Recently Retired and Received the Gift of Psoriasis

[River60]

I've never joined a forum before so please forgive my fumbling as I navigate this new experience.  To begin a little about me.  

I retired just about a year ago and by mid spring I finally acknowledged that was something odd about this spot on my lower back that just wouldn't heal.  Family became concerned so by the end of July I give in and went to the local clinic where a very young on-call doctor told me not to worry it wasn't cancer it was just an age spot.  I smiled and thanked him but I figured there was more to this then a cranky age spot so I made an appointment to see one of the regular doctors.  

Meanwhile I noticed a big toe nail had decided to start to lift and curl.  It had been ridiculously hot here in NS so I thought, Dear Lord, I must have some kind of nail fungus... I'm a bit horrified at the thought and I pretty much cleaned and disinfected every spot in my house. I certainly never connected the two problems.  I have a large selection of fungal creams if anyone needs some.  

I finally did get to see the regular doctor and she looks at my back and says "I have no idea what that is"... I blink because I didn't find that particularly helpful.  There is a long pause and I suggest perhaps a biopsy.  She doesn't think it is a good idea to do a biopsy because if it is cancer then a biopsy may make it grow faster, but she will make a request for a dermatologist to see it.  She gives me a script for a steroid cream.  Keep in mind, this is early August of 2016.  A week later I'm told that my appointment with the dermatologist is February of 2017.  I still shake my head at that.  Seriously, this is the God's truth.  If that puppy had of been cancer this would have been a eulogy.  I smile now but at the time I was completely baffled.  

Meanwhile that toenail is quite a site and I have to get what is left of it removed.  The spot on my back has spread like crazy and now there are more on my lower legs and arms.  So back I go and insist on a biopsy which they did do.   A few days later I am told it is psoriasis and that they can get me into a dermatologist by October.  Between August and  my first appointment in October I have them everywhere.  

And now since October and the start of Dovobet and light treatments (twice a week) it has moved to my scalp, ears, forehead but my legs are the worst.  I only have two toenails and two fingernails left.  Most of toes are purple from arthritis along with three of my fingers. The treatments are controlling the scaling and itching most of the time.  In between all of this they discover I have high liver counts and therefore no drugs until they can determine why.  Waiting for liver biopsy and catscans for the out come of that.  

So I guess that is my mess in a nutshell.  Sorry to lay it all out there but I guess I needed to just yell/scream/vent to someone.  That's it for a start.  ... got to rub more stuff on my body.  Good thing I'm retired, gives me lots of time to do that.

[Fred]

Hello River   to Psoriasis Club.

That is a shame to get it at retirement, most tend to be in their 20s. We have a poll about it here: What age did you get psoriasis?

Still at least you managed to finally get a proper diagnoses and an appointment with a dermatologists, that is an important step as they will now work with you to find something that works. It's usually Creams, Light, Oral, Bio in that order and it can take a while, but it can be managed.

No need to apologise about yelling out about it, you will find a lot of us do that and there is always someone around that will listen.  

Don't worry about finding your way around, just dive on in our members will soon help you settle in and we also have our Forum Helpers if you get stuck or would like some help settling in Staff

Regards.

Fred.

[jiml]

Hi River60 and a big   to the club, you have come to a great place to learn all about the disease and hear of other sufferers experiences and how we all deal with Psoriasis this is a very friendly Club where members are welcome to join in all the threads

It sounds as if although you have only recently got the gift of Psoriasis ..it took doctors too long to reach a diagnosis, but now you have it and it sounds as if you are having quite a bad flare up.

I hope the UV treatment combined with creams gives you some clearance, if not and you are suffering with Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, you may need to ask to get on to a systemic treatment.

See     Oral Treatments For Psoriasis

And.  Biological Treatments For Psoriasis

Have a good look around and ask as many questions as you have there's usually someone with an answer or an opinion

Hope to hear more from you an your progress


You are also welcome to visit the off topic boards where members tend to go to chat or for a virtual drink  



PS I like your avatar  

[Grizzly Bear]

    River    


Have no fear, Grizzly Bear is here.

I'm the insane one on here River, the others are loonies, trust me !  

You can vent, yell etc on here River, don't worry, we will listen & guide you to the best of our ability  

Ask anything you wish about psoriasis, we shall do the utmost to answer you ASAP.  

Most of all, enjoy yourself on here too.

GB

[River60]

    River    


Have no fear, Grizzly Bear is here.

I'm the insane one on here River, the others are loonies, trust me !  

You can vent, yell etc on here River, don't worry, we will listen & guide you to the best of our ability  

Ask anything you wish about psoriasis, we shall do the utmost to answer you ASAP.  

Most of all, enjoy yourself on here too.

GB

Thank you all for the welcome and kindness.  I do have a few questions that I would like some advice on but I have some errands I have to do.  Will log in again soon.

[D Foster]

Hi River60 welcome to the most friendly club that you will ever find, Fred has put together the most comprehensive information on P and PsA that you will find anywhere at all and this is backed up by people who know about it as they have it and not from a medical book.
Most of the inmates on here are barmy but are great , we have inmates from all over the world so it is very interesting to see how different countries deal with P and PsA .
Have a good look around and ask any questions that you want as I am sure that somebody will be able to answer your query's and from a truthful experienced position.
PS Watch out for the bare bear !!!!!!!

[Caroline]

Hi River,

Also from me a warm welcome to Psoriasis club. The others have already pointed the way a bit in how to deal with us and our forum.
If you have questions, then surely don't hesitate to ask. We will try to answer to the best of our knowledge and personal experience.

There is a lot that nowadays can be done against Psoriasis. All kinds of medications are available. As you seem to have liver trouble, please beware of any medication that is known to have an effect on your liver. We are here to tell you about them and arm you before you go to the dermatologist.

As Dave says, a lot of us are a bit barmy even insane, sometimes there are some that say they are the sane ones, but don't let yourself be misguided by that, in the off topic section you will really learn to know them. Of course there are also the sweet and lovely ones ...

Have a good time over here.
Caroline

[Kat]

Welcome River! Looks like you've been hit hard quickly. As others have said, there are a lot of treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but with your liver issues they will have to be cautious. This forum is a great place to yell and get it out there, as it's a place full of supportive people who understand. It's also a great place filled with information which can help a lot when talking to doctors about treatments. As we are all different, some treatments work better for some but not others so it's finding that treatment that works for you.

[Fred]

I do have a few questions that I would like some advice on but I have some errands I have to do.  Will log in again soon.

I would suggest starting a new thread for each of your questions. You can ask in this one if you prefer, but as it's an intro it may not get found so don't hesitate to start new threads on a specific question in any of the following.

Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis Topics

Prescribed Treatments For Psoriasis

Natural Treatments For Psoriasis

There is no obligation but you will get better answers with new threads and we don't have limits on how many you can start.

Or if you prefer to keep it for members only you can start a new thread in [Group Specific]

Your choice.

[KyPrincess]

Hi River60. Welcome to the club.