Initiation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Antagonists and the Risk of Hospitalization for Infection in Patients With Autoimmune Diseases.

Objectives: To determine whether initiation of TNF-α antagonists compared with nonbiologic comparators is associated with an increased risk of serious infections requiring hospitalization.

Design, Setting, and Patients: Within a US multi-institutional collaboration, we assembled retrospective cohorts (1998-2007) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis (psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies) combining data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance programs, Tennessee Medicaid, and national Medicaid/Medicare. TNF-α antagonists and nonbiologic regimens were compared in disease-specific propensity score (PS)–matched cohorts using Cox regression models with nonbiologics as the reference. Baseline glucocorticoid use was evaluated as a separate covariate.

Main Outcome: Measure Infections requiring hospitalization (serious infections) during the first 12 months after initiation of TNF-α antagonists or nonbiologic regimens.

Results: Study cohorts included 10 484 RA, 2323 IBD, and 3215 psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies matched pairs using TNF-α antagonists and comparator medications. Overall, we identified 1172 serious infections, most of which (53%) were pneumonia and skin and soft tissue infections. Among patients with RA, serious infection hospitalization rates were 8.16 (TNF-α antagonists) and 7.78 (comparator regimens) per 100 person-years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.05 [95% CI, 0.91-1.21]). Among patients with IBD, rates were 10.91 (TNF-α antagonists) and 9.60 (comparator) per 100 person-years (aHR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.83-1.46]). Among patients with psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies, rates were 5.41 (TNF-α antagonists) and 5.37 (comparator) per 100 person-years (aHR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.76-1.45]). Among patients with RA, infliximab was associated with a significant increase in serious infections compared with etanercept (aHR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.47]) and adalimumab (aHR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.02-1.48]). Baseline glucocorticoid use was associated with a dose-dependent increase in infections.

Conclusion: Among patients with autoimmune diseases, compared with treatment with nonbiologic regimens, initiation of TNF-α antagonists was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalizations for serious infections.

Source: jama.ama-assn.org

HIGH FIVES!!!

So, just wanted to share, last night I went to a family party and for the first time, in such a long time I wore a top with mid-length sleeves exposing my forearms and elbows!!! Yay! Happy dance!!

Completely dreadful initially but actually didn't feel too self conscious once everyone had had a good stare! lol

Perhaps a small achievement but MY GOODNESS I'm proud of myself so high fives and pats on the back for me please!

Hooray!

Jess x

(Fred, feel free to move/rename this is I've not put it in the right place. Thought it would be good to have an area on the forum to share good day stories/mini successes   x )

I can't afford any health insurance right now, and the only prescribe medicines I do have I try to renew whenever I can.

I'm using Dermasmooth scalp oil, for my head and elocon for my face. other than that, Im relying on over the counter stuff and sticking to some sort of diet that wont help inflame my skin.

i use this stuff, i buy at the store called MG217 Coal Tar and the Nuetrogena T-Gel shampoo. i started using a loofa brush, and this nuetrogena body wash, along with this Dove pink soap. i dont care if its for women, that stuff makes my skin feel smoother. lol.

I try to drink a lot of water, and sadly cut way down or completely out any beer or alocohol. I also try to stay active, and play a lot of basketball or walk.

Hello everyone,am feeling a bit of a silly trying to find my way around your forum.I am sure i will be ok in the long run.
Absolutely shocked that someone of my age should suddenly develope Sporiasis

hello everyone. my name is Adrien, and I have had Psoriasis since I was 18 or 19. I honestly dont remember anymore. I do know that it sucks donkey balls. lol.

but anyways, just introducing myself.

Hi there,

I have had psoriasis for 23 years and PA for the past year.

Hope you are all well.

MrG (Paul)

The U.S. health regulator has asked manufacturers of certain class of drugs, known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, to submit reports of cancers in children and adolescents within 15 days of hearing of such cases.

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration had said it was investigating the possible association between the use of TNF blockers in children and adolescents and increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers.

TNF blockers suppress the immune system by blocking the activity of TNF, a substance in the body that can cause inflammation and lead to immune-system diseases.

