I am new - Just wanted to introduce myself

[Hawklight]

Hi Everyone,


I live in California.   I have moderate-severe psoriasis.  It covers my legs, arms, head, my back and few nasty spots on my forehead and side of my face.  I have tried lifestyle changes, I fixed some issues with my gut like Small Intestinal Bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and yeast issues.That didn't help.     I have tried red light therapy in a tanning salon.  And I have been doing Phototherapy.  The problem has been I have Blonde hair and Blue eyes so very photosensitive.  I  can get to about 450 Lumens and then I burn.  

I was desperate at one point when I had a bad reaction to the light therapy and I was up all night with pins and needles pain and itching out of my mind.  My niece convinced me to try these lights which are a combination infrared, red and blue light.  

Honestly, it did not really help the psoriasis but these are for inflammation, pain etc. I no longer have pain in my hands, back, knees and feet from Osteoarthritis! I use the pads on my head and the eye mask everyday.  The light therapy has really helped me cope with depression, anxiety too. So I consider it a very worthwhile investment! 

Anyway, The doctor decided to do a punch biopsy to confirm my diagnosis.   I got a terrible MRSA infection from that. Over that now. Yeah!


Back on the light therapy - started at the bottom level 200 and I am only back up to 250 now.  

My Dermatologist wanted me to start on Cosentyx.  
I have been very reluctant to jump on that.  Without the drug, In the past I have had chronic sinus  infections, bronchitis and Candida.  So, I worry about suppressing my immune system.

But I have just hit a wall with this disease and I think I am ready.  My husband and I Love to travel, go to Belize etc.  That is out until my skin is better because I can't stand to be in a hot humid environment. 

So that is my long background. I hope I haven't overshared.  I am really looking for support and information on other people's experiences with  Cosentyx.  Did they experience Candida, complications etc.  

I really appreciate having this forum!!

Cheers,

[jiml]

Hi Hawkwind   to the club I'm afraid I haven't been on Cosentyx so can't help with your query but I'm sure you will get lots of genuine answers here

I will just say that uv therapy is at best a temporary fix and rarely gives long term clearance and there are limits to the amount you should have ...so I think the biological route should be a good one and able to give long term clearance

Enjoy your time with us and browse the boards for other members experience of cosentyx there are several of them and if you put Cosentyx in the search facility Search it should throw up several threads to read

[Fred]

Hello Hawklight   to Psoriasis Club.

I have been on Cosentyx just over two years and had no problems with anything. I don't however find it great for psoriasis, but it does what I want it to do and that is give me life back by ridding me of psoriatic arthritis.

If you put Candida in the  Search from the top menu you will find some information. But the only one I could find in relation to Cosentyx and Candida was this one. My Cosentyx Story

Hopefully others will know more. .

Don't hesitate to dive on in now you have found us, you will find a friendly bunch.

Regards.

Fred.

Oh and don't worry about oversharing, it's what we are here for.

[Raxyl]

Hello Hawklight and welcome to the forum.  I have been on Cosentyx for about 2 months now have found it really effective and I have not experienced any significant side effects and no infection or illness in that time.  I have been keeping a journal which you can read here if you are so inclined; [Group Specific]

[Fred]

I have been keeping a journal which you can read here if you are so inclined; [Group Specific]

You need to make 10 posts to read the Members Journals Hawklight.

[Hawklight]

Hi Raylx,
Thank you for responding and for your support!  I really look forward to reading your journal.  Apparently, I need to make more posts before I am allowed access.  Sounds like you have had trends success after even 2 months of using the dug.  You give me hope!

I am so excite to be part of this forum.  I have felt quite isolated.  I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  I have to drive 50 minutes 1 way to go to light therapy 3 times a week - It's kind of all consuming.  

Again, I look forward to reading your journal.  Cheers

[Hawklight]

Hi Fred!
Thank-you for the welcoming post!  I will check out the posts on Candida.  I am so happy to hear that the Cosentyx has met your needs - even though it hasn't cleared your psoriasis.  

Cheers,

[Raxyl]

Hi Raylx,
Thank you for responding and for your support!  I really look forward to reading your journal.  Apparently, I need to make more posts before I am allowed access.  Sounds like you have had trends success after even 2 months of using the dug.  You give me hope!

I am so excite to be part of this forum.  I have felt quite isolated.  I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  I have to drive 50 minutes 1 way to go to light therapy 3 times a week - It's kind of all consuming.  

Again, I look forward to reading your journal.  Cheers

It can be a very isolating disease; but I have found that the people here to be really helpful, supportive, knowledgeable and always ready offer advise or just listen. I have been dealing with Psoriasis for about 25 years now and this year was the worst for me but fortunately, I found this place about a year ago and it has helped me cope with the condition both physically and emotionally.

I also have UVB therapy 3 times a week fortunately for me it is only 5 min away and is on my way home from work.

For me, the turn around has been really significant, in two months I have gone from moderate to severe coverage that was flaking and bleeding constantly on my upper and lower legs, lower arms back and stomach to some residual scarring and a few spots of slightly dry skin.

We are all here to help each other.

Cheers,
Craig (aka Raxyl)

[D Foster]

Hi Hawklight , welcome to the forum . This place has more information about P and PsA than anywhere that I know and there is nobody trying sell you anything as no adverts are allowed .
I have not been on Cosentyx  though quite a few people have and have had good results, one thing to bear in mind is that we are all different and what works for one does not necessarily work for another .
I am on Stelara which lots of people have had great results on P from, ask any questions that you need as they will be answered by inmates with the same problems , you are not alone.
It is true that bios in general do knock your immune system and you have to be extra careful what you eat sometimes and try not to expose yourself unnecessarily to people with colds etc. but for the results it is more than worth it.
Have a good look around and ask away, we are a happy lot, a bit crazy , or some of us are.

[Fred]

If you are looking for a new post here I have moved it as it's better suited as a new thread.

You can find it here: Hyperbaric chamber for psoriasis