Been a rough road trying to figure out what was causing my condition. I'm not even going to compare the little I have on my hands and feet with others I've read about, so I guess I'm blessed not to have it too badly. But it's bad enough when every time I do anything with my hands it hurts from all the cracks. Couldn't play my guitars even which really bites.

Anyway got to looking around for treatments. Dummy me was starting to believe all the ads for drugs on TV. I made an appointment with the Doc to see about it when I got curious and looked up the price for Stellara. $8000 a shot! Another was like $3500. Hoky Smokes. And then you get the side effects.

In the meantime I was talking to my sister in law who helped me in the beginning and she said she's nearly beat it with just the cream. Don't skip it or it will bite you. So I doubled down and started to see some improvement. Canceled my appointment as I wasn't interested in the drugs. And started reading everything online to try to find a cure.

Well I saw some books on Amazon. One I was able to read 60 pages by Dr. Pagano concerning diet. Made sense as I have done the Atkins diet with success a few years ago and still try to eat halfway healthy. No soda or sweet tea. No McDonald's or junk like that. So I ordered a couple of books and they both said the same thing concerning what foods to avoid and how to treat it. They may be on to something.

So I have been trying to follow this diet and I'm seeing results. Eating all kinds of rabbit food and avoiding the nightshades. Adventuring with new ways to cook fish and chicken and hunting down healthy foods (which in this one horse town can be a challenge). Been trying new ways to cook rice as well. And lots of fruit, my desert when my wife and daughter pull out the chocolate, or cheesecake, or icecream.... LOL!

I'm also taking Fish Oil twice a day, along with Vit D3, calcium, B's and a multivitamin. And drinking lots of water.

Also my wife and I have her parents under our roof. He's Italian and says it at least 50 time a day like it's a miracle or some BS. Everything revolves around food with those two, especially spaghetti. It's like it's a sacred friggin cow. So you can imagine the crap I'm dealing with when I proclaim I can't eat their spaghetti this Sunday when everyone is over for dinner. I finally got him to lay off when I showed what progress I'm having following this diet. Also nothing like fixing two meals for dinner too. Since I work 12 hour days I've been eating dinner at work so I don't have to put up with it.

Well anyway my hands are smoothing out and it's ben a few weeks since I've had a crack in my fingers. Been able to start playing again, especially since I finished my latest guitar. I'm bound and determined to get over this. I'm going to order the Slippery Elm Capsules and Saffron Tea next to really get over this.

I also made a believer of myself. I cheated as I was working a bunch of overtime and came home tired. Wife had pizza in the oven and I didn't want to fix anything. The next night she talked me into fixing a Mexican feast. The next day my hands and feet broke out. Showed her and she's a whole lot more willing to go along with what I'm doing now.

So the fact that Dr. Pagano talks about leaky gut makes perfect sense to me. I have always had some kind of gut issue. From loose bowels to Diverticulitis and irritable bowels. How many times have I eaten a meal and felt bad afterwards? Too may times to count. Just thought it was normal. Since I've been following this regime more closely I've felt a whole lot better.

I was taking either, some kind of aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen almost every day "to keep going" or get over some kind of ache and pain. I've totally stopped that and don't need it anymore. I'll bet those were killing me slowly.

How come all my fav foods have tomato, peppers, hot sauce, etc in them, like my fall apart smoked BBQ ribs and my awesome chili? This is really a struggle but it will be worth it to get over it.

In addition I've given up dairy including cheese, gluten, pork and beef. But it seems to be working. We will see this June when I go back for my next appointment. Wonder if I can get a break on my health insurance for curing myself?

I wouldn't hold my breath on an insurance break.  

I am a strong believer that what we eat affects most all medical issues in one form or another.  Sadly, I don't have the willpower to cut out all the things I like which also seem to be the things I shouldn't have.  I try to eat healthy, I eat a lot of veggies and fruits but I just don't have that dedication to be able to give up all dairy, meats, sugars, breads (other than whole grain).  I certainly admire those who can though!  Good for you and I hope you continue to have much success.

Do you guys have to pay for your injections, medication ?

Or does the medical insurance pay for it all ?

JimO I'm glad I found your thread. I could have written it myself (except the Italian in-laws ) But I L VE Italian food.
I too have been unable to pick up my guitar, jeepers it stings when the cracks are open! I wrote in my own thread that I was going through mountains of band aids every month, the splits are unbelievably painful when left open. Yes I agree that once you see what other members are going through, especially Grizzly, it feels like very little compared. Unfortunately you use your hands for practically everything and nothing gets a chance to heal, and I found putting the daviobet on was pointless unless you had 3 hours to just sit and do nothing.
I have followed almost the same diet as you and my hands are the best they've ever been. I've been gluten free for 7 months and I find it easy. So a few weeks ago I bought myself a beautiful midsize ukulele as a reward for being so strict with myself with diet and it's alot of fun  
Good luck to you JimO, I'm happy you found something that works  

