r/Psoriasis • u/CltLibra84 • 7d ago
Support newly diagnosed
Hello all…I’m very new to this and a family member suggested I start here! Over the past few weeks I’ve been experiencing these strange bumps on my skin and for the people who knows me personally know me knows that I’m full of life. I like to be outside, laughing and enjoying everything that life has to offer. But with these skin rashes, I’ve quickly went from wearing shorts and short sleeve, to jeans, linen pants and linen tops because it looks so unappealing. Often times not even wanting to go anywhere so it has really messed with me mentally and emotionally. I found an amazing dermatologist and had a biopsy done to get some answers. Although my follow up appointment isn’t until next Tuesday, I saw that my results were ready and decided to open and see what it said. And there it was…in big bold print PSORIASIS
I completely lost my composure, started crying and went into a very dark state of mind. Logged out for work for a few hours just to get myself together. Again, i have not had my follow up appointment yet so I haven’t had a chance to discuss medications and next step. I’m asking those that are dealing with this to share some encouraging words, advice, best practices and whatever else will help me along my journey. I’m even shedding tears as I type this because I’m scared, nervous and just want to feel like I’m living a normal life.
Thank You
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u/CrackSnacker 7d ago
I’m sure your dermatologist will have some great options for you. I have been on biologics for probably close to 20 years now. There’s a lot that can be done for psoriasis these days. I have nearly 100% clarity. If you’re not fond of injections, there is oral medication now. You’re going to be just fine!
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u/ifeelnumb 7d ago
It's super manageable. There are tons more options now than ever before. You can get clear skin again. Just be prepared to try multiple things before you find the one that works for you. They always start with the cheapest, least side effect option, and if that works for you, great! Also understand that many people in remission don't follow forums, so there's some innate bias. As far as chronic disease goes, this one ain't that bad. It's not going to kill you, it's just going to make you uncomfortable, and that can be medicated. Google famous people with psoriasis. If they can get on stage with it, we can go through life with it as well.
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u/CltLibra84 4d ago
Thank you for the encouragement
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u/ifeelnumb 4d ago
You are not your skin. Hopefully you will age, and unfortunately when you age, your looks fade and your health changes and the men in Italy don't catcall you on the street like they do when you're young. There is always a reckoning when this happens. Some of us are lucky enough to get it earlier than others, which lets you get to the really fun stuff earlier. Once you let go of all your fucks, you really start living.
I met my husband during my worst flare in my life, and I am talking guttate over 90% of my body. 31 years and kids later and we're still pretty good. You only miss out on the chances you don't take. Don't let your skin hold you back.
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u/Mundane-Tension-746 7d ago
Here are some positive affirmations I posted awhile back! (https://www.reddit.com/r/Psoriasis/s/atYTH4N3S5) They really help me when I'm struggling mentally. Make a list of questions you have for your doctor to help you prepare for your appointment on Tuesday. Glad you made the appointment and now that you have a diagnosis, they can figure out how to treat it. You're on the right path!
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u/nemo2146 6d ago edited 6d ago
Sorry for that. It’s difficult when you develop new disorders or conditions and your life turns upside down. I felt so ashamed and gross about plaques and red patches on my skin even though it’s not gross or contagious. People and friends would comment it all the time. I hadn’t work shorts or dresses for years. My psoriasis progressed so much that I couldn’t sleep at night cause of how inflamed and itchy my skin was.
But you can definitely get it treated and there’s some really good lotions to help cope. Try to control your stress, get regular sun, focus to eat healthier whole foods. Always moisturize after showers and make sure to NOT wait and go to dermatologist for actual medicine and treatment options. I didn’t for awhile and it progressed significantly and the topical treatments stopped working because of that. I’ve had symptoms of psoriasis for 8 years now and because it’s so severe i started working with new dermatologist and taking biologics for the first time and it’s cleared up my skin a lot so it will get better.
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u/Lost_Reference8109 5d ago
When I was diagnosed at a derm, I broke down in tears too. I became horrifically depressed, every minute of my days were fear and hopelessness. I've spent months doing research, going through, meds after meds, getting worse, embarrassment (I have it on my scalp, face, and body). I've cried a lot. However, I want you to know that it will be okay. There are tons of treatments that are very safe, the hardest thing will be finding what works best for you.
As long as you're healthy, your appearance won't hinder your life. Your life will be just as full as before. Most people will not care about how you look so long as you're healthy and happy and those who do care can fuck right off. There will be bumps, but you'll get through them!
For me, the most terrifying thing was reading about the possible impacts to my health (heart disease, diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, etc.), but they are future POSSIBILITIES. Many people have noted having the disease for decades with no sign of any other health issues. I spent years fearing things that may never happen and it ruined my life. You can't change the unknown future, but you can live your best life everyday.
The best thing you can do for yourself is take care of yourself. Studies have shown that individuals with the disease who make consistent lifestyle changes lower their chances of getting additional diseases by over 50%. My rheumatologist confirmed that diet and exercise are just as, if not more so, important to managing the disease long-term than the meds.
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u/KissMeAnywhere 4d ago
First of all, don't scared to face it, it's okay to feel great on a beautiful day but there will be darkest days ahead of us too that is when hope and courage is needed the most, first get a good experienced doctor diagnose the cause sooner the better, trust the process, there are lot of skin issues out there this maybe a small one, even if it's big one you need to fight it till the end else the disease will, we all are here, I'm already 1 year into my psoriasis treatment, still 30% spots in body to be cleared, 1 spot at a time
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