Update

So I kind of forgot to put up the experience of my last four sessions. It is about a month since I finished up and I have notice the red patches on my skin have faded even more and truth me told, I haven't seen much sun as we are still due some good weather.

My last session neared the 3 minute mark, but I was finally glad to be finished as I did feel the pressure of the heat in the box. After my final session, I had to fill out a questionaire, the same one I had filled out first day, only this time all answers were completely positive, which really showed the difference the treatment had on my lifestyle. I now feel much more confident when it comes to wearing t-shirts, whereas before I hated for my arms to be on show due to my psoriasis and all i could feel were peoples eyes on it, which i hated.

Overall, I really feel that this is a great option for anyone, who like myself, get down about the appearance of their skin. It really can rule over your lifestyle choices, eg. clothing, social settings.

I hope that this blog if stumbled upon can help anyone who may be in the same situation. Everybody gets down about something, and this was a big thing for me, something which I don't let bother me anymore. If anyone would like to contact me, ask questions about my experience, then feel free to email me at rebel2405@gmail.com

I may update again if my results improve even more or the effects of the treatment fail me. Until then, take care :)

Sarah

Photo time....

So, I thought it was finally time to share some photos of my progress. The before pictures were taken the first week, when I had the initial assessment and one session. The after pics were taken this past Saturday, April 23rd. Just to add, I used photoshop simply to put the crop the photos and place them side by side and add text. The result of my skin is, thankfully, in no way photoshopped.

Photo 1: Right arm

Photo 2: Right leg

Photo 3: Right thigh (side)

Photo 4: Right thigh (back)

Photo 5: Left thigh (back)

Photo 6: Left arm

Photo 7: Right hand

As you can see from the photos, it has faded alot. My skin is so much smoother compared to the roughness I felt only 6 weeks ago. I am really glad I did this treatment, as the results are showing, it is working. I still have 4 more sessions to go, but after that I hope that the natural sunlight and MTX will help keep it under control.

Any questions, comments etc are always welcome.

Sarah

Day 17 & 18 - Week 6 completed

Apologies for the delay, been a tiresome few days. First off, Happy Easter....aaand on with the blogging :)

Day 17 started the same as always, as mentioned before its always the same routine when I go in. My skin gets checked over before getting ready and heading into the phototherapy machine. My physio is still happy with my progress, as am I. Today, I was upto 1 minute and 52 seconds, marching in the machine. I had gotten a blood test at my doctor that morning before my appointment, which I have to get every 2 months due to being on MTX and I had to remove the covering of the injection for the light, thankfully, I don't bleed too much after getting my bloods done. Once I got home, it was time to moisturise, which has definitely helped my skin stay smooth.

Day 18, last day of week 6 and treatment number 17. My usual physio was not in, so I had a nurse attending, who I actually had for one session on my first week of treatment, and she was really surprised at how well my skin had progressed. Today would take me over the 2 minute mark, 2 minutes and 3 seconds. I was told with the weather being nice recently (not on that particular day though :/) that I should either cover up from the sun or wear SPF 30 on exposed areas. She explains that if my skin was to be exposed to sunlight for too long, that next session in the box could cause me to get burned. Something to keep in mind!

I have only 4 sessions left to go, with my next session not being until next Wednesday due to Monday being a Bank Holiday here in Ireland. So I will have 2 days next week, and the week after, due to another Bank Holiday, and then May 6th, I will officially be finished. I think my last session will be a longer session to assess how the treatment has impacted my life, compared to the answers I gave first day of how psoriasis was affected my lifestyle.

I have photos I took before the treatment, and photos of how those same areas currently look after 6 weeks, so I will try and get the comparison photos up sometime today or tomorrow.

Enjoy the long weekend, take care.

Sarah

Day 16 - Week 6 Begins

So today, Monday, was my 15th session. I am now up to 1 minute and 44 seconds, which again, i'm definitely feeling the heat from. After todays session I was given a letter for my consulting dermatologist, basically a form for him to fill out as to whether treatment will be stopped after this week or continue on for another 1 or 2 weeks.

My appointment with my dermatologist went well, and he seemed happy with my progress. He looked over my skin and said that as usual, the legs are always the last to clear up, which in my case, on my upper legs, is true. He asked me if I would be happy doing a few more weeks of treatment, I was a bit hesitant at first, so he said for 21 sessions instead of 24. Which I was happy enough to do, as it does not interfere with any upcoming plans.

I was then told that the skin doesn't always clear up completely, that some redness of the skin can still remain and that once the treatment is done and if we have good weather (this is Ireland after all), that I could go out walking in the mornings in shorts and a t-shirt, without sun lotion for 20 minutes a day as this would continue to help the process, hopefully, along with the Methotrexate.

