My Journey to halt/end my psoriasis

[D Foster]

Keep going, I found MTX much better when I injected.

[Forest Walker]

This will be my fourth week taking six little MTX pills.  I consistently have a little queasy, nausea feeling and increased headache, but it's not enough to make me want to quit.  I do think I'm seeing a little improvement and am grateful for the ease in the itching, too.  

It's good that Dave can recommend the injectible version and that it's a possible option.  

Could any of the medications or hormones for your transition be responsible for the sweats?  

As for topical steroids, my dermy has given me a schedule for usage, and I hope that will help avoid thinning skin problems.  She's also prescribed a Vitamin D based cream for use when I'm taking a break from topical steroid.  Stopping your Clobetasone abruptly might not be good.

[Sheila]

This will be my fourth week taking six little MTX pills.  I consistently have a little queasy, nausea feeling and increased headache, but it's not enough to make me want to quit.  I do think I'm seeing a little improvement and am grateful for the ease in the itching, too.  

It's good that Dave can recommend the injectible version and that it's a possible option.  

Could any of the medications or hormones for your transition be responsible for the sweats?  

As for topical steroids, my dermy has given me a schedule for usage, and I hope that will help avoid thinning skin problems.  She's also prescribed a Vitamin D based cream for use when I'm taking a break from topical steroid.  Stopping your Clobetasone abruptly might not be good.

Abrupt or not....it's going bye bye. NOT doing a steroid any longer than I have to. I get a say in my health, too, and steroids are not the path for me. For now, my psoriasis has gone down to a dull roar. Itching is way down and so are the lesions. But again, it's going bye bye, come hell or high water.

The MTX has increased my nausea a shade. Ozempic has a stronger influence in that area and I am used to it. No it's not fun, to be sure. Injectable is an option I suppose, but let's see what med will be helping me. I want to take MTX solely and I am just giving it a chance to take hold and I am done with Clobetasol. 

It's my first day on hormones today so let's see how it affects me! I could wind up being an absolute female dog, or a blubbering mound of tears. Who know? I just know that I am so looking forward to anything that estrogen can throw at me. I look at it like I missed out on 40+ years of bleeding and cramps, so this will be natures way of playing catch up! 

Anyways, it's nice to hear from you Forrest! Happy New Year! Bonne Anee!

[Kat]

Abrupt or not....it's going bye bye. NOT doing a steroid any longer than I have to. I get a say in my health, too, and steroids are not the path for me.

You might not say that if you realized the risks involved!  Stopping quickly can cause Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) - also known as Red Skin Syndrome (RSS) or Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA) which can be serious.  You might want to look those up.  Or not, up to  you.

[Sheila]

Abrupt or not....it's going bye bye. NOT doing a steroid any longer than I have to. I get a say in my health, too, and steroids are not the path for me.

You might not say that if you realized the risks involved!  Stopping quickly can cause Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) - also known as Red Skin Syndrome (RSS) or Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA) which can be serious.  You might want to look those up.  Or not, up to  you.

Neither really apply to me. I have not been using steroids long term. Enstilar foam has only been a few months and it stopped working so that's a thing of the past. The one I am using now, is about to disappear in short order. Don't want the emotional yo yo that steroids give me in addition to the effects estrogen therapy is going to put upon me shortly. So I have no worries about TSA and TSW. I have stopped meds before and not had any bad side effects. Not even Covid 19 shots have even made a dent in me. I am good.

[Sheila]

Well, Christmas and the New Year holidays have taken a toll. I gained 1.8 lbs. and am now back up at 306 even. So today I have renewed my commitment and I am eating properly. Balanced, low carb, low gluten, veggie rich. I am good! Hope to have more to tell you guys on that front in the near future. 

So far, the estrogen hasn't had an effect on me and I am crossing my fingers as this is just the lowest dose. Soon, I will be getting a higher dose and we shall see how it goes. As far as the estrogen affecting my psoriasis? I don't think there is anything on that front.

Clobetasol is keeping things down to a dull roar. There is improvement, a lot of improvement, but still there is still a lot of visible psoriasis. Itching is still there, but a lot less than before, so there is improvement that I am happy about. I don't think we can evaluate the MTX just yet as the derm has told me that I may not see results for up to 6 weeks to 2 months. Not sure if I want to stay on Clobetasol that long. 

Anyways, that's it for now kids! Take care and have a Happy New Year! 

Lots of love,

Sheila

[D Foster]

It seems like you have it under control Shelia, have a great 2022 and hopefully it will all come together. Take care and look after yourself.

[KatT]

It's normal to gain a pound or two during the holidays!  You are doing great   

Maybe reduce the Clobetasol gradually?

[Sheila]

Hi guys! I know it's been a while. I kinda dropped off the face of the earth while moving and getting things sorted out. Now that I am back, I will update you all. So far things are working out. The Clobex has decreased the psoriasis in concert with the MTX.  I am looking good in that regard. The places that isn't responding to MTX is my knees and all areas concerning my face and head. Those areas have reduced, but not to any significant extent. I think those areas are going to tell the tale as to how the MTX is really working. Clobex is done  though. I am not going to use it again. No steroids for this lady...at least no more for now. I will have to inform my derm about my feelings on this and how I react to steroids. Not fun. 

Anyways, I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Talk to y'all later! Love ya!

[JohnB]

Hi Sheila,  just getting up to date with your treatment. 

To start I shouldnt worry about the odd pound put back on over the holidays. As I see it its 'within tolerance' for the measuring device or to look at it another way it's a good empty..... if you get my drift

Good to hear the MTX is slowly chipping away at the PS. I too suffered low grade headaches while taking it and it was a very slow burner with me. It never cleared all my PS before we fell out with each other