Helloo from Yaseen!

[Fred]

Caroline, do you mind linking me where you read that Methotrexate doesn't help PsA, whenever you have the time, so that I show it to my doctor? Thank you!

Yes it's probably the thread Jim has pointed you to on the post above, this one may also help Methotrexate not working for Synovitis in psoriatic arthritis

Also like Jim said the search facility will throw you up many threads on your choice of search, it's only available to members and this thread explains the best way to use it. Using The Search Facility

You will also find dome positive threads by members using the search, so it's not all bad news. But what you have been given in replies so far are from members that have used Methotrexate and had a bad experience, hopefully someone reading will post a more positive reply.

But in my opinion if you continue with Methotrexate you will using this smiley Yes the bios do lower your immune system, but if it's monitored properly it's better than what you can go through with Methotrexate, Fumaderm is also getting very good reports on this forum.

I also notice you mention your "Doctor" are you seeing a Dermatologist ? If not I would highly recommend you get referred to one, they are better suited to treating you, and a GP will always continue to bung you Methrotrexate and Steroid creams.

[Caroline]

Hi Yaseen,

See the link that Jim mentioned for the MTX research.

If you don't want to go for the biologicals, you might indeed think in the direction of the fumarates.

Three approaches already mentioned.
Bill: straight DMF
Jim: Fumaderm, a combination preparate of mono and dimethylfumarate.
Caroline: Psorinovo, an enteric coated slow release form of dimethylfumarate.

All approaches have to be guided by a doctor that specifically watches your lymphocytes and liver functions.
There are hardly any problems with DMF and we all want to keep it that way, so that's where the doctor is for.

[slm]

Hi Yaseen,
Welcome. I too am new to the forum and have spent many years trying to manage and work out my flare ups. I too have PsA and have tried Simponi a monthly injection. This has meant a return to a normal lifestyle. I encourage you to keep active. It is great you enjoy swimming. My doctor has encouraged me to eat gluten free, take vitamin D and fish oil. I hope you have success in managing your health. SLM

[Fred]

If you feel the need to educate your doctor with material from this forum then could I suggest you look for another one? Please dont mis-understand me: The forum is excellent and current, but isn't that what you want from your specialist?

That's a very good valid point Bill, any specialist will and should already know the information that is on Psoriasis Club. But I do sometimes think it can help people to arm themselves with as much information as possible so they can not only understand what is going on, but also what they can think of bringing up at the appointment.

Pointing to an article on a website such as Psoriasis Club to your specialist may not be the best way to go, but print it off and have it handy for your meeting may be, and I'm thinking that was what Yaseen was asking for.

I'm with Bill though, at the end of the day if you feel your specialist/dermatologist/doctor/or anyone treating you for psoriasis needs educating then it's time to find a new one.

Discussing things and making suggestions is fine but trying to educate them is not.

[Yaseenaltajer]

Hey guys I have read all your replies and thanks alot, I am reading and researching about it and I am definately thinking of trying out fumarates in the near future. As for the doctor, My old dermatologist unfortunately passed away shortly after I started seeing him, and now I am waiting for my new health insurance to kick in and then I will hunt down a good dermatologist to guide me as you said. You guys gave me lots and lots of information that I didnt know, so I'm looking forward to the future results and I will definately let you all know! Best of luck everyone

[Troll]

Hello Yaseen

[mataribot]

Everyone seems to be scared of biologics, but the truth is the significantly safer traditional DMARDs such MTX and even NSAIDs. Are there risks involved? Yes. However, pharmaceutical companies are required to list everything that occurs during phase II and greater even if they have no correlation to the drug itself. The truth is your disease itself carries a higher risk of medical problems over the general populous. The only real concerns of biologics is tuberculosis, hepatitis, and flares of other autoimmune diseases.

Biologics are typically reserved for severe disease because of cost. Also, traditional DMARDs do not help with spondylolisthesis (not sure about DMF). The only crime here is not pursuing a drug that prevent your disease from getting worse.

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