Phototherapy.

[jiml]

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear the photo therapy didn't work for you! I have to say that towards the end of my treatment my boobs were also begining to burn, but I just put a vest on and rolled it to just underneath them, (looked ridiculous) worked a treat! In the first few session my shoulders were also sensitive but as there was no psoriasis on them I was told to put sunblock on and again this worked. Due to my sensitivity they began with no more than 10secs and worked up from there. I know this is no comfort but try to stay positive, they will eventually find something that works for you.
Thanks to the people on this forum after years of back pain, feet pain and lumps on my fingers and toes, which were diagnosed as all sorts. I am finally getting a rheumatology appointment. I have to agree with Jim, that trying to remain positive really does help, though it is difficult when covered from head to toe and itching like crazy!
I don't know why the phototherapy worked so well for me this time, but it has and so far 6 weeks after ceasing treatment I am still clear. I know it will be back, but just hoping it will stay away until spring and that it brings some sunshine to,Scotland!
Psoriasis is maddening but try not to lose heart, my mother had psoriasis from a young girl and it suddenly went as she approached her 60's and was clear for the rest of her life.

Hi Sandra
Great news the phototherapy worked for you, it must be a combination of phototherapy and your positive attitude
Good news about the rheumatology appointment , I'm sure you have armed yourself with info from here on the treatments that are working on others, which you should mention on your appointment, my treatment is superb I have never had this much relief from psoriasis all my adult life, it is available on the NHS, but there are others as Fred will tell you that are also great at controlling PSA.
I love March it's the start of spring and we usually get a few sunny days . I, like you hope for the sunshine as it was always my saviour in the past. Now I just take my shirt off because I can thanks for the update
Jim x

[Caroline]

After 4 treatments, I stopped the UVA NB . I was terribly burned on my trunk, and the nurses started up with the same thing as last time "it will get worse before it gets better." Well, no thanks, because last time my simple spots turned into a serious erythrodermic case where I was ready to admit at the local hospital. Still on the MTX but not seeing any big improvements.

This disease is maddening!

Hi MDgal,
To bad the UVA did not work. It is known that vitamin D, because that is the reason for this approach, enhancing the vitamin D concentrations, is a well known attacker of the psoriasis.
You might also try to take extra vitamin D pills, I do that also, something called GigaD or so, I get it from a drugstore over here.
That MTX is not working does not surprise me. More and more studies are arriving that show that it's only working minimal.
What Jim says, is also sensible, you might try his medication. Your profile says that you are using everything, so I presume that you also have tried Fumaderm, not? Well then it becomes time for it. DMF has a growing attention in the battle against auto immune diseases.

Above may hold for Sandra also, there is nothing to lose, DMF is relatively harmless, so why not try it.

Caroline

[mataribot]

What is your MTX dosage at? Anything below 15 mg is not going to do much of anything. There are other drugs out that may work better for you, such as what Caroline suggested. If that fails there is always the dreaded cyclosporine (do not recommend) and biologics. Well, I hope you get some relief soon!