Still looking for the best meds...

By jayess58

1 min read

I was finally diagnosed about 5 or 6 years ago when my primary care doctor agreed to the inflammation blood test. She sent me to a fantastic rheumatologist who has helped tremendously. We've tried so many of the medications which work (sort of) for a little bit. So we move on to the next one. I keep asking her, "Are there any more meds left that we haven't tried?" And she always answers yes.

Now she's decided to move to Texas from Seattle. It's a little far to go for an appointment. So she's turning me over to one of her co-workers. We had such a rapport and now I'll have to start over (kind of). I just want to find the right drugs that work so I can go off of the prednisone!! I've been on it more on than off for almost the whole time since I was diagnosed. None of my other doctors are happy about that, but I definitely need it and it helps.

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Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="jayess58" user-id="3289734"/> if the coworker does not work out you can go to the National Psoriasis Foundation website and put in your zip code to see a list of doctors associated with the organization. It is so hard finding a doctor that you can have a good rapport with that it becomes scary when they move or retire. I hope you find a treatment that works quickly. Vickie W., Team Member
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="jayess58" user-id="3289734"/> , I hate it when I lose a good doctor. It is like you are starting all over. Keep looking, you find one that is a good fit for you. But as she said, there are plenty of treatments out there. Let us know how you are doing. We are all in this together.
Soreiartist Member
I went on a biologic trial 10 years ago and have till recently been on Secunimabab since and it was very good with both pain and skin. The last 4 years of constant infections, fungal on my oesophagus (nasty stuff!) ears gut and so on, showed my immune system was shot. I'm now on Guselkumbab and seems v good and no nasty side effects yet much lighter on your immune system. Good luck!
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 Oh no, <inline-mention username="Soreiartist" user-id="8574023"/>, it sounds like these last four years have been pretty miserable with all the infections. I really hope that this newest medication you're on continues to work well for you without the side effects. Thank you so much for sharing your experience here! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
2. Amore Member
 <inline-mention username="Soreiartist" user-id="8574023"/> I decided to take a different route after my immune system got shot from all the biologics that were experimented on me, none of which helped, 5 in 3 years. Do a bit of research on the herb Andrographis which can be taken as a supplement in the form of Andrographolide. Check it out at National Institute of <a href='https://Health.org' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Health.org</a> in the National Library of Medicine. Another one with promise is seaweed supplements containing the active ingredients astroxanthin and fucoxanthin. You've probably heard of turmeric/curcumin, pepperine, cinnamon, etc. Before modern medicine experiments (biologics are just that, experiments) traditional herbal medicine was curing/helping humans for thousands of years with great efficacy. Combined with avoidance of toxic foodstuffs and healthy lifestyle, they're probably more effective than the chemical compounds being "tried" on us with loads of side affects and little help. Good luck!😌🙏
Amore Member
<inline-mention username="jayess58" user-id="3289734"/> I can relate well to your trying means meds that only work "sort of for a little bit" and only prednisone being the one that really helps, needing an alternative. If you're still searching, may I ask what you have tried other than meds? Just as many factors typically lead to chronic disease over time, many methods over time need to be used to mediate the worst of the disease. While not perfect, I find a combination of physical therapy directed exercise, external energy harnessing (grounding/chi), nutrition/supplements, mental development and healing, relaxation therapies to be very helpful and without the side affects caused by meds and largely ineffective surgeries.
Soreiartist Member
Thanks so much for your tips. I've had PSa for nearly 20years.... along i with prednisone, methotrexate diet, bicarbonate, apple cider vinegar, curcummin, fish oils galore.. without success. Secunimabab for years was very very good but ultimately too much on my immunity .Im now completely stable on this Guselkumbab(sorry about the spelling!!) and yes, slow to kick in.. up to 12 months for full effect. Hence a low dose, decreasing to nothing for first 6 months of prednisone. I advise you to stick with a biologic for some time before trying another... it might give it a chance to help your body. The herb, I'll definitely look into as It's new to me. One thing... please everyone, take the shortest doses of cortisone advised, as it really strips your bone density, plus it triggers your chances for glaucoma, as Ive just discovered.. I've now both! Sorry i'm not answering the other kind interesting responses to this thread. All the best!