Re: Rheumy or Dermatologist

April 29, 2010

Hi Francine,

I have heard of Dr. Alan Mentor. I used to live in Hurst and received my

diagnosis of PsA when going to JPS in Fort Worth. Needless to say there wasn't

much done for me there, so when my disability and medicare finally kicked in I

got out of that. I went to an awesome rheumy in Bedford, Dr. Iman Ali. She

mentioned him many times in the years I went there. He should be a very good

doctor, especially if you are having problems finding a med that works for you!

I can provide some insight on your questions.

1. There have been times I have gone to both a rheumy and a dermatologist. I am

fortunate in that Remicade also helps in clearing up my psoriasis. I have

pustular P on my hands and feet for the most part, but occasionally get the

plaque kind on my shins and elbows. I usually go to a dermy for skin type

infections. It really depends on how your rheumy feels about having to treat

both.

3. Dovonex is a topical ointment that helps with psoriasis and a few other type

rashes of that nature. I have Dovonex and clobetasol but have found that Dovonex

works just as well by itself. Use Dovonex very sparingly though. It is Vitamin D

and it will absorb through the skin. Also these type ointments can cause

thinning of the skin and sensitivity to the sun.

4. It was probably the fourth treatment of Remicade before I really started to

notice improvement, marked improvement. My gait before was as if I had been

hobbled. It was after the fourth infusion that I noticed one day I was walking

better. But it varies for each person as to how much and how fast any of the

drugs work. Ultimately what you are aiming for with biologics is for the disease

to go into remission. For me it is slowing it down a lot, but I still have

flares of swollen joints on occasion.

5. I can't honestly tell you how long it will take for the flare of P to clear

up or if it will. I know when I get an infection of any kind mine gets bad too.

I always have a small patch on the outside of left foot that has never cleared

up. I can tell you that with Remicade, Dovonex and a few other drugs that I am

on, getting too much sun makes my P flare worse. I have finally gotten used to

the fact that I will probably always look like a cast reject from Twilight,

pale! LOL

As for whether your post was too long or not, when you have questions by all

means ask them! This is a really awesome group. I am sure others will have some

advice and answers to offer too.

Gentle hugs,

Dalene

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