Phototherapy.

[Sandra]

Hi all,
Thought I would let you know how I have been getting on with the UV treatments. Well I have been dashing from work to hospital back to work, 3x weekly, absolutely knackered! But boy has it been worth it! This time round, I have had such an amazing result. So far half of my psoriasis has cleared and the other half well on it's way! I still have another 4 weeks to go! I can't believe it! For the first time in years, I can see normal skin! I haven't flaked everywhere in a fortnight. I have no idea why it has worked so well this time, just ecstatic that it has. My hands are clear, elbows and arms clear, thighs clear, just legs and feet to go! I have had this treatment before and it has always helped but not to this extent. I also am so brown you'd think I was just back from some exotic holiday! So I am going to enjoy it while I can and for however long it lasts.
Hope you all have a good xmas.
Sandra

[weenona]

Glad to hear it works well for you

Happy Christmas

[jiml]

What great positive news just before Christmas. I really hope the improvement continues.
I well remember the joy of watching the plaques fading and disappearing after phototherapy, as you say a bit of a bind back and forth to the hospital
I am sure you will now be able to have a happy and flake free Christmas and I hope the clearance will last until you can get some genuine sunshine.
Enjoy your new tan as well, I always felt good with a tan, and I think the positivity of seeing the P clearing and the tanning are all a factor in keeping psoriasis at bay.

[Fred]

Hello Sandra, I love it when people come back to tell us how things are going. And although some of us will soon dive in and offer support to to others when things aren't going according to plan, it cheers us all up reading positive news.

Time to put away the dustpan & brush, the duster, and think of the electricity you will save with the hoover. It certainly is a great feeling being clear or almost clear and long may it continue for you.

[Mdgal]

Just starting round 2 of UVB-NB. Discontinued before since my psoriasis turned into full blown erythrodermic. This time I am also on MTX and anxious to see how this combo will effect the full body psoriasis. MTX alone (now in my 7th week) hasn't effected any change to the number or size of the spots all over my body.

Hope we all find some relief

Mdgal

[Sandra]

Hi there,
What a time you've had! Really hope the UV treatment works for you this time.
Sandra

[jiml]

I hope it works as well, with the combination of Methotrexate and phototherapy you will hopefully get a good result
Do try and stay positive as it will help with the treatment. Good luck and come back and keep us posted on your progress or even for a rant (we do that on here as well)

[Mdgal]

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!

[Sandra]

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.

[jiml]

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 again and thanks for coming back it's always nice to have a catch up on how your treatment is working or in your case not working.
Have you talked to a dermatologist about the next step, how are you coping with the methotrexate. I would have thought you should see some improvement by now.
Whatever you do please try to be positive, which is easier said than done. You are right psoriasis is maddening condition but there is a treatment out there that will work for you . But you must keep hounding the doctors and dermatologists (or Caroline sees a rheumatologist ) and try to get onto something that works. There are lots of other treatments than MTX which you can ask about when you next visit. I always go armed with fresh information most found here,and as Sandra says try not to get too stressed, come here often and meet in the off topic it should make you smile, it will take your mind off your psoriasis, and remember we are all sufferers of psoriasis in various stages
Chin up Jim x