The heartbreak of........

PSORIASIS. Trying hard here to hang on and not be too dismal about surgery, lack of weight loss (-30 lbs in 9 weeks) and being COVERED from head to foot with red spots of psoriasis. I've been to my dermatologist, we are on "experimental drugs" that cost $500 a shot (I take two a week, thank God for insurance) and nothing is happening. I'm usually not a complainer, but the tears are here today. Nine weeks and 30 lbs. I walk 5 miles a day, six days a week, do water aerobics five days a week for an hour. I get in my 80+ oz of H2O and 80+ grams of protein. I don't eat junk food, sugar, fat or anything that would cause this problem. I eat between 800 and 1200 calories a day. I am confused, embarrassed and tired of the pain from psoriasis (If some don't know.....yes, psoriasis can be very painful if the lesions cover at least 3 or inches in diameter. I wear long spandex pants with my swimming suit at the gym....scared a little boy yesterday because he saw me naked and screamed for his mommy and feel utterly desolate. Even my daily prayers sound monontomous and have a lack of vitality. B12 shots are on board, all my lab work was great, Doctor is pleased......and I am depressed. Plain and simple. Yes, I have measured, the inches are coming off 1 or 2 once in awhile but nothing significant. There are so many who need this surgery and are suffering, forgive me for my complaining.....sometimes you just need to tell someone and my husband is a poor listener at times. Love in Christ, Katherine

Katherine, I'm sorry you are having a flare up with your psoriasis. My sister has a touch of it. My daughter has exzema, and it can be very bothersome. I think you are on target with your weight loss. You are doing fabulous with your water intake and exercise. I bet you have a big loss soon. Are you on any kind of steroid for your psoriasis? That can make you retain or gain weight. I hope you feel better soon. Hugs, Debbie -42@ 12 weeks, see you aren't too far behind. I would like to be further along, but that is life.

Katherine, I can understand your pain/depression over the psoriasis. I'm glad you are working with the doctor on meds that hopefully will help. I want to commend you on your weight loss and your determination with exercise. You are doing GREAT. I'm 9 weeks out also and am down 27 lbs. Doctor says I'm right on target. The Vermont Country Store ( vermontcountrystore.com ) has many great products for skin problems. They ship quickly and are great to deal with. They have a paper catalog too that you can sign up for. Lots of old fashion things in there, great fun to go thru. My husband has had many dry/scaly skin on his hand for years. We have tried almost everything and nothing worked for him. I finally found a product that works for him. It is called: "Surgeon's Skin Secret" . Wow, what a difference for him. He saw changes almost immediately. They have a couple of products specifically for psoriasis and skin problems. It might be worth checking out. Go to their website, click on apothecary on the left, then on Skin Care. Sending you lots of hugs and positive thoughts. I hope you will have answers soon. Mary

Aw Katherine, I'm sorry your psoriasis is flaring up. My oldest daughter is 16 and she has it. I know how painful emotionally and physically it can be. I know my daughter wouldn't wear shorts at all last summer and she also missed out on the fun of going to the pool with her friends. She had luck with methotrexate. It made her very tired but it really helped her. I know you are going through a rough time but hang in there. You should be very proud of how well you are doing with your weight loss and your water and protein intake. Your exercise routine is awesome. It makes me feel like a lazy lump!!! Congratulations on how well you are doing with all that! I wish you the best with the psoriasis. I'm sure you will find some relief soon. Linda Open RNY, hernia repair, apendectomy February 25,2004 Dr. Anita Courcoulas/Shadyside Hospital

I am so sorry that you have psorasis. It will get better. God has already heard your prayer Kathy. Get up and live your life. He will heal you and you are doing so well in weight loss! I am so proud of you! Keep up the good work. Jaunine LapRNY 2/16/04 328/268/180

Don't apoligize for "complaining". Pain is pain! I hope you feel better soon and I'll keep you in my prayers! xeni 2/18/04 RNY LAP 422/351/150

Hi Katherine: Your weight loss is really great. It's about double what it would be if you were trying to loose the traditional way. You have also probably gained alot of muscle weight from the excersize. It will pay off in the long run because muscle burns more calories than fat. Your losing more than 10 pds a month. That's terrific. I'll add you to my prayer list tonght. Peace to you today, Eileen

Katherine, Hi I work in Clinical research. "experimental" drugs should NOT be costing you anything. Also You may want to up your protein it helps you to loose weihgt faster and keeps your hair form failing out. My doc recommends at least 70 grams a day. The more protein I get the btter my skin looks. A lot of the people do about 100 grams and very little carbs. WLS has dried my skin so I feel for you. Since WLS, I have had some excema. do you see a therapist? I used to take meds for depression before surgery, but for me Weight loss is like a drug and makes me feel good.