TNF blockers are used to treat a wide variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

They are widely used in products such as Johnson & Johnson's Remicade and Simponi, Pfizer Inc's Enbrel, Abbott Laboratories Inc's Humira and UCB SA's Cimzia.

The FDA said the new move will allow it to analyze all reported malignancies based on more complete and consistent reports.

The FDA also asked healthcare professionals to report malignancy in patients treated with TNF blockers to the agency or to the manufacturer.

It’s estimated that around 3% of the world’s population suffer with Psoriasis, and about 30% of those will go on to get Psoriatic Arthritis. You cannot catch Psoriasis from anything or anyone and there is no cure. It just suddenly appears one day and you go through the rest of your life searching for a cure. It can be very painful and can ruin your life so be warned one day you could get Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is not racist: It makes no difference on where you come from USA, Russia, Europe, Asia, anywhere in the world. All Races are welcome.

Psoriasis is not sexist: Male, Female, Gay, Lesbian, Sexually active, Virgin. Makes no difference as Psoriasis loves you all.

Psoriasis is not ageist: It can affect you at any stage of your life. You could have it as a baby, you could get it as a teenager, you can get it in middle age, or it may just wait till your comfortably retired and enjoying your twilight years before paying you a visit

Psoriasis is not classist: Capitalist, Super rich, Upper, Middle, Working, And Poor. You will all spend your money trying to get rid of it.

Psoriasis does not discriminate against religion: Christian, Catholic, Islam, Judaism, Rastafari, Hinduism, and Atheism. It doesn’t mind what beliefs you have.

Psoriasis doesn’t care about your political views, it doesn’t care if you honest or a criminal, it doesn’t care if you fit or weak, in fact it couldn’t care less about you in any way whatsoever. It just wants to control your life and make you feel like S**t. and it will if you let it!

So just remember if you don’t have Psoriasis be careful about what you think of those that do. And keep in mind that it could one day decide to pay you a visit.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that discriminates against no one.

Research Summary:
The objective of the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - High Density (CPCG-H) experiment was to produce large, well-ordered crystals of several different macromolecules for use in X-ray diffraction studies.
This investigation verified the performance of the new hardware assembly and continued to develop technology for macromolecular crystal growth experiments in microgravity.

The hardware consists of 4 independently operated trays each holding 42 growth cell assemblies of six experiments for a total of 1008 experiments. The growth cell assembly utilizes a user-friendly vapour diffusion chamber that mimics typical ground-based Linbro 24-well plates.

Description:
The Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - High Density (CPCG-H) is protein crystal growth experiment flight hardware. During ISS Expeditions 2 and 4, CPCG-H was outfitted with High-Density Protein Crystal Growth (HDPCG) hardware. HDPCG was a vapour-diffusion facility that could process as many as 1008 individual protein samples. The entire HDPCG assembly had four independent trays that held 252 individual protein crystal growth experiments on each. The chambers had a protein reservoir, a precipitant reservoir, and an optically-clear access cap. The chambers were designed to reduce sedimentation problems and to produce highly uniform, single crystals. The trays can be removed and transferred to an awaiting camera system, Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - Video (CPCG-V), for observation while on the International Space Station (ISS). The individual experiments are grouped in sets of six and can be harvested one at a time.

The CPCG-H flight system can fly a typical Space Shuttle sortie mission or can be transferred to an ISS Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack for an extended mission. The HDPCG growth cell assemblies can provide up to three levels of containment if needed for safety while providing in-process crystal observations through optically-clear polycarbonate windows. CPCG-H is a single Middeck Locker Equivalent which weighs 32.7 kg.

Proteins provide the building blocks of our bodies. Some proteins make it possible for red blood cells to carry oxygen while other proteins help transmit nerve impulses that allow us to see, hear, smell, and touch. Still other proteins play crucial roles in causing diseases. Pharmaceutical companies may be able to develop new or improved drugs to fight those diseases once the exact structures of the proteins are known.

The goal of the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - High-density (CPCG-H) is to grow high-quality crystals of selected proteins so that their molecular structures can be studied. On Earth, gravity often has a negative impact on growing protein crystals. In microgravity, however, gravitational disturbances are removed, thus allowing some crystals to grow in a more regular and perfect form.

