Fumaderm - questions.

[Kat]

Hi all

Just popping in to give an update.

Side effects lessened after 4-5 weeks on 5 a day, so got bloods done then started on 6 a day.  I was 4 days in and side effects were kicking in nicely, but was determined to stick with it, as skin not good at all on legs and some new spots appearing on hands. Anyway got blood results and lymphocyte count at 0.5. As this had been at 5 a day I didn't want to let it drop any further on 6.

I phoned my derm's secretary and asked her to ask for advice from derm as I'm not due back for a month .  

The secretary got back to me and I was advised to go back down to 5, apparently my system appears to be tolerating 5 better, not sure why when the count was at 0.5 on 5 a day. I explained that my skin had stopped responding on 5 and told it may just take longer.

I'm not sure if this will be the case as I've yet to be on the full dose for any length of time.  Also not sure if my lymphocyte count will stay static, increase or decrease.

Does anyone have experience of being 4 months in on Fumaderm but not at full dose.  I'm not sure if I'm one of the people who doesn't do well on them? I hope not as these were my last chance of any normality.

Not booked a holiday for this year as not  brave enough to go looking like this! Didn't have a holiday last year either as skin a mess.  Previously went abroad after 3 months of UVB , but that's a no no now.

Well thanks for reading and hope all are well.

Angie  

Hang in there Angie!  

I understand about the holiday.  Last year we went on one with the grandkids and I'll admit it was difficult.  I was very self conscious about the scaling.  It was a summer resort type thing and I sat on the sidelines with a long cover up and even worried what the hotel maids thought about all the "white stuff" I left behind on the dark carpet.  But, I am glad I went and I have good memories.  What I'm trying to say is I understand the discomfort in worrying what others think and it's all different depending on what you can cover up and hide and still feel fairly comfortable about, but when it comes down to it.... if you feel like going and doing something, try not to let the psoriasis hold you back too much.    Yes, I know that is easier said than done but someone here once posted that we probably feel more people notice than they actually do.  If anyone noticed my extreme dandruff and constant itching or my diseased looking ears that I tried keeping covered by my hair, (I was able to keep most of the other areas hidden) then I didn't even feel the stares.  I was self conscious and that's normal, but I am really glad I went because the good did outweigh the worry.

I hope you get clear enough to enjoy the summer and maybe get out and about a bit to do something fun anyway.