NEW MEMBER WITH QUESTIONS.......

[SallieKatt]

Hi all,

I've had P for about 15 years. I started out with just one spot on my right leg. It was in a spot where I had been kicked by a horse about 10 years earlier. Don't know if that is a coincident or not.
My P hit my scalp next.....it is symetrical on both sides, from my ears up in patches about 2" x 4". Next it moved to small patches on both forearms. Last year, without any major treatments, my P pretty much cleared up. I used some Ezema Oil and a few visits to the tanning bed. That's it. I take fish oil suppliments, a multi vitamin for women and Calcium with vitamin D.

I actually think that I have PA......my elbows on both side ache constantly. I also have odd pains in my feet. I also have neck pain but I do have a compressed disc. I take Advil for pain which seems to make the flairs worse.....I'm thinking this is a cycle thing.....I have pain...take Advil....flair....I don't take Advil unless I have pain, when I'm not in pain....there is less flair. Does that make sense? The pain and the skin flair seems to go hand in hand. Does anyone else experience this?

Right now....I am covered....scalp, legs, and arms....both sides.....I also have pain. I don't know weither to go to a pain doctor or a skin doctor. I really do not want to take any of the injectable meds. Just don't like the potential side effects.

I'm thinking of buying a UVB light. My question is....if I treat the skin....will the pain go away too?

I've been under some stress....plus around Christmas....I eat lots of Chocolate! I think Chocolate brings on the flair. Anyone else think so?

I'd appreciate any thought or comments.

Cheers,

Sally (Today is my Birhtday too)

[Tangles (Donna)]

Happy Birthday to start with

as for uvb not sure how it works here so i cant answer you with that one but someone will come along soon who can

symetrical P does happen

vit D can help and so can diet changes - check out the alternative area of this web site for those sorts of things

Stress is a major trigger and so can some foods - being itchy about an hour after eating something can usually mean that its a trigger for you - chillis are one for me

go to a dr then they can refer you to a dr that you need

dont suffer with it - ignoring it wont make it go away
goodluck

and happy birthday

Donna xxxxx

[ellieh]

Welcome Sally and happy birthday  
There's tonnes of info on the boards, have a good read up on things, then I would say get yourself to a derm and a rheumy and see what they can offer. I can't really answer your question about the skin and the pain, for me at least they are two separate problems and I can't say topical treatments to my skin have ever made any different to the aches and pains I think are pa, on the other hand i'm now on MTX which is controlling both, yes the side effects are frightening but hey, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.
UV does work well for many people for the skin at least, where do you live? I ask as your dermatologist can send you for professionally controlled UV treatment at the hospital which is probably a lot safer than buying a light, especially if you have a lot of coverage. Don't forget this also has it's risks for your skin and is better to be controlled by a doctor.
Here I go again, I do waffle on   I'll shut up now but welcome on board and feel free to post any questions or whatever.
Ellie.

[Kate_]

Hello Sally

Happy Birthday !!!!!

My p too is symmetrical .......and I also have PA and yes the pain and skin flair with me seem to go hand in hand just as you described ........

As for chocolate........mmmmmm....well Im not giving that up P or no p lol

Have a lovely birthday .......xxxxxxxxxx

[eddie3dd13]

Hi Sally, I have had psorisis since I was 15 and PA Since I was 26 (now 54)
I have the psoriasis pretty much under control, only odd patch on elbow and sometimes behind ears (no big deal)
the PA has been bad at times, (like a fire sometimes it is a roaring fire and some times its like a fire place in the morning just glowing embers)

I only take naprosyn and co codamol, I have been quite lucky that way, not to strong meds
My feet felt like they were on fire when I first got it then my toes began to bend, it has effected my fingers, neck, more rescently I have developed enthesitis causing pain in ribs arms and back of heels.

I find exercise is the best medicine, working within the range of what my joints can take, massage is brilliant for releaving a lot of the pain. I feel so much stronger after a good massage.
I use the foam roll in the gym (search in google for "foam roll and exercise" to see what I mean, or search in youtube.

try to get on top of it as best you can with exercise, massage, hypnossi for pain control and with any luck you will not need the strong medication, I have survived for over 28 year with it and I contiue to work and I enjoy exercise too (the hard bit is getting in the gym door,. I go in like quazimodo and come out like a spring chicken, cluck cluck.

I hope this helps and good luck.
Eddie

[Jamie..]

Hi Sally, Happy Birthday and welcome along. My P started from an heavy impact between gravel and my elbow and spread from there when I was 8. Mine to is Symetrical. No signs of PA though, have tried UV & PUVA and various prescribed creams, not with much joy in later attempts and get by now with moisterisors and oils. Keeps the flakes away most of the time, but cant get the patches down or banish the redness.

Dont notice any differance with chocolate, and happy for that!

[kathryn1989]

heya! Ive got my own uvb lamp no pa as of yet though. Theres a lady on the american psoriasis website and I think she says her lamp helps with her pa as the light decreases inflammation. some dietry changes and supplements may help too. Best of luck .

p.s choc may cause a flare everyone has different triggers i recently found orange juice makes my skin flare :S

[John Boy]

my machine does help my P its very power-full walk in machine
but cannot use a the moment due to meds on

you should get yourself referred to a derm who will give you more help

happy birthday too

[Fred Hoggin]

Hi Sally, Happy Birthday and welcome.

all the best.

Fred. 

[yorkie]

Happy Birthday Sally

And welcome to PHO

Best wishes

Yorkie