The primary proteins involved in the testing of the CPCG-H hardware during ISS Expeditions 2 and 4 were mistletoe lectin-I (ML-I), Thermus flavus 5S RNA, brefeldin A-ADP ribosylated substrate (BARS), and a triple mutant myoglobin (Mb-YQR). ML-I is a ribosome inactivating protein that can stop protein biosynthesis (creation of proteins) in cells, and is also a major component of drugs used in the treatment of cancer. Although the study of Thermus flavus 5S RNA has been ongoing for well over 30 years, the exact function of this protein remains obscure. Scientists believe that the crystallization of different domains of this protein may reveal functional properties. BARS is an enzyme involved in membrane fission, catalysing the formation of phosphatidic acid by transfer. Mb-YQR was studied to assess the functional role of packing defects in proteins. The understanding of these protein structures will provide valuable insight into the role of these proteins for applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Space Applications:
The crystals grown in microgravity are able to grow larger and more organized than those grown on Earth. The results from this investigation may further human space exploration efforts by creating technological and biological advancements as a direct result from this research.

Earth Applications:
This investigation is a validation of the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth-High Density (CPCG-H) facility. The CPCG-H will be used to grow large protein crystals of medical importance in an undisturbed, microgravity environment. High-Density crystals were grown to study the effectiveness of the CPCG-H in producing high-quality crystals that enhance post flight, Earth-based analysis.

Knowledge of precise three-dimensional molecular structure is a key component in biotechnology fields such as protein engineering and pharmacology. In order to obtain accurate data on the three-dimensional structure of protein crystals or other macromolecules, scientists employ a process called X-ray crystallography. Crystallographers construct computer models that reveal the complex structures of a protein molecule. In order to generate an accurate computer model, crystallographers must first crystallize the protein and analyse the resulting crystals by a process called X-ray diffraction. Precise measurements of thousands of diffracted intensities from each crystal help scientists map the probable positions of the atoms within each protein molecule. This complex process requires several months to several years to complete.

The quality of structural information obtained from X-ray diffraction methods is directly dependent on the degree of perfection of the crystals. Thus, the structures of many important proteins remain a mystery simply because researchers are unable to obtain crystals of high enough quality or large enough size. Generally, crystals must have dimensions of approximately 0.3 mm to 1.00 mm, and the protein molecules must be arranged in an orderly, repeating pattern. Consequently, the growth of high quality macromolecular crystals for diffraction analyses has been of primary importance for protein engineers, biochemists, and pharmacologists.

On Earth, the crystallization process is hindered by forces of sedimentation and convection since the molecules in the crystal solution are not of uniform size and weight. This leads to many crystals of irregular shape and small size that are unusable. However, the microgravity environment aboard the ISS is relatively free from the effects of sedimentation and convection and provides an exceptional environment for crystal growth.

To understand the true function of a protein, the structure must be determined. The model of the structure must be accurate to allow scientists to create compounds that bind to the protein. The understanding of the protein structure is of major importance with complex proteins (proteins that have significant folding). The three-dimensional structure of the triple mutant protein Mb-YQR was solved by growing the protein on ISS during Expeditions 2 and 4. Following return to Earth, three-dimensional models were created of the Mb-YQR proteins grown in space using X-ray crystallography techniques (Miele et al. 2004).

Structural studies of microgravity-grown crystals have provided important information for the development of new drugs. For example, previous studies conducted using crystals grown on shuttle flights have been used in the design of inhibitors, which may serve as broad-spectrum antibiotics. The CPCG-H payload offers a great increase in the amount of space available for protein crystal growth, enhancing the space station's research capabilities and commercial potential.

Source: nasa.gov

Hello Everyone,

I was a member quite a while ago. But have had a lot of healh issues, so not able to get on here. I have had p since birth, am 51 now. I think i have pa now but told no its osterarhtirtis (not spelt right). Hope to get info and hope to help others.

Abbott scientists and independent researchers will highlight the latest research findings on HUMIRA® (adalimumab) at this year's American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting, scheduled for November 5-9 in Chicago.  The presentations include data on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), as well as health economics research.

