Hi, I'm April, a 19 year old university student currently suffering with severe psoriasis. I have had psoriasis for seven years now, however, it has never been this bad. I have tried every ointment under the sun, as well has undergoing light treatment twice. However, since starting university, I have had to move doctors and therefore, move hospital - hence my psoriasis getting worse. I visited my consultant in July and she said that she wanted me to try another cream first and if that didn't work, she would 100% put me on a light course again. I agreed and returned in August as my skin was a lot worse and she said she wouldn't be able to let me have light treatment as I was moving soon - although she did know this before - I felt deflated, the only thing getting me through the summer (covered up in long sleeved tops and leggings) was the thought of the UV treatment, however, this never happened.
My consultant did, however, write a letter to my GP asking her to directly refer me to the hospital in the area I was moving to (after a lot of persuasion!) but this took forever, as my consultant misinformed me again and I was told that the GP cannot refer me to another hospital in a different area, instead, writing a letter for me to give to a new surgery, asking them to refer me to a hospital.
Therefore, I joined university in September feeling very scared - most people couldn't wait to go out and party and wear their pretty dresses, however, I have to find long sleeved dresses and thick tights in order to look presentable - it really upsets me.
Finally, I joined a doctor last week (as the whole process took forever to get the letter etc) and they told me if I went there before 10AM today, they'd let me sign the registration form and I could see a doctor, however, the receptionist quickly and abruptly told me that they didn't register me correctly, thus me waiting LONGER for another appointment, and that i'd have to wait for my records to be sent over anyway if I need a referral. I quickly let the doctors in a flood of tears.
Currently, I have no ointment, as I was using dovobet for years (when it is only meant to be used short-term) and it stopped working. I do not know what to do anymore, doctors seem to keep letting me down and I am finding it so hard to enjoy my university experience as my skin plays a big part it in.
I ended up going for a sun bed this morning. Yes, I know it isn't great for my skin but I am so desperate to look better, that I will now do anything. I have a holiday coming up in April and I really wanted to finally look nice and feel comfortable on a beach, rather than explaining my skin condition to everyone like previous years.
I would really appreciate
any advice..
Thanks for listening to my ramble!
April
