[split] the end of ciclosporin....the beginning of fumaderm

[jiml]

I started with psoriasis in 1974 and had it in most parts of the body since, including neck, round the eyes, ears and scalp which I always find the most distressing.  I am lucky whilst my psoriasis has been extensive in attacking parts of my body it has taken many areas in turn.   In 2013 I started with Fumaderm and used it for 18 months and became symptom free, my tablets were 3-4.  My lymphocytes count was never brilliant before taking Fumaderm but did drop and stabalise at around 0.6.  Suddenly they started to drop and I had a call from the hospital asking me to stop as they my count was 0.2.

As a result of the low lymphocytes I was referred to a immunologist who I saw 3 times in 18 months and wanted to monitor the return of my count to acceptable levels, in my case 0.8-1.0.  I had no treatment except a pneumonia injection and recommendation for a flu jab.

In my case the return of psoriasis was very slow, in fact it was around 18 months before I felt the need to use any treatment.  Unfortunately I now have it on the soles of my feet and one nail is heavily infected with it.  My GP referred me to a consultant and I asked to return to Fumaderm and he agreed if my blood count was OK.  Which it was and I have gone onto 120 mg immediately.  Within hours I had the bloating, heating (which I had almost forgotten) and diarrhoea (which I hadn't forgotten)....................it brought a smile to my face as it felt as if it had started working.   I am lucky I can stay round the house most of the next few weeks, I am hoping that the Fumaderm will work fairly quickly and that I can go on a very low dosage or even once it has cleared stop the medication for a time and then go back on it.

Hi Chris nice to have another Fumaderm user on board so let me as a Fumaderm user welcome   you to the club and hope that you enjoy being with us, this is a very friendly forum with a mix of members from around the world all sharing experiences of this awful disease......it's a shame your lymphocytes dropped so low and you were wise coming off the Fumaderm. Although I'm glad your bloods have recovered sufficiently to restart the treatment
It's good you knew what to expect when you restarted the drug....and yes I suspect you are right that the substance is affecting your body causing the side effects and hopefully working on the disease

A brave move going on to 120mg as a starting dose although if you have been on it before it might be a smart move

I look forward to reading here on how the Fumaderm continues to work and hope it works well on your feet and nails
Good luck
Jim