I'm 37 and have been living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) for about three years. I know how overwhelming this condition can be, especially when you first develop it. I'm a mom of a 12-year-old, and I'm used to serving as her advocate because she has sickle cell disease. But ever since I developed CSU, I've also had to learn to advocate for myself. This is your guide to a successful doctor's visit with advice for before, during, and after your appointment.

Grab a Tip from Andressa: Watch & Learn (4 Video Clips)

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Journey Toward Acceptance

1:21

Don't Wait Till Next Visit

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When Treatments Aren't Working

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Lifestyle Changes Help

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Get Ready for Your Appointment

If your current treatment isn’t working or is causing troublesome side effects, it makes sense to explore other options. Doing some prep work before you see your doctor to discuss this issue may help.

“I’ve gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable, but I’m still looking for solutions.”

When you go to your appointment,expect to answer more questions. The doctor who’s treating you will want to assess if your symptoms are getting better or worse. Here are some other ways to get ready for your appointment.

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Make the Most of Your Appointment

Clear and open communication between you and the doctor is important as you’re figuring out how to control your hives. Here are some tips that will help you work together to find the best options on your CSU journey.

Knowing what to ask your doctor is half the battle. Select questions below to save them for your appointment. You'll be able to email, print, or copy them.

What to Ask Your Doctor:

My treatment isn’t working. Now what?

Be specific. Tell the doctor about what’s working, what isn’t, and why you’re looking for new or additional help. Be sure to share if a current treatment isn’t effective or is causing problematic side effects.

Save your Question

Should I increase my dosage or try something new?

Your doctor might recommend taking a higher dose of a current treatment, combining it with an additional therapy, or switching to something that’s new to you. Ask your doctor which strategy is likely to help you most. If standard treatments like antihistamines haven’t helped, your doctor might recommend a different approach.

Save your Question

What are the pros and cons of new treatment options?

All drugs have the potential to cause side effects. For example, doctors sometimes use steroid medication to control severe hives. That might help, but long-term use carries a high risk of side effects like high blood pressure and high blood sugars.

Save your Question

Are there other lifestyle changes I can make?

Some people with chronic hives have found that taking cool baths, wearing loose clothing, and applying anti-itch cream help them feel better. These strategies are usually combined with medication. You should also discuss stress management techniques, as stress may trigger hives in some people.

Save your Question

“I still get itchy every day, but it’s not all day, and the burning sensation I used to get is much less.”

What Your Doctor May Ask You:

How’s your overall quality of life?

Your doctor wants to know how you are sleeping and if the hives are affecting other daily activities, as well as your mental health.

Save your Question

Do you have any other symptoms that crop up at the same time?

They might also ask what you were doing before the hives started. You could’ve been sweating a lot, taking medication, feeling stressed, or eating a new food. Your doctor isn’t being nosy. They need this information to figure out what’s going on.

Save your Question

Do you have any allergies, and what medications are you taking?

Let your doctor know if you are taking any medications or being treated for an allergy.

Save your Question

You may have a team of professionals to help you in your CSU journey. Learn more about how each expert can help you manage your condition.

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Make Sure You're Being Heard

Your doctor has specialized knowledge. But you know your body best. Be your own best advocate and speak up. Here are some tips for asking for what you need.

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Follow Up at Home

Your doctor might have recommended one or more new treatments or suggested increasing the dose of your current medication. Make sure you understand what comes next before you leave the office.

Pick up new medications.If your doctor has suggested adding a prescription or OTC drug, you’ll want to get it as soon as possible. If you’re going to start a monoclonal antibody or another drug given by injection in a doctor’s office, schedule the appointment as soon as possible. If your doctor suggested testing for an autoimmune disease, schedule those tests now.

Track your response to treatments or lifestyle changes. Whether you’re taking a higher dose or starting a new medication, keep tabs on how you feel in terms of your hives and any side effects. Certain medications work right away while others take some time to start working; ask your doctor what to expect.

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Meet Your Guide

Andressa Hunsel

Advocate

Blogger Andressa Hunsel has a series dedicated to her struggle with chronic hives. The Floridian’s daughter describes the itchy condition as looking like a tomato. She says she was embarrassed by her red, striped skin, especially when it flared up on her face. There was no explanation, but pills, injections, warm baths, and stress management have provided relief.

Prepare for Your Appointment

Choose a Step:

Get Ready for Your Appointment

Make the Most of Your Appointment

What to Ask Your Doctor:

What Your Doctor May Ask You:

Make Sure You're Being Heard

Follow Up at Home

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