V-BEAM

[jt1]

My Doc wants me to try Vascular laser beam for pppp on my foot.Says it is experimental and insurance won't pay.Anyone heard of or tried this? Jennifer

[ohno1more]

Hi Jennifer
I've not heard of or tried it. ( at least, not for PPPP ).
Here's a bump, 'cause the odds are good someone here knows something.
And a suggestion: as it's "experimental and insurance won't pay" be as informed as possible if you accept the treatment.
Ask the Doc to explain, NOT in medical jargon but in concrete terms
- what her/his expectations of treatment are
- and WHY
In other words, What will this actually do and WHY might it work ?
I'm neither for or against this treatment. I know nothing of it ( as relates to P )
I would sincerely hope it's not just a " shot in the dark ".
I hope you will share with the community whatever you learn, and if you go for it, I hope it's your " magic bullet " !
Tom

[SuzanneT]

Hi Jennifer,
Try doing a search on PPPP and laser. I think a few people here have tried it - unsuccessfully, and one of them if I remembered correctly was burned from it. When I first heard about it, I was excited as well, since I also have PPPP, but after reading their stories, I opted not to try it.
Sue

[grannyfranny]

The laser was the reason I chose my derm,,,,Steven Feldman,,,Wake Forest Medical Center,,,,Winston Salem NC. I read the they were trying it before we moved here,,,,,,,,so I knew I was going to him. This is where I grew up and we were planning to COME HOME!

He said,,,,,,,it does HURT,,,,,,and is not that effective and they discontinued using it for PPPP.

[jt1]

Thank you for the replies. I'm still doing research on it.The doc is willing to do the laser at the same amount I pay for uva(75). From what i've read that is a big reduction!I want to buy a home light unit and insurance has turned me down. I just don't know if i;m willing to pay for "experimental". I just want to know if it works. I may cave just to see what it does.God wouldn't it be great oif it worked! That would be hope for all of the pppp people out there!I will keep you all posted! Jennifer

[SCCatman]

I think this is the standard UVB laser, which is I think, different from the one for vessles.
Dennis




New Advances in Targeted Excimer Laser Treatments for Psoriasis

PhotoMedex Dermatology and the Atlanta Support Chapter of the National Psoriasis Foundation

Cordially Invites You to a Medical Presentation by

Dr. Candance Green

The XTRAC excimer laser treatment system from PhotoMedex is the first FDA market approved laser treatment for psoriasis.

Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Refreshments and Deserts provided

Atlanta's Piedmont Hospital
1984 Bldg., Classroom 1
1984 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Click on the "Directions" link for a map to our meeting location.

Please forward this message to others in need and feel free to bring a friend (NPF Membership is not required).

For additional information, e-mail atlanta@support.psoriasis.org or visit the Atlanta Support Group of the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website at http://support.psoriasis.org/atlanta/

Link Here for an Interactive Map and Directions to the NPF Atlanta Support Meeting

[SCCatman]

see http://www.drkoop.com/ency/93/guides/000087_9_7.html

Pulsed-Dye Lasers. Pulsed-dye lasers emit high-intensity yellow light, which destroy the tiny blood vessels that make up psoriatic plaques. (This treatment has been used for years to remove birthmarks, such as port wine stains, and unsightly blood vessels on the skin.) Some studies have reported significant (but not complete) improvement and remissions that have lasted up to 13 months. Treatments last up to 30 minutes and can feel uncomfortable (similar to being repeatedly snapped with a rubber band). It typically takes up to six sessions to clear the target areas. Bruising is common and there is a small risk for scarring.

see
http://www.drkoop.com/ency/93/guides/000087_9.html
for the full artical
Dennis