skin/joint pain--also advice--vent

[mom2IS]

Everything I read suggests that the arthritis and skin tend to flare at the same time. I seem to get one somewhat under control, and then the other flares. HOw about others?

Also, I'm getting sick of advice. People suggesting I need to go on antidepressants to control my stress which would help my skin (ha, I already AM and it's not helping the skin!!) suggesting I go to a naturopath, change my diet (my diet is better than that of the people suggesting I change it!) strangers asking me what is wrong. UGH. The other group of people who ask are people who sell skin products, hoping to get some business I guess. Oh well, I guess they just care. Thanks for letting me vent. The amount of time going into this gets depressing, it takes 20 minutes to cross town to be in the UVB booth for all of 39 seconds, often I have to wait to get in. I THINK it's starting to work, so if it does, all will be worth it!
Thanks for listening
Ally

[Danceswithcats]

I really know what you mean, Ally. I've never done the UVB, but I really hope it works for you.

DANCER

[theskinyouarein]

I understand, particularly about the unsolicited advice from ALL the experts (eg all those you meet on the street or during your day to day activities, who generally a) don't know much, if anything about psoriasis and b) don't have psoriasis). I believe that people want to "help" and don't stop think before they speak. We've never had phototherapy, but the travel and the wait must be frustrating for less that a minute's time! I hope it works well for you, that's for sure. Hang in there. I think that the better we feel about things, the more educated we get, the easier (generally speaking) handling advice from others may become....have to admit though, the advice found here is easier to "take." These folks walk in our shoes...

[ouchyk]

Hi,

My skin is very mild. My PA is not. So, I'm not sure that " skin & joints " always flare together as a matter of fact I notice that many people I know do not have flares together. We're all so different.

Last weekend I went to a spa, they used almond oil on my skin during a massage and that set off twins on either side of my neck....sweet...lol...It's getting cooler here and I have a turtleneck on today....The girl who was working on me told me that she heard there was a " cure " for arthritis that had just been announced... :confused: :eek: :confused: I thanked her for the information * sigh *. I'm sure she meant well.

I like the " soak raisins in gin " advice best. :) ;) LOL...

UVB works great for a lot of people, I hope you find it helpful.

Hang in there.
Karen

[partial]

I don't have PA, but have had major neck problems in the past due to a work injury (I was in law enforcment and got in a major brawl with a drug user). I had all kinds of advice, from family, friends, etc. The injury left me with arthritis in my neck that caused neverending muscle spasms, chronic pain, and occasional bouts of vertigo.

After hours and hours of physical therapy, prescription drugs that ate my stomach lining off, chiropractic work, etc I found that I was getting depressed and angry about it. I went to physical therapists who were obviously in it only for the money and did much more harm that good, doctors whose only advice was to take this pill or that or who told me that I was at a point that my pain was as good as it would get, etc...

I ended up going to a massage therapist near my house on a whim (about the 4th or 5th one I had visited) who was great. Her husband was a professional athlete and she actually understood chronic muscle injuries and pain/inflammation reduction.

My doctor referred me for 4 visits, the massuase found out my insurance was actually unlimited, so I went once a week for an hour for nearly three months before the insurance company had a meltdown and cut me off, calling it "maintenience" instead of therapy. She stressed stretching and flexibility really making the bones and muscles work together to negate the injury.

She cleared up over 7 years of pain and an unending ammount advice from bad physicians in those three months. I worked out a deal with her so I could continue for another month (great person that she is, she reduced her rate to almost nothing).

Over seven years of chronic pain and veritgo from a muscle injury that was pinching off some nerve in my neck (and I never missed a day of work) by finally finding the right person and treatment. I am glad I kep trying and can only hope that you find what works for you.

The weekly massage also reduced my stress/anxiety/depression by an unbelievable ammount. It might be worth trying as a getaway from the daily grind of having a chronic problem and be a good alternative to prescription medication.

Sorry for the advice (because you probably get enough of that), but there are alternatives to anti-depressants and some good ways to reduce stress that dont involve changing brain chemistry through science. I only wish I could see my massage person now that I am dealing with psoriasis, the relaxation might not help, but would sure be a nice respite.