"At this year's ACR, taking place in our home town of Chicago, researchers will share a broad spectrum of compelling data for HUMIRA across approved and investigational indications," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott.  "These studies underscore our commitment to advancing treatment for rheumatologic diseases and meeting the needs of patients, physicians and payors around the world."
Presentation Highlights

Abbott data being presented at ACR include the first presentation of results from ABILITY-1, the first Phase 3 study to evaluate an anti-tumor necrosis factor medication (anti-TNF) in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. These data were selected for an oral presentation on November 8.

The company also will present clinical and patient-reported outcomes from OPTIMA, the first global prospective trial using a treat-to-target philosophy in the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Treat to target is focused on achieving a clearly defined treatment goal within a set duration of time and adjusting the treatment if the target is not met. In OPTIMA, the treatment goal was a composite primary endpoint of low disease activity score (DAS28<3.2) and no radiographic progression (change from baseline in modified total Sharp score of less than or equal to 0.5).

Additionally, Abbott is presenting data from among the longest open-label extension studies in RA: 10-year data from the open-label extension of the DE019 trial of patients with moderate to severe long-standing RA and eight-year data from the open-label extension of the PREMIER trial of patients with early moderate to severe RA. Abbott also will present five-year results from the open-label extension of the ATLAS study. ATLAS is a Phase 3, multicenter, double-blind trial of patients with active AS randomized to HUMIRA 40 mg every other week or placebo for 24 weeks followed by an open-label extension up to five years.

Identified below are some HUMIRA abstracts of interest (all times are CST):
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Study Related to Clinical and Radiographic Implications of Time to Treatment Response in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Baseline Levels of Disease Activity Reflective of a Clinical Practice Setting; E. Keystone, et al

    Abstract 417; Poster Session; November 6, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Analysis of Genetic Influence of HLA-DRB1, IL4R and FcγRIIb on Radiographic Responses to Methotrexate Monotherapy or Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate Through 26 Weeks in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis; A. Skapenko, et al

    Abstract 154; Poster Session; November 6, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Eight-Year Results of an Open-Label Extension of a Phase 3 Trial Related to Initial Combination Therapy with Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis; F. Breedveld, et al

    Abstract 1231; Poster Session; November 7, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Study Related to Baseline Levels of the Inflammatory Biomarker C-Reactive Protein Correlation with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures of Synovitis at Baseline and After 26 Weeks of Treatment in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis; C. Peterfy, et al

    Abstract 1612; Oral Abstract Session; November 7, 2011; 2:45 p.m.;
    Location: W 474 A

Study Related to Outcomes and Predictors in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate, Methotrexate Alone or Methotrexate Plus Subsequent Adalimumab; J. Smolen, et al

    Abstract 1698; Oral Abstract Session; November 7, 2011; 5:15 p.m.;
    Location: W 375 C

Results of a Phase 4, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Related to Withdrawal of Adalimumab in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Who Attained Stable Low Disease Activity with Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate; A. Kavanaugh, et al

    Abstract 1699; Oral Abstract Session; November 7, 2011; 5:30 p.m.;
    Location: W 375 C

Final 10-Year Results of an Open-Label Extension of a Phase 3 Trial Related to Initial Combination Therapy with Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate in Patients with Long-standing RA; E. Keystone, et al

    Abstract 2228; Poster Session; November 8, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Phase 3b and Post-Marketing Observational Study Related to Safety and Effectiveness of Adalimumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis During More Than Five Years of Therapy; G. Burmester, et al

    Abstract 2216; Poster Session; November 8, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Study Related to Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab for up to Six Years in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis; D. Lovell, et al

    Abstract 265; Poster Session; November 6, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Ankylosing Spondylitis/Spondyloarthritis

Five-Year Results Related to Improvement of Spinal Mobility, Physical Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis; D. van der Heijde, et al

    Abstract 535; Poster Session; November 6, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Results from a Phase 3 Study Related to Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Patients with Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis; J. Sieper, et al

    Abstract 2486A; Oral Abstract Session; November 8, 2011; 2:30 p.m.;
    Location: W 475 A

Health and Economic Outcomes

Study Related to The Impact of Disease Duration on Work Status in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; L. Harrold, et al

    Abstract 108; Poster Session; November 6, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Impact of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis on Parents' Work Absences; R. Rasu, et al

    Abstract 259; Poster Session; November 6, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Work Absences and Costs Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison between Employees with and without Rheumatoid Arthritis in a U.S. Population; R. Brook, et al

