My Psoriasis Story
I believe it all started in 1985. I had just lost my husband on
Valentines Day. Needless to say I felt completely stressed out. Being a
widow and a single mom at the age of 22 was not what I had planned on.
My life had been turned upside down. You could say I went off the deep
end.
The stress from everything lead to my gallbadder colapsing
and emergency surgery just one month later. One week after the surgery I
started noticing that I had very dry skin on my elbows. It really
didn't seem to bother me much and I just treated it with lotions.
This went on for a couple of years.
I met another man during that time which turned out to be a very
unhealthy relationship. When we broke up the Psoriasis flared like never
before my elbows were completely covered and small patches started
showing on my knees. My mother convienced me to go to the
dermatologist. I thought I had some kinda wierd skin cancer or
something. I had no clue to what it was at first. I thought they could
just cut it out. Now I consider myself very lucky that my derm knew what
it was right off the bat.
While in treatment at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
in Lubbock,Texas I underwent treatment consisting of Topical steroids,
UVB and PUVA with psorilen, Kenologg injections, and Coal
Tar,Antibiotics.
The Steroids were awful I gained weight and it really effected my
moods! UVB and Puva just gave my a really nice tan and left me looking
polka-dotted! It also has permenently effected my eyesight. I do not deal
with bright lights very well.
My family thinks I turned into a vampire!
The Kenologg injestions took really well the first time and lasted for a
little over a year. It didn't take the next time.
After the Kenologg didn't take I developed scalp Psoriasis and small
patches on my face and ears. I was given antibiotics ( which I quickly
became alergic or resistant to.) Elocon seemed to help what was on my
face. I used several prescriptions shampoos for the scalp.The best thing I
have found for scalp is just plain old Denorex (which is over the counter)
works best for me.
Coal Tar didn't seem to work to well for me . My doc even came up with
some Coal Tar Salve. Which the Pharmacist had to mix himself.
It was to messy and didn't help.
During this time I had alot going on in my life I met my husband now
Scott. About 4 months before we were to be married I underwent a
surgery on my foot to correct a birth defect. This flared the Psoriasis
on my legs and feet. I can tell you that if you have psoriasis in a
place where you have to have a cast DON'T SCRATCH IT!
It really makes it worse.
The Psycological effects of this disease really hit me hard then.
I was fighting because I wanted to be able to walk unassisted for my
wedding and I had to fight the feelings that my future husband would look
at me with disgust because I felt like I looked liked a WELL I wont say
it , those of you who have it know what I mean.
My wonderful hubby loved me spots and all! I feel so lucky in that
respect. So don't give up people there is hope you will find someone
like that too!
I went through a major depression when in 1988 I was also diagnosed with
Psoriatic Arthritis. I went on anti depressants and went to a
rhematologist . He wanted to do gold shot treatments . That was my first
and last time I went to a Rhematologist for a while. In fact I kept it
under control until now. I am back seeing a great rheumatologist .
Dr.Ali started me on .5cc of Methotrexate which he just increased to
.7cc.
I have been on MTX (Methotrexate) for about eight weeks now(as of
11-13-98). I am showing some improvement in my Psoriasis but the
Psoratic is taking a bit longer. He has also just diagnosed me with
Fibromyalgia.
In 1991 I was also diagnosed with Hidrandenitis Suppurativa.
That is a whole other ball of wax. Just follow the link to find out
more about it, I could write a novel. There also may be a small
connection I feel between the two diseases.
I have managed to keep myself together with the help of my family and
friends and my family here at Psoriasis Connection. I have also
developed a warped sense of humor that helps keep me sane. I want to
thanks you for taking the time to read this. And Remember you are not
alone anymore.
Clara Nielsen
Psoriasis Connection