Hi Everyone
I have P and PA and was looking into going to a natropath to see if he can get my PA undercontrol with out being on all these hard drugs that my doctor has put me on with all the side effects.....has any of you had anyluck treating PA all natuallly and How did that go,,, or do you do both? Its a $100 to see a natropath around here and thats doesnt cover the meds or tests they have to do...so Im trying to figure out if its worth it to go or not.
Thanks
Mandy

Hi Mandy,
I am Ansley's Mom, she is 11 and has psoriasis and is going to see a naturopath on Monday. I'm not sure if they treat PA, but I can ask. I was able to get a phone consultation for free, maybe you can try that route. It made me feel more comfortable going and spending the money. It also doesn't seem like she'll be having to go back for repeat visits, at least it's not expected. I'll post back here how it goes for us, and how they're going to treat her.
Katy

As described in the other thread about Natureopaths, the first step, if you've already been diagnosed, will probably be to put you on an elimination diet.
The purpose of that is to remove ALL inflammatory foods. Not just ones that you are allergic to, but ALL of them. After you experience some sort of relief, then you start challenging the foods that you've cut out and see if you react again.
Here's my story again for the 20th time. I developed 2 sausage fingers and aches and pains last November. They progressed and worsened through the holidays, which I attribute to all the holiday junk I was eating. Witin that time I got into a natureopath, who had me diagnosed by early January. By then I had trouble on stairs, and it had worked down my back and into my legs and ankles. My hips were really involved, and it was very painful to get out of bed. Sex was out of the question at that point. In fact there was only one painfree position to sleep in. We had a little '69 MG sportscar that I couldn't get into anymore.
I started the diet mid-Jan. By mid-February, I had no leg or lower back pain. By mid-March, I was having less pain in my shoulders and my involved hand. By late April, I had very little back or neck pain and my fingers only swelled when I ate something questionable. My mid summer, the swelling was gone out of my fingers, but I had some knots in them and both my hands.
I was lucky in that I was diagnosed soon after I began to show symptoms. So I never had serious joint damage - just a little on the sausage fingers.
I have taken pounds and pounds of supplements, and stayed with the diet, which I do well with. It hasn't been easy, but I couldn't deal with the pain, so I'm thrilled that something so easy as watching what I put in my mouth has relieved the horror of the agony I experienced last year.
I do cheat once in a while. If I do 9/10ths of a good day, then I sneak in something that I know is decadent (dark chocolate 2 tiny squares). But, like for my birthday in the summer, I ate whatever I wanted for the weekend and by mid-week, I was feeling the aches and pains, mostly in my shoulders/neck. My fingers swelled back up and my skin reacted.
When that happens, I get right back on the diet. I eat a big salad for the evening meal, and then nothing nasty sits in my system all night. I did really well through the Xmas holidays this year, but recently had a 2-3 day setback after a nacho deluxe splurge (my downfall!).
I've heard that if you are gonna cheat on the diet, do it in the middle of the day, so it isn't sitting in the digestive track all night. Works for me.
Cheating only hurts me. (And it can really hurt, too!)
Good luck. Do your research before you see the natureopath, and then you won't spend so much time in their office, in discussion, that you have to pay for. Wrap your mind around it, don't complain about 'no ranch dressing?', and accept the therapy.
If your SAD diet (Standard American Diet) is causing you trouble - change it. All the foods you need are at the grocery store and the health food store. Many other people are doing it too, for their health, or because it is their culture. I am like a diabetic, in that I don't think I can ever turn the page backwards and live down at Mickey D's anymore ('cept I heard they have some decent salads now!)
Here is a link to an elimination diet. This one sounds strict. I sure don't follow this one to a T, but I have incorporated many of these foods on a daily basis, as this is a lifestyle change.
http://www.drcranton.com/elimination_diet.htm
Remember, you only need to be really strict for a couple of months, and then you challenge the foods you want to bring back. You will get through this if you put your health in the front of your priortities and your junk food cravings in the past.
The other thing a natureopath will do is probably screen you for a candida overgrowth, which is more than likely a problem for 90% of us sickies with P and PA. It is caused by the SAD diet, anti-biotics and our meds. You will feel so much better when you get this under control. In fact most of your junk cravings will leave within 2 weeks of starting the diet.
Good luck, and good health. No whining allowed.

