Hello all

[HenryB]

Hi there.

New to this forum thing but think this is the best thing since sliced bread.

I am 46 years old. Have been first diagnosed with Psoriasis in 1992. Back then I was living in South Africa - born there!. Over there the treatment was easy as I only had outbreaks on my scalp.
We moved to Scotland in 2009 and my psoriasis has really flared up since. I have been to the GP's to get the same treatment as I had in South Africa but they refused to give it to me as they said it was too strong to use regularly. Even went for UV light treatment at the local hospital a few years ago. Due to my nature of work it is very difficult for me to attend another UV light treatment.

Currently I am using Elocon cream, Diprosalic lotion and Etrivex shampoo to try and keep my psoriasis contained (probably not the right word but I am sure you'll understand.) I have to use these medications very sparingly which means they are not really effective. I only use it in abundance when it flares up on my face.

Oh, forgot to mention, at the moment my body is basically 80% covered in patches (scales). It's beginning to really affect me as I do not wear short sleeve shirts or shorts anymore. Even if we do manage to get some sun in Scotland    

My wife has urged me to join up and ask questions because I am a man and do not ask for directions. Just kidding   . I do feel that I can find answers I am looking for in here as there are people out there that feel the same as I do.

Thanks

[jiml]

Hi Henry and a big    to the club/ forum you have certainly come to the right place for support and advice, I am just about to have my dinner but I will tell you what I think as soon as I finish .
You are among a good crowd of sufferers on here and we all have our own way of dealing with psoriasis and are happy to share our experiences with each other, we are not doctors just ordinary people trying to cope and having to a large part success. there are lots of options for you and you certainly don't have to suffer
Chat in a while
Jim

[Caroline]

hey Henry,

Welcome to the forum !!

You were born in South Africa?? Then perhaps you might even speak Dutch !?!

Reading your story it seems to me that you can use indeed some suggestions. I think Jim or Fred will start off, otherwise just shoot your questions.

Caroline.

[Fred]

Hello HenryB   to Psoriasis Club.

First off thank you for the kind words about Psoriasis Club, it's the members that make it what it is and now you're one of us your input is welcome.

You will find us a friendly bunch, we may not always agree but do manage to get on with each other. Your Wife is right us blokes do tend to think we can handle it, but deep down we know sometimes even we need a shoulder now and again. Just don't ask for Man   that won't happen, well unless it's Jim.  

Yes UV is a pain as it involves a lot of time mostly in travel, plus it doesn't last forever and it's not something you can stay on permanently. If you are 80% covered then you need to get your GP to give you a referral to a Dermatologist, they are much better suited to work with you to find something that will work. It can and will take time but once with a dermatologist you will find life gets better, if it don't then change dermatologist you have the right to proper treatment so go an demand it.

Have a good look around the forum, and just dive on in. If you get fed up with psoriasis we also have private boards for members only, where you find all sorts of stuff to take your mind off it for a while. Should you venture into Off Topic you will find I'm the sensible one.  

Your Wife has done you a favour, so get her a drink. If she doesn't drink I'll have it.  

Regards.

Fred.

[HenryB]

Thanks for the warm welcomes. Think i am definately in the right place.

[Turnedlight]

Hi Henry! Nice to meet you, I haven't been here long myself.
Have you only seen the gp or did you get the uvb treatment through seeing a dermatologist?

[Kat]

Welcome! Lots of good info here as well as a supportive group of people. UV treatments helped me but it is definitely more time and travel for such a short treatment. Plus, it isn't a long term solution. Creams and ointments are great, when they work and they do work for some and for me they work as more of a maintenance for mild psoriasis but did nothing when things were bad, at least nothing that lasted for more than a few minutes relief.

The really great part about here (other than the people ) is that you can get a lot of info on what has helped other people, so when you do go to a dermatologist you more understand what treatments they are talking about and also may even have an idea of what type treatment you would like to try (if the dermatologist is one who listens that is) There are a lot of treatments that help, but it's not a one size fits all.

I still feel a bit new to this disease, and I'm constantly amazed at the knowledge people here have and are willing to share. Welcome aboard!

[jiml]

I have to agree your wife has done you a favour asking you to join up, we may not have all the answers, but we can advise on the next step for you
You say you have had uv treatment over here, so you must have been on the dermatologists radar... Go back to your GP and ask for a referral if he says your skins not to bad ask him if he could live like it, tell him it's far more than just a skin condition, it ruins your quality of life and lowers your self esteem.
Only someone with the condition really knows how low you can get... Most dermatologists are taught to take into the diagnosis the psychological consequences of the disease.
They know that slapping creams and potions is not going to greatly help you, but for them managing a budget it saves them a lot of money.
Go and demand care you are entitled to it...
I think they will probably go through the protocol of treatment which means they may start you on methotrexate, it's not a drug I like, it cleared my skin but mad me feel lousy, so if they offer alternatives like ciclosporin or Fumaderm. I would suggest you go for the Fumaderm , really the only reason I say that is that I have had over three and a half happy years on it ..... Yes starting out on it is tough but the effects are lasting clearance .
Others will have to tell of cyclosporine as I say I have no experience of it
They may suggest. A biological treatment they are very effective and will give you clearance
Or the new one they are just beginning to prescribe here is otezla which is tablet form. Take a look through the introductions to see others experiences .
Theme look through the prescribed treatment board from these you will get a good idea of what is available and you should be able to see your dermatologist with a few suggestions of your own
Enjoy your time with us and we would love to meet you again in the off topic section where we have a vibrant mix of subjects to chat about or just join us in the chatting thread .... As Fred says jump in .....and get comfortable

[bav101]

Welcome mate!

If its answer you need then you are probably in the right place, as has been said before. These guys know pretty much there is to know. Me personally i'm just here for the cookies... just kidding hehehe (well i would be but some bugger keeps eating them )

[D Foster]

Welcome Henry , this is a great place to be because everyone on here knows what you are going through as they have and still are going through the same problems. The knowledge on here is probably better than you will find anywhere and the inmates are friendly if a bit crazy so just have a route around as I did and you will be surprised the amount of information is available. I assume that you are seeing a dermatologist if not then you definitely need to see one and discuss all your options and the beauty of this site is the vast amount of knowledge here ,the one thing that is apparent when you talk to people is the fact that everyone is an individual so what works for one does not necessarily have the same effect for someone else, best of luck and just join in.

Dave