Was also told that I don't need to book my usual 6 month check up unless I felt it was needed down the line, he wished my well and I was on my way.

So 15 sessions down, means I have 6 to go before I finish up and can back to not visiting hospitals so regularly (heres hoping). Two more sessions booked for this week, so let the last of the progress begin :)

Sarah

Day 14 & 15 - Week 5 done

So lack of updates due to not be allowed update my blog last week and then not being around to do so. Just to make it easier to follow, will post about the start of week 6 in a seperate blog post :)

So Wednesday, I was still going up by 10%  and was now on 1 minute and 24 seconds. Friday, I was up to 1 minute and 32. Nothing out of the ordinary either day. I do find myself feeling a bit tired as the time gets longer and feel the heat more. Even worse when you are marching on the spot.

Monday is the start of my sixth week and I follow my appointment at the hospital by an check up with my dermatologist. I did find over the weekend that I had heat spots I guess they are called, which were itchy but have since gone.

Update from the start of week 6 next.


Sarah

Day 13 - Week 5 begins

So after a weekend of fun in Dublin, as well as travelling back and forth by bus, Monday morning comes after an amazing night sleep!

First thing was first, I was asked about any redness as I was waiting for the machine to warm up. I told her about the redness on my lower back and upper arms as mentioned in my last entry. The redness lasted til about Saturday night, maybe Sunday morning, all of which was noted.

My dosage was then lowered, going up by 10%, instead of 20%. The time would increase by only 1 second, bringing it up to 1 minute and 16 seconds. I was then told after that I shouldn't have any redness after today so I will be keeping an eye on my skin, just to be sure.

Back again on Wednesday, and will see if the progress will still be slowed down.
Take care,

Sarah

Day 12 - 2 Weeks to go....

Today was the completion of week 4, and it was probably best to leave this entry til this late to write up, which will be explained further down. It was the usual routine, now up to 1 minute and 15 seconds, and when you are marching in spot for that long, you tend to feel the heat and how slow time seems to go.

All was well, I paid for the week and booked my times for next week. When I got home I moisturised with the lighter cream. I still felt quite warm, and figured being the nice sunny day that it was, that it was part of it.

Tonight before I went for a shower I felt that my back was very warm, and when I looked in the mirror, found it was very red. It was the same on my upper arms. It looked fairly red and feels a bit like sunburn. I guess this is what was meant when I was told to expect some redness when the times get longer. I get asked before every session if I experienced any redness or itching, so this will be recorded by my physio on Monday for my next session and we'll see how things go from there.

Until I start my (possibly) second last week, take care and have a good weekend

Sarah

Day 10 & 11 - Week 4

Lack of updates due to my dog not being well on Monday evening, and later having to be put down this morning. So you can imagine the emotions are all over the place (take into account, she was a part of our lives for over 16 years). So I do feel stressed and maybe my skin will suffer for it, but its not like i'm going to hide my emotions to prevent it, just not possible right now :(

But on with the treatment blogging. Monday, I was up to 52 seconds. All was well, no redness or itchiness.

Wednesday, approx. 60 seconds (not sure of the exact time). I was told that I should expect to see some redness as I get over the minute mark due to being in there longer. All was well so far today, a bit itchy in places but no redness and my skin was feeling good when moisturising.

I was reminded about making a dermatologist appointment, which I did last week. I see my derm again on the Monday of my 6th week, April 18th. He will then assess my skin and possibly recommend 2 more weeks if he thinks it is necessary.

Update on Friday on my final day of week 4. Until then, take care

Sarah

Day 9 - Week 3 down

Today was the final day of my third week, so I am halfway through so far. I am now on 43% from 36%....I am going up in 20% as I have heard my physio say, but I not sure dosage wise what exactly that means. I was in today for 40 seconds, so I'm really progressing timewise also.

I think it is still going well although I felt some irritation in areas but I think it might be more stress related.

Starting week 4 on Monday, til then, take care :)

Sarah

Day 8 - Almost Halfway

So today, Wednesday was my 7th session in the light therapy box (8th day in total including the assessment). Same routine that i've come to know so well, my skin was checked, no redness or irritation, only fading psoriasis so I am one happy patient :).

I stepped into the machine and heard the physio explain to the attending nurse that I was moving up in 10% but now I am moving up in 20% due to my skin being able to tolerate it. Today it was for 35 seconds, which as usual, flew by. Next session is Friday, and that will be three weeks worth done. I am actually surprised at how fast it seems to be moving by, I always seem to think that things will drag out.

I have to make an appointment with my Dermatologist after the 6 weeks, to be told whether or not I should do 2 extra weeks of treatment, which would bring the total to 8 weeks.

Take care,
Sarah

Day 7 - So Far, So Good

It started off the same as every other appointment, I sa and waited while the machine was switched on and 'warmed up'. Then my skin got checked over, and my physio was very happy with the progress and with how well my skin was looking.

