Finding Your Fit

When I was first diagnosed with chronic hives it was actually my primary care physician that diagnosed me. She was a wonderful woman who took the time to explain what was happening, what ‘idiopathic’ means, and gave me some insight on what the next steps were. She recommended I see an allergy specialist to really get some more background on medical treatment and to be tested for possible other allergens that could be contributing.

Why am I sharing all this? Because finding your fit of doctors that really understands what you're feeling and going through is extremely important in this journey of understanding chronic hives.

Chronic hives specialists

Since that time I have seen no less than eight physicians in all different fields of medicine, including rheumatology, endocrinology, immunological and allergy specialists. All of them testing different aspects of my chronic condition to see what may be causing the hives.

I have been biopsied, poked, prodded, blood drawn and more to see if there is any correlation. All to find out that idiopathic really does mean unknown and I have to find comfort in that reality.

Finding the right doctor

In this journey though of all these doctors, I got caught up in many different solutions and possibilities that really drew out my treatment even longer. If I could do it over again, I would stick with my original doctor and really get the basic information of what chronic hives and Hashimotos does to your body.

What are your options? Because the most important thing that I have learned through all of this is that without a good doctor that ‘fits’ what you are looking for in a physician, you are relying on yourself. And no one wants to be googling symptoms because their physician wasn’t listening to them or answering the questions you may have.

There is no question that is a bad question. And there is no question that is too large or too small. The fact is you are in a new journey of learning what your body is doing to itself, so finding the right doctor that makes you feel safe in that journey is essential.

I am lucky to have found a great allergy physician now that takes the time to explain what biologically is going on and can give me insight into treatment. I never feel ashamed for asking questions and or sharing my experiences with him.

I know I am one of the lucky ones because there are a lot of chronic hives patients that get thrown in the shuffle with no real clarity. But it took time. It took testing. It took patience, even though it was worn thin at times. And it took me being willing to tell myself that certain doctors weren’t the right ‘fit’ for me in this health journey.

Getting the support you need

Do your research, ask the questions, and never feel ashamed to express how you are feeling. A good physician that fits your needs will listen and will work with you. You wouldn’t wear a pair of shoes that was causing you more blisters or pain?

So don’t settle if you don’t feel like you're getting the support you need. Don’t give up on finding your fit.