Hi All

[Amy]

Hi everyone,

I'm Amy and have had Psoriasis for 2/3 of my life and have just about reached my limit! It started as small patches on my knees and elbows and has gotten worse as I have gotten older. As it stands it covers in excess of 70% of my body and I have finally accepted that steriod cream and moisturiser isnt gonna fix it.

I have had my first consult with a dermatologist and been advised that my options are Methotrexate or Ciclosporin in the first instance and that within the space of a few months my dermatologist is pretty sure i will need to be on biologicals.

I guess im relieved that there is another way and that I do have options but at the same time the possible side effects scare the hell out of me.

My husband is great and has been nothing but supportive but he just heard I can take a pill and it will get better - my next appointment is tomorrow and my head is buzzing with questions.

Augh!!!!

Anyway i figured you guys would understnad where im at right now!

[Hanna]

Hi Amy and


It is scary when faced with a variety of drug choices, I'm kinda in a similar situation (although I'm currently in denial and refusing to see my derm until it becomes painful)

I personally found cyclosporin the most effective treatment and didn't suffer to bad from the side affects, it s a bit of trial and error with any meds.

Try to stay positive as when you start treatment your psoriasis can clear quickly

[Fred]

Hello Amy to Psoriasis Club

Yes we understand how you feel, and you will find us a small but friendly group.

You are going the right way seeing a dermatologist, they will be able to work with you to find what is best suited. I wouldn't be to worried about the side affects, as things have moved on a lot in the past few years and your dermatologist will keep a good eye on you.

There is no magic pill at the moment, but there are lots of new things in the pipeline. If your dermatologist is already talking about a bio treatment then they are obviously keeping up to date.

They do still usually try Methotrexate first, one because of costs and it's a proven treatment that can work, and two because the funding doesn't usually allow a move from creams to bio without first trying the cheaper alternatives first.

These threads may help:
Biological Treatments For Psoriasis
Methotrexate

Don't hesitate to ask questions, if we can help we will.

Regards.

Fred.

[Caroline]

Indeed, they go for the cheaper alternatives first. That is a correct conclusion.

The question is if that is a smart approach.
Research in the Reumatology direction has proved that an immediate approach with the better alternatives, like biologicals, and a fast build-up, have a better lasting effect towards the future for people with reuma.

Might be the same for psoriasis.

Welcome on our lovely the forum of course.

Caroline.

[Troll]

Hello Amy

[Amy]

Thanks everyone!

Well having spent over 3 hours at the hospital - ive been prescribed methotrexate but for some reason I dont take my first does until Thursday - have to admit the fact the the doctor didnt recognise me and assumed it was my first visit until i pointed out i had seen him before his conference in the USA wasnt exactly reassuring - looks like the good old NHS lost my notes!!

Fingers crossed this works - need sleep and not to have a cloud of bits follow me around! (sorry that sounds terrible)

[KyPrincess]

Hi Amy Welcome to the forum.

[debcandu]

Hi Amy welcome to the forum. You will find friendly and helpful people here

[Lady Bugley-Ah]

Hi Amy!
Belated welcome to the forum, not fully out of hibernation yet.
Good luck with the treatment, I hope you see some improvement soon
Lady B x

[Krissie_Wright]

Hi Amy,

Just read your post and I am shocked that your derm has gone straight to the use of immunomodulatory drugs for your psoriasis. A good derm would only suggest these after all other treatments, including UV therapy, have failed.

Like you I have had psoriasis for a very long time (32 years now and I'm only 36) and at it's worst about 90% of my body was covered (the only exceptions being my hands, feet and face) but I have found UVB to be very helpful to clear this.... I had treatment for the first time about 4 years ago and my skin was clear in approx 8 - 10 weeks of treatment. I have now borrowed a UVB unit to use at home and it's working well so far.

I would speak to your derm again as using pretty powerful drugs before ruling out all other options seems a little rash to me.

Krissie

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