Some of the many ointments I have used over the years
All my life I have suffered from Psoriasis. This winter, I had a severe flare up and decided it was time I did something about it. I went and saw my general practice doctor.
“Yes, you have Psoriasis,” he said.
Tell me something I don’t know I thought to myself.
He wasn’t too sure what to do. After sending off a few pictures to another doctor, he prescribed the same goopy ointments that I have been using for years.
Several weeks went by and I was not seeing any improvement. I was at the point where I could no longer wear black blazers or short sleeve tops; I decided to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
When I called, I was told that the next available dermatologist appointment was 3 months out.
“ That’s way too long to wait,” I told the receptionist. “Is there another solution?”
She put me on hold for a long time. When she came back on the line she gave me a referral to an “out of network “ dermatologist who could see me next week.
This specialist was simply wonderful. She found some innovative oral medication as well as some new topical creams.
“Try this new pill.” She said. “A lot of people have seen positive results from it.” She went into her cupboard and pulled out several sample packets. “Your medical insurance will not pay for it. But, I can have my technician enroll you in a special program sponsored by the pharmaceutical company.”
My new medication for Psoriasis.
A month later my skin was vastly improved. As I was getting ready for a night out in my new sleeveless dress, I thought about all of the steps I had to take to get to this point.
What would have happened if I had not pushed to see a different doctor? After struggling with Psoriasis for years, I knew that I needed to try something different. How fortunate to be able to receive a new treatment not offered by my insurance plan. In addition, the new nine hundred dollars a month medication was paid for.
Always have the courage to follow your instincts. Do not be afraid to find a different source to get the answer you need. You are always worth a second opinion.
Good things will happen when you give yourself permission to push for what you want.
It worked for me and I know it will work for you.
Thank you Jan. My skin itches/hurts so bad these days. I have done an iternet search and decided that Otezla was the right choice for me.
You have given me hope!
Thank you again!
Go for it.
J
Thanks for your post. It is a great illustration of how persistence can pay off, and how sometimes there are actually new solutions developed to address old problems.
Thanks for the comments. My skin is improving daily.