Blood Tests

[HenryB]

Going to ask a really stupid question:

Noticed in several posts while rummaging through the topics that blood tests are mentioned. Now, what kind of blood tests are we talking about?
I have never had a blood test taken from me since P was diagnosed on me - 20 odd years ago.

I have an appointment with a dermatologists coming up in the next few weeks and want to get my facts together before I get to see him/her.

[jiml]

Hi Henry I doubt you will have a blood test unless you are on either biological drugs or any of the tablet drugs like Fumaderm or methotrexate. The reason they take the bloods is to make sure the medication is not lowering your blood cell counts and they are in the normal range and that kidney and liver function are not being affected. If they are being affected that can usually be addressed by adjusting the dose of whatever you are taking or worst case stopping the drug to allow recovery
I think that's the reason, it's what I have always believed and have mine taken every month

[HenryB]

Thanks Jim.

I think this time around they seriously need to up my medication to something that will help me as all the other stuff they have given me has not helped at all. Well, apart from Elocon cream and lotion (burns like fire though) which helps to keep my face clear but that's all that is good for. I have been looking into Fumaderm and methotrexate and will be asking the Dermatologist if this will not be an option.

[AmandaL]

Thanks Jim.

I think this time around they seriously need to up my medication to something that will help me as all the other stuff they have given me has not helped at all. Well, apart from Elocon cream and lotion (burns like fire though) which helps to keep my face clear but that's all that is good for. I have been looking into Fumaderm and methotrexate and will be asking the Dermatologist if this will not be an option.

I'd recommend having a look at the Psoriasis website or NHS website for different treatments for Psoriasis. I have no experience with Fumaderm, but I used Methotrexate for severe plaque psoriasis and got clearance within a month. I only stopped it due to severe nausea and headaches.

[jiml]

Thanks Jim.

I think this time around they seriously need to up my medication to something that will help me as all the other stuff they have given me has not helped at all. Well, apart from Elocon cream and lotion (burns like fire though) which helps to keep my face clear but that's all that is good for. I have been looking into Fumaderm and methotrexate and will be asking the Dermatologist if this will not be an option.

Tell them you are not coping ( even if you are ) that may spur them on to give you a medication that will work. Just be aware that they all have side effects and they are not always nice but they are better than psoriasis
Tell them nothing seems to work and you are at your wits end

[HenryB]

Well, I am at wits end at the moment. Not long ago I decided to only wear long sleeve shirts, trousers, grow facial hair and let me hair grow long to hide my P has really made up my mind. I will rather have side effects from something but this condition I have at the moment needs to be addressed!

[jiml]

Well, I am at wits end at the moment. Not long ago I decided to only wear long sleeve shirts, trousers, grow facial hair and let me hair grow long to hide my P has really made up my mind. I will rather have side effects from something but this condition I have at the moment needs to be addressed!

Time to take control of your life there is no need to live with despair learn what you can here and go armed to see the dermatologist.dont let him Palm you off with anymore creams

[glenda grant]

Well, I am at wits end at the moment. Not long ago I decided to only wear long sleeve shirts, trousers, grow facial hair and let me hair grow long to hide my P has really made up my mind. I will rather have side effects from something but this condition I have at the moment needs to be addressed!

Time to take control of your life there is no need to live with despair learn what you can here and go armed to see the dermatologist.dont let him Palm you off with anymore creams

Hope you get some answers from the Deratologist surely there is something out there to help with your Psoriasis good luck at the Dr's. to our group a nice bunch of friendly people and knowledgable also.I had had a lot of help here.

[D Foster]

Don't take no for an answer , if you are lucky and get a good dermatologist then you will be OK but don't let them palm you off with second best ,insist that you get the best treatment .I always used to write everything down so I never missed any questions out , it's a fact that you have to fight to get the treatment in most cases which is not how it should be in the NHS.
MTX is a good treatment and will,in most cases, improve the P but you do have to monitor the bloods to check that everything is OK, I am on Stelara which is fantastic but as a new patient they usually make you go through all the alternatives before going on to biological treatments. All the best for your appointment and I hope that you get sorted out with a treatment that works for you. Lay it on thick ,really give them some stick.

[Caroline]

Unlike Dave, i am totally against MTX. It is way too dangerous, pure poison. But.. yes, for some it will help.

It is much safer to go for the biologicals like e.g. Stelara, or for the DMF's like fumaderm, or e.g. for Acitretin.