Hi all. I had a very bad week full of bad flares. Friday night I simply couldn't take it any more. the plaques on my stomach and back were as thick as pancakes. My scalp and face were not. My next Dr appt is not until end of sept. I went to the ER and they put me on a 14 day taper of prednisone, some hydroxizine for the itch and naprosyn (prescription nsaid) for the back pain at L4-L5 which had come on suddenly and gotten worse over the last 5 days (i was questioning psoriatic arthritis). I was in a panic. Not knowing if I had now come down with shingles in addition to psoriasis ??? I didn't know what was going on but it was bad. My torso was on fire. Inflammed, itchy and very painful. My blood work was normal accept for being anemic which I find odd given the amount of healthy eating i have been doing last several weeks, in addition to supplments. My back xray showed no significant findings.

I had huge relief from the prednisone after 1st dose. pancake thick plaques were completely flat and redness is 90 percent gone after 3 doses and my skin is practically clear. I know prednisone is not a long term treatment but i am thankful to have short term relielf.

Best of all, I am able to get in to see a new (and hopefully) better dermatologist on Tuesday instead of waiting until September. The ER doc called on my behalf and insisted they squeeze me in. So, while I am not ready to give up on the hope that this can be brought under control through diet alone, I also realize that I can no longer suffer while I wait for my leaky gut to repair itself. I'm a bit depressed but in so much relief that I'm willing to go on methotrexate or whatever the dr. deems appropriate at this point given topical steroids did nothing for me.

and how has your weekend been, all?

(Sun-20-07-2014, 17:11 PM)kh924 Wrote: Hi all. I had a very bad week full of bad flares. Friday night I simply couldn't take it any more. the plaques on my stomach and back were as thick as pancakes. My scalp and face were not. My next Dr appt is not until end of sept. I went to the ER and they put me on a 14 day taper of prednisone, some hydroxizine for the itch and naprosyn (prescription nsaid) for the back pain at L4-L5 which had come on suddenly and gotten worse over the last 5 days (i was questioning psoriatic arthritis). I was in a panic. Not knowing if I had now come down with shingles in addition to psoriasis ??? I didn't know what was going on but it was bad. My torso was on fire. Inflammed, itchy and very painful. My blood work was normal accept for being anemic which I find odd given the amount of healthy eating i have been doing last several weeks, in addition to supplments. My back xray showed no significant findings.

I had huge relief from the prednisone after 1st dose. pancake thick plaques were completely flat and redness is 90 percent gone after 3 doses and my skin is practically clear. I know prednisone is not a long term treatment but i am thankful to have short term relielf.

Best of all, I am able to get in to see a new (and hopefully) better dermatologist on Tuesday instead of waiting until September. The ER doc called on my behalf and insisted they squeeze me in. So, while I am not ready to give up on the hope that this can be brought under control through diet alone, I also realize that I can no longer suffer while I wait for my leaky gut to repair itself. I'm a bit depressed but in so much relief that I'm willing to go on methotrexate or whatever the dr. deems appropriate at this point given topical steroids did nothing for me.

and how has your weekend been, all?

Kelly what a miserable time you are having. The trip to ER was a good decision, you mustn't keep suffering like this
What a shame you flared again. I am glad you got an early appointment to see a good derm now..
Let's hope you can get clear and then I'm sure your diet will assist you keeping clear , I hope the dermatologist you are going to see can put you on a good treatment that will work for you..
This is now a time not to be depressed but happy that you are going to get sorted out, I have everything crossed for you .........
You have certainly been through the mill , I hope your nightmare soon ends......
Another nice avatar picture

My weekend has been mainly fun........

Really bad Kelly, not a nice story, I am feeling very sorry for you, wish I could help you more directly but I only have words.

My advice is, don't go on MTX (methotrexate), it is a very bad medication in my opinion.
Psoriatic arthritis is normally found in the little joints, not in your large joints like knees or back.
So although psoriasis is probable because of your symptoms, PsA is very unlikely.
I have the impression that a very good diagnose is necessary for you.
By the way MTX does not work against PsA.

My weekend was good, see other posts

(Sun-20-07-2014, 21:07 PM)Caroline Wrote: Really bad Kelly, not a nice story, I am feeling very sorry for you, wish I could help you more directly but I only have words.

My advice is, don't go on MTX (methotrexate), it is a very bad medication in my opinion.
Psoriatic arthritis is normally found in the little joints, not in your large joints like knees or back.
So although psoriasis is probable because of your symptoms, PsA is very unlikely.
I have the impression that a very good diagnose is necessary for you.
By the way MTX does not work against PsA.

My weekend was good, see other posts

I have learned a lot over the last two years. Caroline you have such keen eye for details. The onslaught of PsA typically occurs in peripheral joints. Spondylitis typically start in the SI area and works up the spine.

I'm not a doctor - all of this is my opinion and should be treated as such.

Spoke to my cancer Dr today who advises against going on methotrexate. "Poison" were her ex's words. She suggested I try light therapy 3x a week. Great...it is $30 a session but you can't put a price on your health, right?

I'm going on a total bender tonight folks. Have not had anything more than salad, fruit and fish or chicken in weeks. I think a steak, baked potato w butter and a few drinks are in order. I'm already suffering. What more harm can it do!!!!

Pity party and depression in full swing people. WTF? I am a cancer survivor and so much stronger than this.

(Mon-21-07-2014, 23:07 PM)kh924 Wrote: Spoke to my cancer Dr today who advises against going on methotrexate. "Poison" were her ex's words. She suggested I try light therapy 3x a week. Great...it is $30 a session but you can't put a price on your health, right?

I'm going on a total bender tonight folks. Have not had anything more than salad, fruit and fish or chicken in weeks. I think a steak, baked potato w butter and a few drinks are in order. I'm already suffering. What more harm can it do!!!!

Pity party and depression in full swing people. WTF? I am a cancer survivor and so much stronger than this.

Hey girl I like your style make my steak well done with fries and a very large gin and tonic

Go for the light therapy and after the pity party go back to your diet but enjoy yourself tonight

Hi Kelly won't your insurance cover uv treatment. I'm glad they knocked methotrexate out it's an awful drug in my opinion but the one they usually start you on
The uv should give you relief and then your diet should help keep it at bay
But have your pity party first

$30 is the copayment for each office visit to use the light box for a few seconds. That's my copayment after insurance

(Mon-21-07-2014, 23:49 PM)kh924 Wrote: $30 is the copayment for each office visit to use the light box for a few seconds. That's my copayment after insurance

What a rip off they are not that much different to commercial sun beds with UVB tubes instead of UVA I think I can get 90 minutes worth of treatment on a subbed for around £20.00,

Just noticed another Avatar picture very nice

Like I said - I get bored w my pic very quickly.