My Psoriasis Story

I have had psoriasis since I was 17. When I first broke out it was on my back and my forehead but eventually worked its way to my knees, legs and arms. For many years I went to doctors, not dermatologists, who didn't know how to treat it. They just gave me creams and steroids. Some worked temporarily but it never lasted. I also tried over the counter treaments like Loma and other lotions but never worked. In 2007, I finally decided to go to a dermatologist. I did my research before going to make sure I found a top dog here in Dallas. The first treatments were creams, which didn't work. Some light therapy, which helped until I quit. Then finally Enbrel. Enbrel took forever to work but once it did I remained clear for almost a year. Last summer was the first summer in forever that I could wear shorts, tanks, skirts and a bathing suit. It was awesome. Looks like I won't be doing that this year though. I flared up while on Enbrel, I think mostly due to stress around the holidays and deaths in the family. So now I am involved in a research study. I haven't seen any results yet so I am guessing I am on placebo but at week 16 they switch me to the real thing. I am miserable right now though. It is the worst it has ever been. I can't use any rx creams while on study so I go through at least one tube of heavy creme and a box of oatmeal bath treatments a week. I am spending more $$ now than I ever did on rxs!! I abosolutley refuse to change my diet and my lifestyle though. I have done lots of research and those types of changes and they are not medically proven to help. I am stubborn and skeptical like that in all areas of my life!