Finally referred... What can I expect?

[emmap]

Hi all

After having a severe flare up of P I have finally been referred to the hospital. What kind of tests will they do? Do they take blood? Not a fan of needles to be honest. What can I expect from this?

Thanks everyone.

[david_8]

hi, Emmap

you will prob see your derm consultant first apt, then  reg's on follow ups
a good derm will ask you to undress and examine your p, send  you for swabs/ bloods/allergy patch test&dietician etc,  but most dont bother nowadays   
treatment will depend on your past treatment history and how your p is effecting you
! if over 30% coverage they might prescribe  nb-uvb light treatment for you

hope you find a good derm and treatment that helps soon

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[MULLINDE]

Hi Emmap,

I agree with everything that David wrote and the links are most useful.

I would just like to add a few things:

Your Derm will probably give you a lot of information, some of which (due to technical jargon) you may not understand. If anything is unclear, then don't be afraid to ask questions.

Make written notes of what you are told.

You will assume that any treatment that is prescribed will be successful, but please ask what you should do if the treatment doesn't work.

Also make sure that you understand when the next consultation will be, and get the telephone number of your Derm's secretary.

And let us know how you get on. We are all here to help each other.

Regards,

Daryl

[marion.d]

i have my first consultation next week, but i recieved a letter telling me what to expect it says

i will be seen by the consultant dermotologist who will assess and diagnose your problem, and discuss the treatment options. i will then spend time with the dermatology nurse where i will discuss things in more detail and they will provide me with more infomation about my condition and make arrangements for treatment if required

marion

[P MONKEY]

When I first got refered to a Dermatology Specialist, I turned up to an appointment where my skin was examined whilst in my underwear, talked about further light treatments for me and organised a followup consultation to discuss the details and commitments of the treatment. I walked away with a prescription of new products to see me through the wait until I started the new UVB treatment.

As David said, depending on the 'severity' of Psoriasis, you may be offered UVB treatment like I was. I fall into the moderate/severe category because I am about 60% covered.

Oh yeah, take note and ask questions like daryl pointed, so you are in control. I made the mistake of not asking what to do if prescriptions didnt work after a cirtain amount of time. Make sure you do!


I hope this relieves some anxiety for you

[mistress_disturbed]

I totally agree with all what the others have said. Just be aware that the Derm may tell you they have students with them, if you feel uncomfortable with this just say so and then it will be just you and the Dermatologist, as sadly you will be standing in just your underwear.
Never allow the Derm to pressure you into rushing through things, In the past i have experienced a Derm who obviously had a pressing engagement and tried to get through his patients at break neck speed.Not clever.
Like P Monkey said ask questions never be afraid to ask about the options open to you, its your body you know it better then anyone  .
You will be fine, its just the not knowing that's frightening.

Good Luck and let us know how you got on.

Md