    Abstract 913; Poster Session; November 7, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Study Related to Effect of Adalimumab on Function, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity and Daily Activities in Patients with Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis; W. Maksymowych, et al

    Abstract 1312; Poster Session; November 7, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Validation of the Patient Acceptable Work State: Establishing Thresholds for Patient-Reported Outcomes in a Longitudinal, Observational Study in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis; W. Maksymowych, et al

    Abstract 1326; Poster Session; November 7, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Results from a 26-Week Analysis of Combination Therapy with Adalimumab+Methotrexate Related to Work Ability, Physical Function, Fatigue and Other Patient-Reported Outcomes in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis; R. van Vollenhoven, et al

    Abstract 2189; Poster Session: November 8, 2011; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;
    Location: Poster Hall

Souce: abbott.com

Hi Everyone!

My names Amy!
I'm 19.. And i have suffered with psoriasis since I was born! Since i can remeber ive been passed from pillar to post In hospitals! Ive never been on a support forum before, So thought i would give it go!

Im hoping i can get some advice on here and also give other people advice too!

Amy xx

A Dublin woman has revealed how psoriasis, a disease that most regard as superficial, caused her to come "close to suicidal".

Denise McGowan developed the condition when she was three years old and by the time she was in her teens, as it spread on most areas of her body, she started to feel like an outcast.

"Most people think that psoriasis is just a 'skin thing', but it's not, it affects your immune system, for some people it causes arthritis, but it also has a profound psychological effect on people," the 32-year-old Clonsilla native told the Herald.

"When I was very small it wasn't too much of an issue, I wasn't worried about my appearance, some treatments were painful but as a little one, I dealt with it very well.

"As I got older, it got more and more difficult, I had to cover up, I started getting it on my legs, my arms, my chest, my scalp -- and it's a vicious circle, the more you have it, the more you might scratch at it and it only gets worse.

"It came to a point where I was in hospital for three weeks, and I was close to suicidal in my teenage years.

"I felt so isolated, there was no one in my school who had it and I would get a lot of remarks.

"It was nothing physical but you'd be told: 'I hope you don't go near the same hairdresser as me' and so on. I had very few friends.

"My parents were brilliant but I didn't confide in them, I was really quiet, but they'd do anything for me so when they realised, I left school and got a fresh start elsewhere."

A clinical psychologist at Queen's University Belfast, Dr Kate Russo explained this disease can often lead to "depression and severe anxiety" as sufferers lose their self-esteem and try to avoid social situations.

In Ireland, over 100,000 suffer from the disease and in the long run, they may feel like "this can impact upon their ability to meet a partner; or they may avoid intimacy which can interfere with a long term relationship," Dr Russo said.

"This can result in not being able to live their lives in the way that they would wish, which can be very upsetting. Even choices of career can be influenced by psoriasis."

Vitamin D is essential in helping psoriasis. It is in the group of fat-soluble secosteroids and is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because the body can synthesize it (as vitamin D3) when sun exposure is adequate (hence its nickname, the "sunshine vitamin").

Vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements. it is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first occurs in the liver and converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as calcidiol. The second occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], also known as calcitriol.

So where do we get it?
#1 Your first place to look for a source of Vitamin D is the Sun. It’s free and exposure of 15 minutes three times a week is sufficient.

#2 Next you should be looking at foods. Good sources of Vitamin D in food are, Oily Fish including Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Tuna. Eggs (Vit D is in the yolk). Beef Liver. Mushrooms. Some manufactured foods are also supplemented with Vitamin D including, Powdered Milk, Breakfast Cereal, and Margarine. (Look for it on the label)

#3 Light Therapies: Pure UVA sunbeds are supposedly ineffective for the treatment of psoriasis on their own so make sure you have UVB.

#4 Supplements: Most people should be able to get the vitamin D they need by eating a varied and balanced diet and by getting some sun. If you insist on taking vitamin D supplements, do not take too much and check with your GP for the maximum daily intake.

OK so how much do you need?
You do not need vitamin D in your diet every day. This is because any of the vitamin your body does not need immediately is stored for future use. The recommended upper dose for an average adult is 4,000 IU (100 mcg) daily.

