Many psoriasis patients–myself included–have a difficult time communicating with their doctors. Dealing with short office visits, feeling intimidated, struggling with the fear of the unknown… there are lots of reasons it can be hard to connect. But you don’t have to pull your hair out or give up, and a strong relationship with your dermatologist is worth the effort. Here are some of my tips to get you and your doctor on the same page so you can get the best psoriasis care possible.
1. Be prepared.
Before your appointment, make a list of what is working with your psoriasis treatment and what isn’t. Be sure to mention if you feel your psoriasis is holding you back from any activities you’d like to do. And don’t forget to list any side effects from your treatment, as they are very important for your doctor to know about.
During your appointment, you can go through your list together with your doctor, or hand it directly to them. Either way, you’re starting a good conversation about next steps in your treatment.
2. Share your goals.
Sometimes your goals aren’t the same as your doctor’s goals. Doctors have their own checklist for your visit, like making sure you have access to your medication, your labs are up to date, and you are complying with your treatment regimen. Sometimes what you’re hoping for and what the doctor is asking about are two different things. Articulate your goals at the beginning of the visit, so you can make sure your needs aren’t lost in the shuffle.
3. Be direct and honest.
If you are unhappy with your current treatment, say so. Being wishy-washy is not beneficial. Be direct; be honest. This will help you and your doctor focus on what is most important at this visit.
Also, don’t forget about your mental health. That is just as important as your physical health, sometimes more. If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, or even just feeling stressed out, let your doctor know. They can provide resources and recommend tools that can help. Psoriasis may appear on your skin, but it can be flared-up by stress, so make sure your doctor knows the full story.
4. Remember each person with psoriasis is unique.
No two people with psoriasis are the same. What works for one patient might not work for another. Only your doctor can make the determination if a treatment is right for you. Chat rooms, social media, and commercials are great ways to hear about up-and-coming psoriasis treatments, but that doesn’t mean any of them will be a good fit for you. Ask your doctor why a specific treatment might be beneficial or possibly not effective. The more facts you have, the more likely it is you and your doctor can come to a decision that you feel good about.
5. Understand you might disagree with your doctor sometimes.
If you disagree with your doctor, that’s okay. Be polite but firm, and don’t give up. If after trying to get on the same page as your provider, you still can’t come to an agreement, you have the right to walk away and find another doctor who feels like a better fit. Be aware that changing physicians can sometimes come with consequences, including a possible temporary lapse in treatment, insurance woes, and psoriasis flares. To minimize these, keep your current doctor until you have seen a new one and make the decision to switch providers permanently.
Having a good relationship with your doctor starts with advocating for yourself. State your goals, be direct, and ask questions. Your doctor is the one with the medical degree, but your insights and opinions matter–you’re the one living each day with psoriasis. If you feel you are not being heard, it’s okay to look for another doctor and find one you feel comfortable with. The right doctor for you is out there.
