John Intro

[John]

Hi, I'm John. Been battling with Plaque psoriasis for a few years now. I'm pretty sure got it from taking Rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Had been on Warfarin for 16yrs + and body was no longer having it.  Now on Pradaxa and blood is good. Plaque not so good. Derm started me with cream and injections, he loved those injections.  Sadly they only briefly help out and help his wallet and hurt mine.

Primary Dr put me on Acitretin and about the same time I went on Keto and have lost 50lbs in a year and 80 lbs total. I did go off the acitretin for a month since I was almost 100% clear was hoping it was the clean diet. But alas it wasn't and went back on the drug. I have almost every side effect they list, and as I was searching the net I see more added that I hadn't put down as the medicine as well. Losing my eyebrows and eyelashes was no big deal. Hair loss also doable, the skin on fire and scratching my face and knees just about unbearable.  Would wake up bloody each morning, from scratching.  Night blindness and messing with my head I can't bear any longer. Months ago had asked the Dr to change up the med, but she didn't want me to have to start over with all new side effects. I've been on it for over a year and 2 weeks ago took my last dose.  

Had an awful day and made it through but was searching for ways to see how to get it out of my system. Found this group and hope to gain some insight and try out the next treatment for me. Going cold turkey for a bit, to let my body rest. It's no longer short season and mine is normally on my knees, elbows, feet. Praying the medicine will wear off and get my head back together and nails no longer cracked, chipped and thin so thin I get cut/scratched, like when I was on Warfarin.  

Sorry for such a long intro. Not looking forward to the recurrence and snow storm that follows me and my side of the bed.
Thanks for listening.
John

[Kat]

Welcome John!

I was on Acetritin a couple of years back and it helped me, but then I didn't have the side effects that you are experiencing!

There is a ton of info to be found here on treatments, and lots of members willing to answer questions.

Make yourself at home here!

[John]

Thanks Kat, appreciate it.

[KatT]

Hi John!



Never been on that medication but there is a lot of information on the forum that could help you make an informed decision on the next treatment.

The first treatment I tried was methotrexate and it worked really well for me for the psoriasis but unfortunately not the arthritis.



Oh...and don't forget to visit the off topic section for a bit of entertainment!

[John]

Thanks Kat t, Checking out the off topics forum now.

[Raxyl]

Hi, John welcome to the club, I had similar side effects with Acitretin as you are describing, although I don't believe mine were as severe as yours. I lasted about 6 months on it before my Dermatologist switched me to Humira (that was another ride) but the side effects from the Acitretin subsided after a couple of weeks.

All the best for your treatment, I hope you see improvement soon.

Craig

[Caroline]

Hi John,

Welcome to Psoriasisclub. Thanks for your introduction.
I think we certainly can give you some hints on the direction you might go. But we will not go smashing you with advice, first take a look around.
In the mean time I do wonder what are your thoughts on why you got the Psoriasis in the first place and what were the injections that were given to you (I guess mtx)

Cheers and have fun over here with us

Caroline

[KyPrincess]

Hi John! Welcome to the club!

[jiml]

Hi John  to the club. I'm glad you found your way here, we are all just like you and suffer with psoriasis and many have had similar journeys and are pleased to share their experiences and offer advice if you need it
it sounds to me as if you have gone as far as is sensible on acetretin and your dermatologist should stop thinking about his pocket and think about what's best for you
Have a look at these two threads about alternatives to acetretin and ask as many questions as you might have
Biological Treatments For Psoriasis
Oral Treatments For Psoriasis
They will give you an idea of what to ask for when you next see your dermatologist
Good luck
Jim

[Fred]

Hello John  to Psoriasis Club.

Sounds like you have had a bad time of it in regards to treating the psoriasis, I see Jim has posted links to Bio and Oral treatments. Have a good look and arm yourself with some information ready for your next appointment.

A good idea to get the old treatment out of your body, plus if the psoriasis does get worse you will be able to judge how your next treatment is going.

Good luck with your choice, and no problem with a long intro.

Regards.

Fred.