After the narrowband phototherapy treatment which cleared me for about 4 weeks, my Psoriasis was back with a bang.
So back I went to my GP and pleaded with him to refer me back to the Dermatologist. Although my P is starting to re-appear on bits of my body I’m really only bothered about my hands….
Wednesday 12th May – Initial appointment – had my referral to the consultant today and she agreed we should try the next step on the treatment ladder as topical creams and narrowband have proven unsuccessful. I’ll be getting Immersion PUVA. She did ask if I wanted the rest of me looked at but I declined this time, I just want my hands fixed. My face I can cake in makeup so I’m not overly bothered about that or limbs/torso/scalp. Nurse took me straight down to phototherapy unit and explained the treatment. I’ll be having my hands and feet soaked in Psoralen for 15 minutes, followed by a 30 minute wait before being exposed to UVA light. The treatment will be twice a week for about 7-8 weeks.
P covered fingers crossed that this treatment will give me some respite! 😀
I’ll keep you posted.
17th May – Treatment 1 – had to soak my hands and feet for 15 minutes in psoralen solution, the sink and foot bowl were covered in a liner prior to solution being added – I wonder if it stains? I had to wear attractive large goggles in case of splashes. After my soaking time I was pretty wrinkled) I then had to pat dry and wait for 30 minutes for solution to take effect on my skin. I have to do this each treatment I attend. I then had 1 min 20 under the UVA, having to cover my forearms and ankles with bandage cuffs to ensure areas not being treated were not exposed to the light. I then rinsed of my hands and feet. I have to keep skin which has been to exposed to solution/uva covered for rest of the day in case of burning which has meant wearing gloves, so I’ve had a few strange stares…
For my next treatment I will:
go for a pee before the treatment starts as you are not meant to wash your hands during the 30 minute wait.
put the towel for drying in my lap whilst soaking so I don’t drip everywhere trying to reach for it.
take a book to read for my 30 minute wait.
since the treatment both hands and feet have been incredibly dry and itchy – not sure if this is normal or psychosomatic. I had to buy some sunnies today too to wear after the exposure to UVA as it reflects into your face.
20th May – Treatment 2 2:24 under the UVA
24th May – Treatment 3 4:48 under the UVA – itchy, itchy, itchy, I am ItchyMichy
27th May – Treatment 4 7:03 under UVA now suffering psychosomatic itching all over
30th May – No treatment today as the unit is closed due to bank holiday. Hands and feet are still itchy and are the only part of me which are tanned. Have interesting tan lines round my wrists and ankles 😀
3rd June – Treatment 5 7:03 under the UVA. the tan lines are very prominent now. I need to go on the sunbed wearing gloves & socks to see if I can even the skin tone up.
7th June – Treatment 6 back to 4:48 unde the UVA today. hands a relooking much better. However I appear to have burnt the soles of my feet, on Tuesday evening I couldn’t sleep for the pain. it was in the center of my feet radiating out toward the skin. Very unpleasant & incredibly uncomfortable. Has subsided a bit over the next couple of days but still unbelievably itchy.
10th June – Treatment 7 7:03 under the UVA hands only today. Feet still a little uncomfortable. see how it is for the next session.
14th June Treatment 8 – 9:30 under UVA hands only – my feet are well and truly done. I don’t think I could stand another treatment on my feet!
17th June Treatment 9 – 11:54 under UVA hands.
21st June Treatment 10 – 14:18 under UVA hands. Apart from interesting tan lines around my wrists (and ankles) my hands look fab. I even went and had my nails painted today to celebrate
24th June Treatment 11 – 16:48 under UVA hands. looking good, just about clear. Fab! I’m off on holiday for a week so no treatment next week.
5th July – Although I’m only halfway through the treatment my hands have been clear for over a week, so I managed to persuade the nurses to discharge me. yey!