Hi from Australia....

[fialstar]

I found this forum by accident while searching for information and communities on PsA and psoriasis.
I am almost 51 years old and have had plaque psoriasis from the age of 2. Recently sortof diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis within the last 18 months - I say sortof, because I have had various diagnosis from a few different doctors but no definitive dx from any of them.
My skin has been clear of plaques for over 10 years, but I have distal joint deformities, nail issues, slight joint pain, and a whole slew of what I now know are possible comorbidities (early onset osteopenia, anaemia, skin cancer, etc).
I was prescribed sulfasalazine by my dermatologist which did nothing, and have been on methotrexate for over a year which also seems to not be working.
After pushing hard with my GP, I am finally seeing a rheumatologist.
Sadly, it has been a very difficult issue trying to find cohesive and complete information in Australia about psoriatic arthritis..... I have literally been forced to make a chart to connect all the little fragments of info I have found over the past couple of years.

I am hoping that this forum will give me ideas and information that will help me be the best advocate I can be for myself moving forward.
Looking to live my best possible life as I progress!

Thankyou for reading.

fialstar

[Fred]

Hello fialstar   to Psoriasis Club.

You have found the ideal place. We have built up a lot of information over the years and apart from some news it's all from people with psoriasis. Have a good look around and don't hesitate to ask any questions, you will only get honest answers here and no scammers in sight.

I can also recommend the [Group Specific] if you want to get to know some of our members, and yes we have others from Australia so you may find some around in your time zone.

Regards.

Fred.

[JohnB]

Hi Fialstar and a warm welcome to our club 

Some of the best things in our lives happen by accident and this place is one of them. As Fred says there is an enviable amount of info here and what you can't find, somebody will more than likely have experience of. So if you get stuck on anything just yell. There is generally somebody lurking and the bar rarely closes.

Could I ask why you think the Methotrexate isn't working? I am half a dozen weeks into it and have yet to see any problems. It's even doing a decent job of bringing my Psoriasis under control.

John

[jiml]

Hi and a big welcome to the club I'm glad you have found us and I'm sure you will get good advice here
I have suffered all my life with plaque psoriasis but not really had psoriatic arthritis but although the drug I'm on has cleared me I still have nail problems

But after the treatments you've been on and failed I would hope that Australia would give you a biological drug next

Look around here, there is so much information and there are lots here on different medications that might offer some advice so feel free to ask questions
Jim

[fialstar]

Hi Fialstar and a warm welcome to our club 

Some of the best things in our lives happen by accident and this place is one of them. As Fred says there is an enviable amount of info here and what you can't find, somebody will more than likely have experience of. So if you get stuck on anything just yell. There is generally somebody lurking and the bar rarely closes.

Could I ask why you think the Methotrexate isn't working? I am half a dozen weeks into it and have yet to see any problems. It's even doing a decent job of bringing my Psoriasis under control.

John

Hi John

It is my belief that the mtx isn't working because during the time I have been on it I have experienced a rapid deterioration in both my index finger left hand, as well as all of my nails. I understood when I first got prescribed methotrexate that it was supposed to help, or at least slow down, the issues with my hands and this does not appear to be the case. I have been on 15mg weekly dose for over a year, yet the distal distortion has come on within the past few months (to the point where I can no longer use my index finger on my left hand even to type on my laptop!)

I wasn't prescribed the mtx for my skin because I have been able to manage my plaques successfully for over 10 yrs and am completely clear - down from 75 - 80% body and scalp coverage.

[Caroline]

Hi Fialstar,

Welcome to Psoriasisclub. I can only admin that this place is packed with sensible and knowledged people, Who are also a bit nutty. In the Off Topic section there is even a poll on how weird we can be.

Unlike John, I am a MTX-hater, both because of personal experience and the simple fact that it is toxic for many organs.

You will meet other people from Australia over here, and the most interesting one is Bill , who made his own treatment, extremly cheap and very successful.

Anyway, walk around, chat, have a drink in the bar, and try to feel comfortable over here with us.

 
Caroline

P.s. about your index finger... I had that too. No help of MTX. But I was given an injection (auch) with steroids in my finger, which helped to reduce the inflammation. After that DMF did the job for me.

[fialstar]

Hi Fialstar,

<snip>

P.s. about your index finger... I had that too. No help of MTX. But I was given an injection (auch) with steroids in my finger, which helped to reduce the inflammation. After that DMF did the job for me.

May I ask what DMF is please?

[Fred]

Hi Fialstar,

<snip>

P.s. about your index finger... I had that too. No help of MTX. But I was given an injection (auch) with steroids in my finger, which helped to reduce the inflammation. After that DMF did the job for me.

May I ask what DMF is please?

These threads will help:

Dimethylfumarates and Psoriasis

Bill's pure dimethylfumarate thread

[JohnB]

Hi Fialstar and a warm welcome to our club 

Some of the best things in our lives happen by accident and this place is one of them. As Fred says there is an enviable amount of info here and what you can't find, somebody will more than likely have experience of. So if you get stuck on anything just yell. There is generally somebody lurking and the bar rarely closes.

Could I ask why you think the Methotrexate isn't working? I am half a dozen weeks into it and have yet to see any problems. It's even doing a decent job of bringing my Psoriasis under control.

John

Hi John

It is my belief that the mtx isn't working because during the time I have been on it I have experienced a rapid deterioration in both my index finger left hand, as well as all of my nails. I understood when I first got prescribed methotrexate that it was supposed to help, or at least slow down, the issues with my hands and this does not appear to be the case. I have been on 15mg weekly dose for over a year, yet the distal distortion has come on within the past few months (to the point where I can no longer use my index finger on my left hand even to type on my laptop!)

I wasn't prescribed the mtx for my skin because I have been able to manage my plaques successfully for over 10 yrs and am completely clear - down from 75 - 80% body and scalp coverage.

Ahh that makes sense. MTX is always the first line of defence by the Dermy and Rheumy Docs, but if it's not doing anything after a year then I think it's time to ask for something a little more upmarket. I recall reading somewhere even on MTX damage to the joints still occurs it's just not as noticeable.

[Raxyl]

Hi Fialstar, welcome to the forum. There is plenty of experience and good advise here. I'm also in Australia (down in Tassie). If you have your plaques under control it might be worthwhile getting a referral from GP your to a Rheumatologist about your PSA.