I did the Atkins diet for 6 months and went from 225 to 155-160 it was really great to loose the weight but RIGHT after I lost all the weight is when I got PA ...the Atkins diet eliminated alot of foods to although after studying up on it there is alot of evedence that the atkins diet causes inlamation in your body to go up.. Im going to look into doing the diet you suggested.
Thanks for helping by posting your thoughts.
~Mandy

Hello Mandy,
Welcome to the NPF message boards. The NPF website has some excellant information regarding diet and psoriasis. Here is a bit of information that you will find there regarding one of the most popular semi-natural programs for treating psoriasis.
"...The regimen is spelled out in his book, Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative. It includes a special diet, spinal adjustments and internal cleansing (enemas).
The Pagano diet is specifically aimed at psoriasis and has been tried by many people over the years. Some have reported great success, while others say it has not worked. In some cases, psoriasis improves initially, but the results cannot be maintained. Others report the diet restrictions are difficult to stick to over time..."
There are many other links associated with the NPF webpage provided and although there are no clear answers regarding diet and psoriasis, there is certainly a great many options for you to try in treating your PS and or PA through dietary means. I would suggest a blend of professional medical advice (your derm or rheumy) your alt practitioner, and a certified nutritionist. These are three distinctly different areas of expertise but if each has your best interest at heart they will gladly share information and work toward making a better you.

Hi and welcome, Mandy. :)
I am the Support Group Leader for the Portland area, which would be the group closest to your area. We're currently in the process of making some exciting changes to our group, and are hoping for some new members as a result. I realize that we're a bit far from you, but we'd love to have you involved in our network.
I was contacted just last week by a naturopath who would like to come speak at one of our meetings. I hope to be scheduling some guest speakers in the late spring or early summer, and I have asked him to forward some information so that we may contact him at that point, and he can provide a presentation to the group. If you are interested, you can sign up on our mailing list here (it's free), and I'll keep you updated as to our meetings and guest speakers. You can also either send me a pm here, or email me at portlandpsg@hotmail.com. I hope to get a chance to know you a little better. :)

1 Attachment(s) "I would suggest a blend of professional medical advice (your derm or rheumy) your alt practitioner, and a certified nutritionist."
Not that I suggest doing without those doctors, if you can afford them, but a natureopath is sure alot cheaper than all those specialists. And I liked mine alot. She is very available to me.
I didn't have medical insurance, so that is one of the reasons that I chose the route that I did. You are lucky that you are already diagnosed. Many doctors, even the specialists take a year or more to even diagnose you.
And numerous people on this board and others have reported lessoning of inflamed areas after using an elimination style diet. Pagano's diet is an approach of a true elimination diet.
The NPF doesn't have all the answers, or why the heck would we all be on 'their' forum asking for advice? As far as my PA, I've had no progression for more than a year, so it works fine for me. I wish my skin was clearer, but by comparison to last year - it's gorgeous. I wore shorts all summer. My back isn't great, but the rest of me is certainly passable.
This diet has helped many with auto-immune diseases, of all kinds. And I'm proof that the diet isn't all that hard to follow.
Nobody tells a diabetic that "the diet restrictions are difficult to stick to over time..."

...The NPF doesn't have all the answers, or why the heck would we all be on 'their' forum asking for advice? As far as my PA, I've had no progression for more than a year, so it works fine for me. I wish my skin was clearer, but by comparison to last year - it's gorgeous. I wore shorts all summer. My back isn't great, but the rest of me is certainly passable.
This diet has helped many with auto-immune diseases, of all kinds. And I'm proof that the diet isn't all that hard to follow.
Nobody tells a diabetic that "the diet restrictions are difficult to stick to over time..." True no one has all of the answers regarding psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis but I sincerely hope that no one is naive enough to come to this forum seeking medical advice. A reminder as to what this particular forum is all about, lest we forget....Purpose of the Complementary & Alternative Forum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Psoriasis Foundation message board community,
As you may recall, this forum was established on a trial basis, and we're happy to announce our decision to maintain it as a permanent part of the message boards. We'd like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the purpose of this forum.
Complementary and alternative medicine, as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. “Alternative medicine” is defined as the use of these non-conventional methods in place of conventional medicine, while “complementary medicine” is the use of alternatives in conjunction with conventional medicine. This forum is designed to encompass discussions of all of these topics.
The information you find on this Web site is not intended to replace the counsel of your physician. It is important to see your doctor before altering anything in your treatment plan or beginning any new treatment, whether it is alternative or not. Always make sure your doctor is aware of any natural or herbal product you are using, as some may interact with prescription medications. The National Psoriasis Foundation does not endorse any medications, products, equipment or treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
This forum was created as a dedicated venue for discussions of complementary and alternative medicine. It is open to all members of the community regardless of their personal beliefs, treatment modality, opinions or thoughts. ALL forums on the message boards are available for ALL members of the community to post and exchange information.
Differences of opinion will occur and are perfectly acceptable. Personal attacks, on the other hand, are never acceptable. If you feel that you are being attacked, please use the alert feature (the exclamation mark button in the upper right corner of every post) and Foundation staff will take action as necessary. Please do not respond in kind to a perceived attack. Such behavior is detrimental to the forum and will result in disciplinary action.
We hope that on all forums, the discussions will continue to be lively, educational and spirited, but will also remain respectful and courteous.
Sincerely,
Scott Steele
National Psoriasis Foundation In my opinion, treating a serious medical condition without the consult of of medical professional is an unwise decision. Advising someone to do so, is just wrong. Where children are concerned providing direct medical advice on this forum, or advising that professional medical advice be avoided borders on being a criminal act.
There are countless numbers of alternative practices to treat numerous conditions, and those regarding PS and PA should be freely discussed here, however medical advice should always be avoided. The NPF does a darn good job providing the facts surrounding diet and it's uses and methods in the treatment of Psoriasis, and it is a good fact based, unbiased place to start when looking for solid information. The author of the post above has indicated that an elimination diet has worked for them in helping to control their PS. Kudos to them, and continued success.

