New here and newly diagnosed

[dixiemom]

Hi,
I was just diagnosed yesterday because of the rash on my feet. I wish I had not waited to have it checked out. I have it in spots on my lower legs as well now. The doctor presecribed 2 creams, one to use 5 days a week twice a day and the other 2 days a week twice a day. He gave me a pamphlet and told me it has everything I could ever want to know about psoriasis in it.....WRONG!! I am so confused and have so many questions. I feel like some kind of freak or something. I have 2 small children, ages 5 and 18 months and just feel so alone. I asked my mother is either she or my dad have this and she said no. Now I find myself checking all over myself looking for new spots. I know I will find lots of support here and I'm glad to have found the group.

Lynn

[swogoddess]

Welcome to the NPF. Don't worry - you can find out all you could ever want to know about p here in the message boards and the info pages on the site. Just know that you are among others dealing with this disease - and there is always hope.

I also have 2 small children - have had p since I was 16 - and the p just keeps getting worse. Good news - there are lots of things that can help control p - bad news - there is no cure. If your derm isn't very forthcoming - find another derm. There is a list on the NPF site of recommended doctors who know a lot about treating p - and if you give us your location, lots of the members can provide their derm info - I have found that there are lots of resources in the people that post.

Good luck - and keep your chin up.

[cereal]

HI Lynn, welcome to the boards, glad you found us. Not glad that you have P though. I know exactly what you mean by feeling like a freak. BUT your not a freak, this is a medical condition. If you have any questions don't be shy, no matter how silly or embarresing you may think the question is. This is a great place to find info, to vent, and to get support.
Know that your not alone!! Hang in there!!

pat

[PJ66]

Lynn,
Hello and welcome!! Don't worry most of us feel the same way at one point or another. You can feel free to ask ?, vent, etc. We all understand what you are going through. Hope to see you around again.
Polly

[dixiemom]

Thank you for welcoming me! I checked out the doctors on this site and low and behold the group I went to wasn't listed. Now I am hoping there is someone here in my area who can recommend one. Will I ever be able to wear sandals again and not be embarassed???? Also, why does this not show up in some people until they are older? Should I not scrub my feet in the shower? Should I use a moisturizer as well as the creams???? See, I am full of questions.

Lynn

[Ms E]

Hi, Lynn!

I am new also. I can relate to feeling like a freak. When my DD saw my psoriasis last year (mostly on my legs-- round, angry spots) she said I looked like a monster. She was 3.

I was diagnosed with this when I was about to have my 2nd DD last year. Now I am so afraid for them since it is genetic-- they will have a 10-25% chance of getting it.

I don't want meds since I am nursing and plan on doing so for at least another year. I am willing to make all other lifestyle changes!

Hugs to you!

[wildflowerAnn]

Hi Lynn,
Welcome. This is a really good place to start. I'm 51 years old and just got P last October. I've learned lots just reading through the threads. Hope your feet clear up soon.
Ann

[SweetRedsoxFan]

Hello, I totally understand where you are coming from. I am 24 years old and yesterday I was diagnosed with P. I kind of knew I had it about a month ago and am just now accepting it. I have it on my scalp really bad and on my chest, back, knees, and elbows. I'm in a new relationship and just died at the thought of what he would think. He's okay with it although I know that he thinks it is kind of wierd. Before 5 months ago I had no skin problems whatsoever. I felt like a total freak and just cried for a week straight about it. People I know made jokes about it. I've just come to accept that it's just a part of who I am and if anyone doesn't like it f*&^ them. lol. Just remember your P doesn't make up who you are. Yeah, it might look bad but, it's not really you. Hope all this helps.

[tmartha]

Welcome Lynn - you will be able to find much information and comfort here, I'm sure, as I have. The pamphlets really frustrated me, too - they don't tell you near enough. What's the point?

There's a newer thread under complementary medicine that perhaps you've already read, but if you haven't, check it out - "no drugs + healthy habits..." by grannyfranny. It tells of her experiences with pp on her hands and feet and after many years she's now experiencing some dramatic clearing and relief. There are links within that tell more of the story (with some photos, too). You might find that helpful.

Keep posting -
Tani

[RichJ]

hi lynn,
sorry i can't help much but welcome to the p family. you will met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.

have a good night all

richard

[doodles]

Welcome Lynn! I'm sorry about your diagnosis but you are among friends and confidants here. I have had P and PA for years (45) and will be happy to answer any questions for you that I can.

Were all in this together..
Doodles

[tmartha]

Welcome Ms. E, Redsoxfan, and Doodles!

Looking forward to your future postings! :)

Tani

[PJ Leary]

Hi Lynn,

Welcome to the Boards, there are lots of helpful people here, and tons of good advice. Everyone who has psoriasis, with the exception of some children who do not remember not having it, goes through the same feeliongs you and the others are talking about. Remind yourself that you are a vicitm of a disease, you are not responsible for it. That will help some.

Talk to people and tell them what it is, tell them they can't catch it. Do your research here and learn as much as you can. Post your questions, and we will answer them. Learn about the cause of the disease, this is a metabolic auto-immune disease. The problems are sometimes successfully treated at the cellular level with some medications called biologics. They are very expensive, and only used where other more traditional therapies have failed, for the most part.

Having p on your feet automatically classifies your case as being severe, regardless of Body Surface Area involvement ( aka: BSA ).

Welcome to the others as well. If you want responses, you'll have more if you start a thread like Lynn did here.

Regards,