Hi, I'm new here...

[browneyedgirl]

I am glad I found this group to learn from others who are dealing with the same things I'm dealing with. I have had Psoriasis for 42 years, but have been fortunate to have had times of remission. I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis when I was 31 - I remember sitting in the doctors office crying because I couldn't play with my 2 small children because the pain was blinding at times (oh man, if I bumped an inflammed joint - took my breath away for a minute - I remember even getting light-headed from the pain). Fast forward to 20 years later - kids moved out and are on their own, my husband and I are empty nesters - and we are loving it (don't tell our kids - we dearly love them, but it is nice to be in this chapter of our life).

I have taken Stelara for 2 1/2 years and had fantastic results, but it is no longer working on my skin - darn psoriasis is spreading on my scalp again - no where else though. But you know what? If this is my lot in life, I can deal with it - it could be something much, much worse! It could always be worse! 

I am at a fork in the road right now, my derm and rheum want me to start cosentyx, but I am having a lot of anxiety after reading possible side effects and justifying taking this new drug for a little scalp psoriasis. The arthritis is not bad right now - I can tell it's worsening some, but is it bad enough to take a new drug or should I just use the topical treatments on my scalp for now and pain relievers for the joint pain? I've got to make a decision. 

It's nice knowing there are kindred spirits here with a listening ear and an understanding of what I'm going through. Looking forward to getting to know you all. 

[Fred]

Hello Browneyedgirl   to Psoriasis Club.

You will find a very friendly bunch who understand, so just dive on in. If you want to get to know our members better I can recommend the [Group Specific] where you find plenty of things going on.

Re Cosentyx I have been on it 1 and 1/2 years now after a run of over 6 years on Stelara. I have had no side effects at all, but I am finding it's not much better than Stelara for the psoriasis. It started off well and I am still almost clear but I would say it's no better. Where it does win though for me is the psoriatic arthritis and that is the most important thing for me, and I have recently decided to stay on it as I have almost zero psoriatic arthritis now.

What side effects bother you about taking Cosentyx ? Taltz may be another option, but all treatments have side effects as you probably know.

Have a good look around we may not have all the answers but you will get genuine answers from real people living with psoriasis just like you.

Regards.

Fred.

[Beverley]

Hello and from me

[jiml]

Hi Browneyedgirl and another warm to the club ...I'm glad you found us, and I'm sure you will find the Club a good place to exchange views on treatments, as here you are amongst fellow sufferers who are all happy to share their experiences with you giving honest opinions of what works for them and what doesn't.

In my opinion and I don't know how bad the scalp psoriasis is for you at the moment, and if you are coping with Stelara and ointments I would say stick with Stelara and ask about increasing the frequency of the shots i.e.taking the shot a week earlier ...then if it doesn't improve consider changing to Cosentyx

good that you have regained your independence as the kids have fledged and moved out .....it is great although in my case we now have grandkids that are here at our house as much as they are at home ..but that's another story

Enjoy your time with us and if you get lost.. ask anyone the way to the bar and one of the helpers will be there propping it up, but will be happy to help  

Jim

[D Foster]

Welcome to the forum Browneyedgirl, this is a great place for P and PsA sufferers as we are all in the same boat and Fred does not allow any adverts or con artists trying to sell expensive rubbish.
I have been on Stelara for 5 years ish now and my derm was on about the Cosentyx as the Stelara is not working well for my PsA but it's great still for the P , it just shows how different we all are and how each treatment is different for each of us. I know that Fred has had great results with the Cosentyx and there are several new bios on the horizon so have a good look around and ask any questions you want as they will be answered by people who are in the same boat.

[Caroline]

And I know the way to the bar..... just follow me...


Caroline

[Raxyl]

Hello Browneyedgirl   to Psoriasis Club from the Downunder

[KyPrincess]

Hi and Welcome to the club.

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