1 Attachment(s) hi, i've always read stuffs here but never really wrote one. i just feel like i need somebody to ask or confide with...other than my bf who has been very supportive.he sure makes me feel better at times that im really down. he is such a good man, he even offers to put on the creams for my back.....when i get one that is. right now, i have no insurance. i just got a new job and i have to wait until i get my packet which will take a couple of weeks , then , wait for my insurance card which will take of course couple of weeks after the packet. all my medicines are out and i dont think i can buy one without prescription...also, it'd be spendy if i buy without insurance. im just horribly sad right now. i have to be really tired for me to sleep at night or else i'll end up scratching myself all night. i just cant stand the itch anymore... much worse is the pain... its so painful when its all cracked. even when i put on lotz & lotz of vaseline...and most of the time, putting lotion make it hurt more. the only part that doesnt really hurt is the one on my forehead. but it seems like its getting bigger and bigger each day...more & more people keep asking me about it, ill say "allergies"...or sometimes i'll say skin condition called psoriasis ...then i just have to walk away, breakdown & cry.... my bf comforts me ...hugs me & tells me he'll always be there for me no matter what. that makes me feel good but sometimes i think what will i do without him? who else could understand me? i even have to tell him not to hug me tight cuz it hurts my skin. can somebody help me find something cheap that will help stop or at least lessen the itching & painful cracking? or does anyone know why i cry all the time...i didnt cry a lot before..i think im deppressed...pls help... thanks so much!

Hello,
I know how you feel and you're not alone when it comes to this. I am not really sure about over the counter medicines, maybe someone else can help you with that. If I were you, I would see about trying to get my insurance card quicker or maybe you can get a letter from the insurance company with a policy number or something. That way, you won't have to wait for the card to come in the mail. Also, I would go ahead and try to schedule an appointment for the doctor. Tell them your situation and they might be able to help get your insurance information. It's just a thought, but it is worth a try. Sometimes you have to be a little pushy to get things done...
Tiger...
PS, your picture looks great...

Wonderful picture,
When we hire a new employee the lapse in medical insurance is always a concern. When this happens we temporarily purchase a ? cobra plan to offset this problem. This is always negotiable as to what percentage the employee and the employer pays. Usually this insurance is for catastrophic occurances and may not be viable for prescription savings. There are many credit cards at record low 0% rates that you may be able to apply a little medication on.
Check these out
From time to time I have used cortizone OTC creme and It works for me in a pinch. Post a question on the message board and see if anyone has any input, good or bad about this product.
Good luck!
ps. I cry too when I am really depressed. Usually late at night when the itches are getting to me. Some times interactions with uneducated people will trigger an episode.

oh..tnx...i think i really need to call for my old insurance to see if i can still use the cobra...tnx so much u guys...im at work & i cant help but scratch when nobody's looking.........but tnx i will try to look around for cortisone creams & get on hold of ins. companies....

I have used Antarax for the itch. It's an antihistimine which needs a doctor's RX but costs only a few dollars. Benedryl (OTC) will also help with the itch. Both will make you sleepy but do help with the itch. Your bf is very understanding. Keep that guy!!! Good luck. John[COLOR=royalblue]:) :) :)

My name is William and my grandmother told me once about a product called Udder-Magic. I have used it in the past. This is a product you can find in a country/farm supply store. It is a product used for treating cows' udders. The cream comes in a bucket that costs about $20. Depending on how much is used each day/ twice a day The bucket should last a long time. Presently I am using Dovonex because my body has become immune to the product but I used the product for at least 3 years prior to that. When you put the stuff on you will feel a lot of heat almost like Ben-Gay. That worked well with me because over my life I have always had to get extremely hot and sweaty when laying on the beach along side the ocean to get rid of all the dots on my skin.