Salmon, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz) 360 IU (3.6 IU/g)
Mackerel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), 345 IU (3.45 IU/g)
Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 50 g (1.75 oz), 250 IU (5 IU/g)
Tuna, canned in oil, 100 g (3.5 oz), 235 IU (2.35 IU/g)
A 60g egg provides 20 IU (0.33 IU/g)
Beef liver, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz) 15 IU (0.15 IU/g)
Cod liver oil, 1 Tbs. (15 ml) 1360 IU (90.6 IU/ml)
Mushrooms, 100-g portion (grilled) from about 14 IU (0.14 IU/g non-exposed) to about 500 IU (5 IU/g exposed to UV light).

Anyone with any more information on Vitamin D please add.

You may not have time to visit the forum to see if there are any new threads or answers to your posts, but our members can get an email if someone starts a new thread in a section they are interested in or if another member posts an answer to your thread

Lets say you always want to know if there is a new thread in the "Psoriasis In The News" board.
Go to that board and just under the New Thread button (top right) you will see Subscribe to this forum click that and you will get an email if a new thread is started in "Psoriasis In The News"

Note: you can subscribe to as many forums as you wish, but you will only get notified if you have "Instant email notification" turned on in your UserCP options and accept emails from The Administrators

So now you can keep a check on your favourite boards via email.

You can also subscribe to a thread without posting in it: If you look at the bottom of the thread on the left hand side you will see "Subscribe To This Thread" Click it and a window will open, make sure Instant Email Notification is ticked and click Subscribe To Thread.

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My experience at Vanier started in grade 10. It was a fresh start. I didn't have friends and I didn't start with expectations. That first year I made a few good friends, those who graduated previously. The two years we grew closer in school, they made me feel I had comfort and incentive to walk through the halls each day.

Due to having a condition like Psoriasis, I have always felt I don't fit in and feel like an outcast. When I get strange looks after someone glances at my face and body, I feel disintegrated and put below them. Not only do I feel their looks, but I hear talking about me as they walk away.

On my second last day spent at Vanier this year, sitting in my Math 12 class, I heard talking once again, but this time it was about what I was wearing. (I was simply wearing jeans, a tank and a crocheted top. Acceptable? I think so). Anyways, it didn't stop at that, these girls went on to say how "pathetic", "slutty" and "awkward" I am. Within the same conversation, I heard one girl specifically say, "I would invite her to a party to see how awkward she would be but she's native, my parents would never allow her at my house". That is racism. And I am no self-confident person to begin with, but I know that these facts are certainly not true about myself. I shouldn't have to leave a place, certainly not a classroom, feeling so uncomfortable and degraded.

I grew up in a community with two small schools, both of which I attended. These schools and teachers taught all students not only the required lessons (math, English, P.E., etc), but to truly respect everyone and everything around you, including nature. They taught me how to be an intuitive, considerate and openminded person.

In my experiences at Vanier, in certain teachers' classes, I was demonstrated the care and patience of the teacher. The students that recognize these traits in the teacher would in return show the respect that they are given. It takes different ways to inspire and be inspired, but I feel everyone can be successful at this.

Such is life, there is a giving and receiving of most things. But at some times, there is a one way street and for me this year, that was bullying. I think that at some point, we as humans all need to learn about acceptance of each and every person's distinctions.

Well I have just gone into my 8th week of treatment with Methotrexate, no apparent side effects, so far!!!
My blood test's are now every 2 weeks, instead of weekly.
I have seen the Consultant twice now, where he increased my dosage from 7.5mg to 10mg on my last visit.
I am starting to see early results, I have a marked improvement in the scaling of the skin, and so far, things are seamingly going in the right direction.
I have another blood test next week and a visit to the Consultant again the week after.
Everything good at the moment, will keep you posted, any questions.....just ask!!

hello everyone.

I am 33 and have had p since i was 18. On the face , scalp and speckled over body. Have had all the creams etc .. they work but all have their pitfalls. uvb was great for the body but the face went back to 'normal' after a week or two. Went to the derm last week and have now been put on the waiting list for Methotrexat. have read about it and am considering it, i need a break .

I am sure like many of you, p has totally affected your lives like mine. Relationships , employment , your happiness all aspects . Most people just dont get it and dont understand the grip p has. Would be really happy with some feed back, thanks.

ajc