(Fri-01-05-2015, 23:17 PM)Gilly Wrote: JimO I'm glad I found your thread. I could have written it myself (except the Italian in-laws ) But I L VE Italian food.
I too have been unable to pick up my guitar, jeepers it stings when the cracks are open! I wrote in my own thread that I was going through mountains of band aids every month, the splits are unbelievably painful when left open. Yes I agree that once you see what other members are going through, especially Grizzly, it feels like very little compared. Unfortunately you use your hands for practically everything and nothing gets a chance to heal, and I found putting the daviobet on was pointless unless you had 3 hours to just sit and do nothing.
I have followed almost the same diet as you and my hands are the best they've ever been. I've been gluten free for 7 months and I find it easy. So a few weeks ago I bought myself a beautiful midsize ukulele as a reward for being so strict with myself with diet and it's alot of fun  
Good luck to you JimO, I'm happy you found something that works  

Have you tried a bio drug or occlusion. Many times my Hands were raw. And glycerin soap and other OTC cleaners for P. Hands help. Always protect hands wear gloves from any injury. Always keep moisturized.  Occlusion set me free from the madness of palmoplanter P. I have been in remission for several years. Every time it starts I do occlusion. Hot wax oil treatment spas are great too! Available at most grug stores. I know it's a pain to do for me it's woth it. I hope u give it a try. Also UV light and sunlight very good! Never burn and Excimer Laser at the derms!
For me food or drink never made a difference in my P. This autoimmune disorder seems to be the driving force. You too will be better soon. Wear finger tip protection while playing the guitar available at drug stores.
Summer is almost here in the U.S. Sunshine or a UFO as its referred to in my neck of the woods will soon bring relief. All winter it's dark here so I take 2000 units of vit -D3. Also read the section on natural treatments has lots of info,

Cheers  

Some of the known side effects of Asprin is drug induced psoriasis and arthritis. Discounted use should take of the problem the majority of the time. Contrary to belief, there isn't any researched based information that suggests that acid reflux is caused or made worse by eating inflammatory foods. Acid problems are known problem with various medications including NSAIDS. Anyone considering long term treatment with NSAIDS should consider a PPI in the morning and Zantact at night to protect the stomach. Make sure you talk to your doctor before any major medication changes.

(Tue-05-05-2015, 20:36 PM)mataribot Wrote: Some of the known side effects of Asprin is drug induced psoriasis and arthritis. Discounted use should take of the problem the majority of the time. Contrary to belief, there isn't any researched based information that suggests that acid reflux is caused or made worse by eating inflammatory foods. Acid problems are known problem with various medications including NSAIDS. Anyone considering long term treatment with NSAIDS should consider a PPI in the morning and Zantact at night to protect the stomach. Make sure you talk to your doctor before any major medication changes.

hi,

I agree, many meds can cause arthritis and other diseases. There's even such a thing as thorn induced arthritis. From stickers such as roses other plants. It all depends on the individual some are more exposed to arthritis thru various fundamental exposure to drugs, DNA , interactions with jobs and more. Even psoriasis in palms and feet is linked to arthritis. I have Duputrens contracture associated with P. For further info. Plz see med sites.

Good advice. THANKX for sharing.

(Fri-01-05-2015, 20:56 PM)JimO Wrote: So the fact that Dr. Pagano talks about leaky gut makes perfect sense to me. I have always had some kind of gut issue. From loose bowels to Diverticulitis and irritable bowels. How many times have I eaten a meal and felt bad afterwards? Too may times to count. Just thought it was normal. Since I've been following this regime more closely I've felt a whole lot better.

I was taking either, some kind of aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen almost every day "to keep going" or get over some kind of ache and pain. I've totally stopped that and don't need it anymore. I'll bet those were killing me slowly.  

How come all my fav foods have tomato, peppers, hot sauce, etc in them, like my fall apart smoked BBQ ribs and my awesome chili? This is really a struggle but it will be worth it to get over it.

In addition I've given up dairy including cheese,  gluten, pork and beef. But it seems to be working. We will see this June when I go back for my next appointment. Wonder if I can get a break on my health insurance for curing myself?

Interesting about the "leaky gut"  I suffer from Crohns Disease, but my dad who has quite bad psoriasis suffers from Diverticulitis. Alsoo, don't ever feel you can't complain because you feel you don't have it as bad as others. We are all here for the same condition and it's not a competition to find the worst We all just want to help each other!

 

(Fri-08-05-2015, 13:00 PM)AmandaL Wrote:

(Fri-01-05-2015, 20:56 PM)JimO Wrote: So the fact that Dr. Pagano talks about leaky gut makes perfect sense to me. I have always had some kind of gut issue. From loose bowels to Diverticulitis and irritable bowels. How many times have I eaten a meal and felt bad afterwards? Too may times to count. Just thought it was normal. Since I've been following this regime more closely I've felt a whole lot better.

I was taking either, some kind of aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen almost every day "to keep going" or get over some kind of ache and pain. I've totally stopped that and don't need it anymore. I'll bet those were killing me slowly.  

How come all my fav foods have tomato, peppers, hot sauce, etc in them, like my fall apart smoked BBQ ribs and my awesome chili? This is really a struggle but it will be worth it to get over it.

In addition I've given up dairy including cheese,  gluten, pork and beef. But it seems to be working. We will see this June when I go back for my next appointment. Wonder if I can get a break on my health insurance for curing myself?

Interesting about the "leaky gut"  I suffer from Crohns Disease, but my dad who has quite bad psoriasis suffers from Diverticulitis.  Alsoo, don't ever feel you can't complain because you feel you don't have it as bad as others.  We are all here for the same condition and it's not a competition to find the worst  We all just want to help each other!

agreed