June 13, 2005
Here's the latest from the HealthTalk Psoriasis Information Network:
Psoriasis Successes: Amevive, Diet
We recently asked members of the Psoriasis Information Network for your insights into working effectively with your doctor and stories describing where you found resources that made a difference in your treatment approach.
This week we feature two members who have taken different paths to relief from their symptoms. Their stories represent just how different approaches to healing can be and how important it is to search for what's most suitable for you.
Choosing a traditional route, Louaine writes about how she finally found relief:
"For several years I had trouble with my hands. I thought it was a form of eczema. Then two years ago it exploded all over my body and head. I went to a dermatologist and it was diagnosed as psoriasis.
"I tried the normal treatments - steroids creams and cortisone - to no avail. Then I heard about Amevive. It was approved by my insurance in December 2003. I started the treatment of 12 shots on Jan 7th. I would have my blood tested on Monday and my shot on Wednesday for 12 weeks straight. After 4 shots I could tell a difference. The patches on my arms and legs started to fade. It took longer for my head, and the palms of my hands still have a problem but nothing like they were. My shots ended in March at the end of the 12-week series.
"It's been one year and two months, and I have no visible signs of recurrence at this time. It has been a wonderful year and longer relief than I expected. It probably will come again, but I know now there are treatments to help. I thought it would be good to share and maybe help someone else make the decision to try the shots or another form of treatment."
Briana found that a combination of holistic and traditional approaches helped her most:
"I joined HealthTalk a few months ago when I was desperate to do something about my psoriasis. I have had guttate psoriasis since I was 15 (I'm 32 now) and it typically has responded well to UV treatments (either UVA, UVB, or both with coal tar, oxsoralen, etc.) Unfortunately, however, the UV treatments stopped having much or any effect, and my psoriasis was steadily worsening to an unbearable state.
"At the recommendation of a friend, and after trying a variety of treatments, I visited a chiropractor who practices at the Academy of Oriental Medicine of Austin. He did an initial consultation with trigger point therapy, which uses magnets to ascertain weaknesses and blocks within the body. He prescribed a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements. I also adjusted my diet to avoid sugar, alcohol, fruit, fruit juices, mushrooms and blue cheese (i.e., sugars and molds), as well as to cut down on dairy and increase proteins and whole grains and spring water.
"Within days, I was already seeing a marked improvement! On a follow-up visit, the doctor explained that such a rapid improvement probably meant that I had been suffering from a fungal infection that was making the psoriasis flare up. On this same visit, he prescribed a continuation of the vitamin A, CU-AU-AG, and zinc, and added MO and MG supplements. This is apparently a cleansing regimen that I've just recently completed.
"I have continued with UV treatments throughout this time, in combination with oxsoralen. My psoriasis has almost disappeared. I know that psoriasis will always be part of my life, but I am so thankful that it is no longer driving me absolutely crazy, and so glad that I persisted in looking for a solution that would be effective and also wouldn't be too toxic to my body.
"I really encourage people to visit a chiropractor or other practitioner of alternative medicine who may be able to help with diet and vitamin and mineral supplements that really can be effective. Thank you for this forum for sharing. It's a great resource!"
As always, check with your doctor before beginning any new treatment program or making any drastic dietary changes and pay close attention to how you feel. Also, bear in mind that the ideas shared by our readers are anecdotal and based on their personal experience. Alternative or complementary therapies often have not been subjected to any form of rigorous clinical testing and may or may not be either safe or effective.
Want to share your process for learning about and dealing with your psoriasis? Do you have advice or stories about what worked for you? Send your tales and advice to stories@healthtalk.com, and we'll continue to compile them in future newsletters as long as there's interest.
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Psoriasis Community: Best Sun in the USA?
The Psoriasis Community plays host to in-depth conversations on a wide variety of topics. This week we feature a very fun and timely topic just in time for summer vacations:
cam98 searches for the best sun: "I am curious as to if anyone can recommend the MOST intense sun in the USA, perhaps 2-3 of the most powerful places UV rays hit because the closer I get to the sun it almost removes it like a miracle, perhaps the doctor can also explain why this happens!"
Have you discovered that certain sunny areas bring you more relief? Do you plan your vacations around the most psoriasis-friendly locales?
Feel free to join in the discussion and also refer to our informative program from last summer, Therapeutic Getaways: Hot Spots for Sun, Salt and Water. Hear from experts why a trip to somewhere special might also deliver some relief from your psoriasis.
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New Talk: The Best Depression Treatment:
Pills, Talk or Both?
Many effective drug and talk therapies exist that can be helpful for people who are both depressed and living with chronic illness.
Since researchers are finding that treating depression can actually improve symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer, it is important to treat it immediately and effectively. But when you're down and experiencing depression, it can be hard to know how to get started and what to do with the many options available.
Learn more about what's available for depression and how to approach your healthcare team in this discussion with a psychologist and psychiatrist who work with people with chronic illnesses.
Explore:
An array of therapies
Medications and how they work
Talking it out: brief, focused psychotherapy
Full Program
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Ask the Doctor: Acupuncture,
Treating Skin Folds
In our regular Ask the Doctor column, Dr. Kristina Callis answers your questions on various topics related to psoriasis, including:
Can acupuncture help?
What can I do for the flares in my groin area?
Submit your own questions and check back each week for new answers.
Read the Ask the Doctor column
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Sponsored News: Making Connections
Amgen and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with the National Psoraisis Foundation, are presenting a national campaign called Making Connections, a series of local in-person events we thought you might be interested in attending.
There are programs scheduled to be held in various cities across the country this spring. You can learn more about biologic therapy and get answers to your questions from leading experts.
Find the last few events in:
California
Minnesota
Rhode Island
Learn more and register for upcoming events
at the Making Connections Web site
We wish you and your family the best of health!