I am new to this stuff, since my p has been mostly confined to my scalp until the past 6 months or so. I am in the middle of a major outbreak, and going nuts trying to find help. I have never had an outbreak like this before, so I understand how depressed and frustrated you are. My back, arms, and under my breasts are the worst.
I notice that you are also in the Portland, OR area. I am in Vancouver, WA. I just started in a clinical research study for a new drug called Raptiva or Xoma, which has been submitted for FDA approval. You might want to contact them to see if you qualify for their current study. I just started on the medication last week, so I don't know how well it will work yet, but treatment and medication is provided at no cost (in fact, they pay you a small fee). Sounds like very few side effects, and good results. The study I am in does not involve any placeboes, so you know you are getting the medication. It involves 12 weeks of weekly injections, then a transition to a traditional oral drug (which I've never tried) or light treatment. I'm optimistic at this point.
The study is through Oregon Medical Research, which I'm sure you can find in the phone directory. They are right across from Washington Square. Hope this helps.

Hi cha1h0n3y -
I know how it feels to be sad like you are describing. I know it is hard. It seems like you have a great boyfriend, so I hope he can make you feel a bit better.
Try to hang in there. I know the whole insurance rigmarole can be frustrating. Hopefully, soon you will be able to get some medication from the insurance process. In the meantime, try all the things that other people have said - it is good advice. The only thing I would add is to try and get out in the sun if you can - but watch the sunburn!
You said you might be depressed. That may be true. I remember once I felt like you were describing - crying all the time, and not really knowing why. If you feel REALLY, REALLY sad, you might want to try and talk to a therapist - they can help you out when you are feeling more than your everyday sadness. Your new insurance might even cover it. Check it out. It's good to be able to talk to someone face to face. Things can get better, and I am sure they will for you - you're young and you have a bright future ahead!
Best wishes,
Jeff

Hi sweetie,
You look so much like my older daughters! You are so beautiful. Your boyfriend is so lucky!
You've gotten some good advice here, keep posting and looking at responses. We're here to help. The therapist is a good idea. The udder salve works good for the cracking and bleeding when you have no $. The Atarax is inexpensive. It will make you sleepy for the first 48 hours, so you need to begin taking it on a Friday night. By Monday you should be able to take it every 6 hours without falling asleep. The Cobra you should follow up on, asap.
Also, look for a derm clinic associated with a teaching hospital near you. They are free, and the Drs give out samples to tide you over for free. NPF can help you find one near you. Just email or call them.
Another otc medication you can try is MG-217, tar with sal acid. Your pharmacist can order the large container for you for about $30. Smells bad, try using it at night after bathing, it will take down the scale exposing the red lesions overnight. Then use a good moisturiser in the morning. You need to take some moisturiser with you to work, and duck into the ladies room at coffee breaks, get into a stall, and re-apply.
Looking forward to hearing how you are doing.
Regards,
PJ Leary

I worked in a children's hospital for 4 years. When I get sad, all I have to do is think of the 4, 5 & 6 year old kids in the oncology ward & remember their unbelievably optomistic outlook on life & how they always seemed to find something to smile about.
I was in a similar situation re. insurance a few months ago. My psoriasis probably isn't as severe as yours. However, I took the opportunity to go med free for a few months since you build up a resistance to all that stuff after using it long term. When I started up again they were much more effective.
Hope this is helpful--judging by your picture you're a beautiful young lady with a man who truly loves you. Maybe examining the good things in your life instead of focusing on the bad will make you feel better.........

i wrote down most of you guys' advices. for now, i have Benedryl & MG-217 on my list... i'll see if i can get some udder(?)too.... later today, i'll call the Oregon Medical Research and see if i can qualify for the testing (tnx Torry, & hey...i'm always in vancouver, wa. cuz my bf lives there...u might see me around sometime...though i wouldn't know cuz i have no idea what u look like..lolz)
you're all sweet... i will let you all know how everything turns out.
if anybody wants to talk u can call me :
cell: (971) 570-0722
i got nights & weekends free, so if u want me to call u... let me know...
i feel so much better!!!!! knowing there are lots of friends out there....... :p