Newbie!!

[PsoriasisPrincess]

Hi

Well this is my first time on here, basically looking for people who understand and get any information on new treatments etc.

So, about me, I am a 31 year old female and have had Psoriasis for 16 years.  Even typing the word or saying the word makes me angry and ashamed, I don't know why.  Guess because of how much it affects me, my social life, personal life & work.  I know some people cope better than others & I know there are worse things in life.  Sometimes things are easier said than done hey.

I have had various treatments such as steroid creams, non steroid creams, coal tar, hospital admittance for treatment over 2 months, daily hospital visits for outpatient treatments, dithranol, elecon, betnovate, alphaderm, dovonex, dovabet, exorex, light treatment, methatrexate, cyclosporin, and god knows how many over teh internet treatments such as salcura, psoraderm, argan oil, oilatum, E45 etc, basically you name it i've tried it.

I was on the immune suppressents for a number of years, much longer than I should have been, but to me I didn't care how ill they made me at the time or the long term side effects, just so long as I was able to take my coat off!!

I seemed to have got my plaque psoriasis under control only to catch a virus which also included streptococcal, which, in turn, meant another break out of guttate which I am struggling to control, the doctor prescribed elecon, and did not monitor me but kept giving it me when i ran out, I stopped using it for a few days and my skin reacted badly, needless to say i have binned the cream now. 

I have been waiting since August for an NHS appointment with the dermatologist but the best they can do in Jan 2012.

That's me, feeling sorry for myself at the moment. 

Anyway, hope you are all well, look forward to reading all you your stories and comments on treatments etc.

Cheers 

[Jamie..]

Hi Sar, and welcome along from me

I have Guttate since I was 8 (35 now) and waiting for a derm appointment to come through at the mo to see them.

Many can related to how P makes us feel, I personally hate looking in the mirror, or having my hands showing in public, but everyones different

hope your derm appointment comes quick and you can find something that works, you'll meet lots of lovely people here on the way for sure!

Cheers

Jamie

[Pieman]

hi sar and welcome from me

all the best for the upcoming derm appt....
seems you've been around the p treatment ladder, as most here have .
have a good read around these boards...
and feel free to post away!
pie

[jotee]

Welcome! I can completely understand how you feel, as I'm sure do a lot of P-ers on here! (I'm not sure whether P-ers should be a term! ) I also struggle to wear any summer clothes and will not wear anything short sleeved, no matter how hot it gets! Plus, oooh the waits for specialists! I've had a moan about that a few times on here.

The problem with all the potions off the internet is that what works for one person doesn't work for another (not even mentioning the ones that work for noone!) - it does get you down. And then they, for no reason, just sometimes stop working! Arrgghh!

I hope the dermatologist has some useful plan for you. Maybe you could opt for light treatment if its worked well in the past, or opt for a biologic depending on your PASI?

Good luck 

[waco]

Hi and sorry to hear about situation.

Have you tried any diets or lifestyle changes ?

First thing I would do and certainly do when I flare is to stop all alcohol, processed food, dairy and cut right down on red meat (all the things I really like). Try and stay away from acidic foods.

I know this is really hard. I find during a bad flare I crave a drink and the foods that I love but it really has helped me.

Somebody once said "nothing tastes as good as better skin". I's something I try and remember.

I've never found this to be a cure but it normally helps noticeably and I normally feel a bit more positive if I am doing something positive.

The very best of luck to you.

[carollj]

Hey
I know how you feel im 28 and have had p for 15. I currently taken Fumerderm which had been amazing, truly life changing just dont want the day to come where i may have to stop taking it. Sometimes it does help to discuss thing with some one who understands what your going through  Pm any time xx