Newbie with private healthcare!

[jiml]

Hi everyone, 

new to the site so first of all just wanted to introduce myself. 

I am 30 and have suffered with severe psoriasis for about 16 years now... I've pretty much got it everywhere.
Up until a couple of years ago i had managed to control it with light treatment after spending a small fortune on a aramid B (i think) sunbed, unfortunately the treatment slowly stopped working and now doesnt work at all. 

Since my psoriasis came back it has affected everything i do, can't sleep, can't shower at work, can't play football anymore because of the pain, its awful, its basically ruining my life at the moment. My doctor has been prescribing me all sorts of steroid ointments and creams that have been having no affect whatsoever..... I'm running out of patience, i want to try something stronger and have been reading about biologics and systemic treatments but my doctor for some reason seems reluctant to prescribe me anything.

So the reason I've signed up is to find out if anyone has had any joy getting any of these kind of treatments through private healthcare??? I am insured through work with axa private healthcare and am contemplating giving it a go..... i can't take anymore ruined clothes/bedsheets from the ointments anymore with 0 results!!

Anyway... any shared experiences would be much appreciated 

Cheers

Jamie

Hi Jamie first let me offer you a warm welcome to the club and tell you that you have come to a great place for advice regarding the available treatments and the best way to go about getting them.

We are a growing band of sufferers like yourself, and from all over the world, and happy to share our experiences of what works and what doesn't

As far as going " private" there shouldn't be any need for that,  but your doctor can only give you creams any other treatment need a dermatologist to prescribe it.

So your first thing to do is go to your doctor and tell him that the creams aren't working, and you want a referral to a dermatologist, he cannot refuse this, but he may tell you it will take months, then you could throw in that you have private insurance and get an early appointment with a dermatologist privately.....it's usually the same one who covers the NHS clinics anyway,   He will be able to move you on to one of the systemic drugs that should help .....
Look around the site there will be others here tomorrow with advice for you

Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions

You are also welcome to join us in the off topic section where things are a bit more light hearted
And I am the sensible one there.