in the meantime.

Thank you all for your great advice. Hopefully things will start to get a little better now.

Great news mate, don't be a stranger and keep us informed. You may end up helping others too.