feathers intro

[jiml]

Hi everyone, just found your group whilst trawling around the internet checking up on the headlines in the press today about 'miracle cure' - otezela , its been interesting reading some of the posts regarding otezela  and for me I'll wait and see before I charge down to the doctors to see if its available and suitable for me. 

As a long term sufferer you can guess I have tried most potions and lotions but now I tend to just put up with it and make the most of the sunshine to ease it back.

Whilst I have some hefty patches on my legs, arms and strangely on my butt (difficult to get the sunshine there without being arrested) , for me the biggest problems are when my scalp flares up and when it comes up under my nails.  Its like having bamboo slivers driven in, not nice at all.

Consultant recommended  Dovobet for both which seems to help but as ever it always comes back and usually a little worse.  When its really bad over the winter periods I get out to dermalight that I had had for years

I'll keep an eye on posts and hopefully I will pick up a few ideas that may help in the future

cheers everyone

Hi Feather and a big   to the club....glad you found us while trawling the net, what you have found is in my opinion probably the only place you can get independent advice as the site is totally run by sufferers, for sufferers without advertising or any spam, so enjoy reading our members experiences and how they deal with the disease ..

There is a lot on here about otezla. What I will say and I'm not trying to dampen your spirit, but I think you are unlikely to get it as a first step up from creams and potions.
Dermatologists have a protocol where they have to try to control your disease starting with the least expensive drugs ( which otezla isn't)

I would suggest you go to your dermatologist and tell them that the creams are not working and it's affecting your quality of life, and relationships ( lay it on ) have some psoriasis to show if possible ....but explain it's painful and unsightly and you are feeling low

You can say you've read about otezla ....but I can see him taking a sharp intake of breath, and telling you that first we must try one of the other oral drugs, like methotrexate or acetretin .

Take what's offered is my advice but don't settle for creams and light treatment as in my opinion they just relieve the problem short term at best .

I hope you get something that works for you , and feel free to ask as many questions as you have .

We are a friendly group of sufferers who sometimes venture into the off topic section where it can be surreal

Good luck and hope to hear more from you now you have found us

Jim