Jumping Through Hoops for Treatment

I think that in an ideal world, we would go to a doctor, get tested, get diagnosed, and get started on the quickest most effective treatment within the first week. As patients, we would be given information about the choices that we need to make regarding treatment. And I do not mean just a pamphlet, I am talking about real full-bodied information.

In my opinion, this should include but not be limited to, expected times on relief from the most common symptoms and side effects. And then which are noteworthy to go to the hospital for. A timeline by when we should be sure if this is not working, complementary therapies that can and cannot be done along with said treatment. Dietary changes that could promote remission and so my list goes on.

My reality check

However, we do not live in an ideal world, not yet anyway. In my experience, these things can take significantly longer; as if they were taking the scenic route. There are a significant amount of hoops that we need to jump through to get to where we want to be on our treatment journey. All while we must battle the symptoms of the plaque psoriasis.

Getting a diagnosis is key, this is the ultimate beginning point, and if you already have one and feel that something has been missed, go get yourself a second opinion. It can't hurt to get one. Prepare for that appointment as if you were preparing for your very first. Make lists of what you experience, how you manage this, etc. Be sure to make a list of things that you have tried and are currently using. It could be helpful to note if you have an idea of how you want to move forward make a note of that too. Advocate for yourself all the way. I go in as informed and ready as possible, and I often have to remind myself that the doctor is offering a service, and not doing me a favor.

Coverage might be a good starting point for treatment

Depending on coverage is often a starting point for treatment. In my experience, when my psoriasis is severe the doctors are quick to offer methotrexate, and for mild to not severe all the creams, ointments, and light therapies come first. My doctor explained very kindly that while he understands my desperation, there is an elimination route to follow to do what is best for my body while treating my psoriasis.

While I find this part tedious, and I know I am not alone in this. It is important to do things the right way. Following the steps, I think this way I got to where I needed to be quicker than I would have if I battled each step. I am here to win a war, not a battle.

Taking notes

This is vital, for all new and existing meds treatments etc. Brain fog is real, and we think that we will remember, but we don't always. Then when we needed to follow up at our next appointment have forgot half of what I experienced and gone through. This makes it very hard to give feedback to the healthcare provider and follow the next steps to follow through on your treatment plan. My doctor told me that many patients struggle with the follow-through. Until I kept my medical journal, I was one of them. Now my book and I go to the appointments together.

Did you have to jump through many hoops to get to where you are on your treatment journey? How is your current treatment working for you, and if not what is next on the cards for you?