People will know that psoriasis can be quite raised on the skin and can appear very red, but I have found that after the last 2 weeks of treatment that my affected areas have become smooth and flattened, while also become a lighter red/pink colour.

With the process going well, today meant that today the time and dosage would be upped again. It went from 20% to 30 or 40% (i'm not sure as I overheard her asking the attending nurse), and from 25 seconds to 30. I'm still happy with how things are going and feel very positive about. Besides feeling warm after the sessions, I always feel fine.

More updates on my progress for week 3 coming Wednesday and Friday.
Take care,

Sarah

Day 6 - Raising the bar....

On Friday my skin was looked over and seemed and felt fine after the last few sessions, so this session would involve progressing to a higher dosage. I had been on 10% since the first session and was now moving up to 20% for 25 seconds.

The same process as always, only for longer. It is now Sunday and I haven't had any irritation or redness on my skin from Friday so all is looking well and I'm even seeing some areas of psoriasis which would usually be a bit raised, to feel flatter and smooth.

I'm not sure if I will be progressing even more tomorrow, but shall find out once I'm in for the appointment.

Take care,
Sarah

Day 5 - 22 second later...

So today, it was 22 seconds in the phototherapy machine. The physio is happy that no bad reactions have occurred as a result and so at my next session on Friday, I get to move up to a higher dosage which will hopefully mean results will begin to show soon enough.

Not sure yet how long the treatment will be on Friday, but not too much higher than 22 seconds i'd imagine. Will update after my session and how I get on :)

Take Care

Sarah

Day 4 -

11am, Monday morning and I wasn't even kept waiting. Today it was the routine that I find myself getting into. I had the usual physio today and she checked over my skin and asked how my skin had been. I had told her that I found it quite itchy, but it would only usually be the day of treatment.

She then told me that today would be a 20 second session, and that we are progressing slowly due to me taking MTX. She also said that I would continue on a lower dosage on Wednesday and if all is still well, that Friday the dosage would be put up higher.

It has only been my 3rd treatment in the phototherapy box and so far I feel all is going well. As I already mentioned I did feel itchy and my skin seemed irritated but that is to be expected but I'm looking forward to seeing the results in the weeks to come :)

Take care,

Sarah

Day 3 - Week 1 done!

Friday and I almost didn't make this appointment due to traffic, as the main road had been closed off. I rang ahead to the hospital and they said it was an important appointment and was best not to miss it, so they rescheduled for a half hour later than planned. Thankfully I made it just in time and was brought straight to the physio room.

It was a nurse helping me this time as the physio wasn't there today. She just went over the sheet, making sure all my information was correct as I got ready. She then looked at my skin to check it since the last appointment and was happy with it. Todays treatment would be 18 seconds, one second more than last time, up 10%. She told me that because i'm on Methotrexate (MTX) that the process would be taken slower but also the MTX would help the UV to get into my skin a bit more. Marching movements again for 18 seconds, not forgetting the goggles and face shield. The nurse then asked me questions from the other side of the curtain as i got changed, and she explained about moisturisers and creams being good during this process. Then it was back to the reception to settle up for the week and schedule times for Monday, Wednesday and Friday of next week.

So week 1 is done and I know what to expect for the next 5-7 weeks. I have found my skin to be itchy and a bit irritated or raised, but its to be expected before they hopefully fade to pink and then to a light brown. I will try and keep updating through the weeks, even small updates on the differences each time.

Until then, take care :)

Sarah

Day 2 - 17 Seconds

My appointment was for 9.45, managed to make it with time to spare this time. I was called and brought back to the same room as yesterday, where the light machine is. I sat and waited for a few minutes while the patient before finished up and left. I was then brought behind the curtain, my back, where the test was done yesterday was checked. She counted four red spots, being the result which would determine what dosage I would start on. I was then given goggles and asked to undress, put on the goggles and face shield and step into the machine.

There is paper on the bottom as to where you are to stand,and I was showed yesterday how to close and open the door. I closed the door behind me and the physio came back and told me I would be in for 17 seconds and when the blue lights (which are all surrounding panels inside the box) come on, to start moving. The movement is simply marching on the spot, raising hands and legs high, to ensure full coverage on every area of my body. The physio then has to ask my name and date of birth, and will do so every session with a second person in attendance, to ensure they are treating the right person. 17 seconds pass fairly quickly. The machine begins to beep, as the lights switch off, and I can exit the box again and get dressed.

My next session takes place on Friday, which will start with my skin being checked for redness etc. after today. So far its pretty straight forward, as I was assured but I still managed to find myself feeling anxious the night before, which in turn affected my sleep. Obviously I'm not gonna see any results straight away or the first few weeks, but it will be interesting to see how it affects my skin, hopefully for the better.

Until next time, take care :)

Sarah

Day 1 - Initial Assessment...

My appointment today was for 10.30...although happened a little later than planned due to traffic, parking and the hospital staff not having a clue where to send me...three receptions later I find myself at the Physiotherapy Department. I check in, asked a few questions, before I meet my physiotherapist who will be helping me with my treatment for the next 6-8 weeks. She brings me to a corner of the physio room where there are chairs and what looks like a big tank, but is actually the light box.

First thing is first, she asks me about what medications I am currently on and how I find them, as well as a short medical history. My skin is then assessed to determine my type and what doseage i will be recieving, seems i'm type II. She looks over my skin to see my worst affected areas, being my arms, right leg and hips. A clear area of skin is then tested with a small hot device, it is placed on the upper right of my back for one minute. The result of this test will be read 24 hours later, being tomorrow morning and will calculate the correct starting dose from the reaction.

After this test she goes over the sheet which I was given to read while she was setting up the machine. It explains what today was about, and how the process will go. She also showed me how I will be in the box, how to open and close it, and what happens during the treatment.

There is also a section about on the day of treatment, like not wearing deodorants, perfumes etc. as they could cause irritation of the skin. No cream is to be applied on the day of treatment, but a daily mosituring routine should be in place as the plaques tend to get very dried out. On her recommendation, I picked up some Aqueous cream for light moisturising in the mornings and Silcocks base for moisturising at night, in Boots afterwards for about €4 each. I can also keep using my dovobet as prescribed if needed, but I will probably wait until later on in the treatment if I find my psoriasis is becoming irritated before using it again. Other advise on the sheet include avoiding some foods, like figs and limes etc, avoiding significant alcohol consumption, no use of sunbeds or prolonged sun exposure. Hairstyle to be kept the same, in my case, tied up so as to not cover my skin during treatment. The position in the light box should be replicated each time to ensure same coverage every session.

Onto the third page of the sheet, it gives account of the possible side effects.
-The most common being redness, soreness and occasional blisters. Some tanning can also be likely.
-Repeated courses can lead to increased risk of skin cancer, but they say this only increases after 350 treatments, i'll be having 18, or 24 at the most.
-Dry and itchy skin can also be experienced, but moisturising can prevent this.
-Goggles are worn to prevented the increased risk of developing cataracts.
-Cold sores may become activated if the patient has a history of these.
-An itchy rash due to sunlight, polymorphic light eruption, may very occasionally occur.

Lastly it is very important to avoid any other forms of ultra-violet light during the treatment, including sunlight, the weather here is really starting to pick up lately, with alot of sunlight during the day, but it shouldn't be too hard considering it is still fairly cold and not quite t-shirt weather yet! I was then asked to fill in a questionaire to see how my psoriasis affected my way of life, and I think I will be filling in one again once the treatment is complete to show any difference in how I live my life.

Overall i found the physio to be helpful and explained everything well. I am looking forward to finally getting started tomorrow and seeing how the treatment helps me.

Until tomorrow, take care :)
Sarah

And so it begins....

So, first thing is first, welcome to my blog which I have decided to set up to keep track of my progress with my condition and hopefully can help educate or help people who may be in the same situation.

Onto a little intro as to who I am, and what exactly I am talking about :). My name is Sarah, I'm 23 years old and live in Ireland. I was diagnosed with Psoriasis when I was 17 and have tried most creams/ointments up until now, on medication (which is also for psoriatic arthritis in my knees) which I find does help, and have even had my tonsils out in the hope my skin would clear up. I have had the option to try Phototherapy or a light box treatment as it is sometimes known, but have choosen not to do it, up until now. I will admit that my skin has probably been the clearest now since I was diagnosed...so why do it now you might ask? Simple, I would love to have the feeling of clear skin again, not having to cover up due to feeling self conscious, itchy, and sore at times.

I had already signed the forms in the dermatologist office on my last visit and could simply ring them if/when i wanted to start the treatment. So I finally decided to make that phonecall last week, and tomorrow Tuesday March 15th, I start my first phototherapy treatment at one of my local hospitals. I will have to make 3 visits a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, for the next 6-8 weeks. I am hoping this blog will help me to keep track of the progress, if any, that the light treatment has on my psoriasis. I am hoping to take some pictures tonight of my worst affected areas and continue doing so throughout the 6-8 weeks, just to show what results I get.

I hope to update here regularly enough on my progress, any feedback or similar experiences are more than welcome and appreciated. Heres hoping for some positive results....

Take care,
Sarah

P.S. In case anyone was wondering about the title, it is title of one of my favourite songs by Irish band, Bell X1, which I think is quite fitting for the subject involved ;). Check out an acoustic performance of the song here