"Not that I suggest doing without those doctors, if you can afford them, but a natureopath is sure alot cheaper than all those specialists. And I liked mine alot. She is very available to me.
I didn't have medical insurance, so that is one of the reasons that I chose the route that I did. You are lucky that you are already diagnosed. Many doctors, even the specialists take a year or more to even diagnose you."
Tim,
I certainly did not suggest doing without her doctors, now did I? But I accomplished the 'full meal deal' with just one. And I'm doing quite well, thank you.
My doctor is a fully accredited professional, and can prescribe all the 'heavy meds', but it isn't her style, nor mine.
:)

My doctor is a fully accredited professional, and can prescribe all the 'heavy meds', but it isn't her style, nor mine.
:) The claim that dermatologists and rheumatologists only method of treatment is 'heavy meds' is not only a gross overstatement, but it is almost as inaccurate as saying that "...candida overgrowth, which is more than likely a problem for 90% of us sickies with P and PA." The problem is that in most states an accredited naturopath is not a licensed heath care provider, and in almost all cases, they lack the training, education and experience to make such a claim. However, there are a few states that have caved in to political pressures, and do allow naturopaths to be listed as primary healthcare providers (not to be confused with M.D.). These states are: "Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Naturopathic doctors are also licensed in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and legislators in New York, Colorado, and other states have now sponsoring similar licensing bills." This list may have grown since the following article was written. The above info from the following article which provides an interesting read regarding the licensing of naturopaths. http://livescience.com/humanbiology...nse_041118.html
My advice talk to your doctor and keep him/her informed of treatments you may be considering. Happy reading, and good health to you all.

As described in the other thread about Natureopaths, the first step, if you've already been diagnosed, will probably be to put you on an elimination diet.
The purpose of that is to remove ALL inflammatory foods. Not just ones that you are allergic to, but ALL of them. After you experience some sort of relief, then you start challenging the foods that you've cut out and see if you react again.
Here's my story again for the 20th time. I developed 2 sausage fingers and aches and pains last November. They progressed and worsened through the holidays, which I attribute to all the holiday junk I was eating. Witin that time I got into a natureopath, who had me diagnosed by early January. By then I had trouble on stairs, and it had worked down my back and into my legs and ankles. My hips were really involved, and it was very painful to get out of bed. Sex was out of the question at that point. In fact there was only one painfree position to sleep in. We had a little '69 MG sportscar that I couldn't get into anymore.
I started the diet mid-Jan. By mid-February, I had no leg or lower back pain. By mid-March, I was having less pain in my shoulders and my involved hand. By late April, I had very little back or neck pain and my fingers only swelled when I ate something questionable. My mid summer, the swelling was gone out of my fingers, but I had some knots in them and both my hands.
I was lucky in that I was diagnosed soon after I began to show symptoms. So I never had serious joint damage - just a little on the sausage fingers.
I have taken pounds and pounds of supplements, and stayed with the diet, which I do well with. It hasn't been easy, but I couldn't deal with the pain, so I'm thrilled that something so easy as watching what I put in my mouth has relieved the horror of the agony I experienced last year.
I do cheat once in a while. If I do 9/10ths of a good day, then I sneak in something that I know is decadent (dark chocolate 2 tiny squares). But, like for my birthday in the summer, I ate whatever I wanted for the weekend and by mid-week, I was feeling the aches and pains, mostly in my shoulders/neck. My fingers swelled back up and my skin reacted.
When that happens, I get right back on the diet. I eat a big salad for the evening meal, and then nothing nasty sits in my system all night. I did really well through the Xmas holidays this year, but recently had a 2-3 day setback after a nacho deluxe splurge (my downfall!).
I've heard that if you are gonna cheat on the diet, do it in the middle of the day, so it isn't sitting in the digestive track all night. Works for me.
Cheating only hurts me. (And it can really hurt, too!)
Good luck. Do your research before you see the natureopath, and then you won't spend so much time in their office, in discussion, that you have to pay for. Wrap your mind around it, don't complain about 'no ranch dressing?', and accept the therapy.
If your SAD diet (Standard American Diet) is causing you trouble - change it. All the foods you need are at the grocery store and the health food store. Many other people are doing it too, for their health, or because it is their culture. I am like a diabetic, in that I don't think I can ever turn the page backwards and live down at Mickey D's anymore ('cept I heard they have some decent salads now!)
Here is a link to an elimination diet. This one sounds strict. I sure don't follow this one to a T, but I have incorporated many of these foods on a daily basis, as this is a lifestyle change.
http://www.drcranton.com/elimination_diet.htm
Remember, you only need to be really strict for a couple of months, and then you challenge the foods you want to bring back. You will get through this if you put your health in the front of your priortities and your junk food cravings in the past.
The other thing a natureopath will do is probably screen you for a candida overgrowth, which is more than likely a problem for 90% of us sickies with P and PA. It is caused by the SAD diet, anti-biotics and our meds. You will feel so much better when you get this under control. In fact most of your junk cravings will leave within 2 weeks of starting the diet.
Good luck, and good health. No whining allowed.
Dulane yuou have a wonderful, sensible approach to doing this. Makes me want to try it to see if it will help me. Sounds like a least exspensive way to go with many health benifits. Thanks for the great advice.
Dulane remember what that little ignore feature is for. ;) :rolleyes:

Dulane remember what that little ignore feature is for. ;)
:D lol... ha ha ha

Hi barbie. How are you?

Howdy Brat,
I'm doing fairly well! Too busy at work and with life, but overall I cannot complain too much. I hope things have been going well for you! Thanks for asking!
-B-

Thank you, thank you, Dulane! I really appreciate your informative and well-written post. On a mission to find the cause, the cure, and some relief from my disease (p and pa), and 'tho I like my rheumy and appreciate the npf, they don't have all the answers (and the good docs will admit as much).
My rheumy tells me to keep exploring to find what works for me and acts as a guide (as well as med-prescriber and more)...but I've also got high deductible insurance and 4 kids - so yeah, cost helps drive me to be more aggressive about finding out about ALL sorts of treatment, thank goodness. Finding out what works for other sufferers is a hugely helpful and VALID part of that research.
This has got to be the only time in history where so many patients can discuss with each other their symptoms, treatments, and triggers - what a great thing that is. THE MORE DETECTIVES THE BETTER!
I've been just contemplating the elimination diet, since my body itches from tomatoes already, I've GOT to check diet out further. So I was very interested right away when I read your reply. Thanks again, Dulane, for taking the time to post your experiences (for the 20th time) so that a newbie like me can get further insight.
Keep the (constructive) info flowing so we can expand the knowing, folks...
Be well- Tani

Hi Tani,
I know that this thread is about seeing a naturopath for psoriatic arthritis, but you mentioned that you've:got high deductible insurance and 4 kids - so yeah, cost helps drive me to be more aggressive about finding out about ALL sorts of treatment There's an assistance program called Patient Services Incorporated (PSI) that come up for the first time during a discussion () of high co-payments for a very expensive medication. According to their website, PSI is a non-profit organization primarily dedicated to providing health insurance premium assistance, pharmacy co-payment assistance and co-payment waiver assistance for persons with specific expensive chronic illnesses. http://www.uneedpsi.org/about.cfm.
PSI's website goes on to state that they provide assistance to people affected by certain illnesses (including psoriasis) regardless of income. Source: http://www.uneedpsi.org/eligibility.cfm.
I don't know very much about them, but it can't hurt to check them out. (I can tell you that there was a recent article in the Wall Street Journal that mentioned that an assistant manager at a major US retailer was able to get assistance, from PSI, for co-payments related to a very expensive cancer treatment. I can't post a link because the Wall Street Journal's website is only available by paid subscription.) Links and information about other assistance programs can be found in this thread: .
I hope this helps.
Mike

Mike! Wow - I'm blown over by your helpfulness - thank you! If I find something helpful I'll post it so you (others that may need it) will know.
Gotta go, time to go link hopping...
You rock -
Tani

After nine long months of dealing with psoriasis i went on a trip to see a natropathic doc who deals with the skin. After a 5 hour visit, I was also diagnosed with PA. The Doc explained to me that at the rate it was going, I would loose all control of my hands in 6 months...talk about a wake up call. After reflecting for a while, I then realized that I was actually having symptoms of Pa but never put two and two together. Doc then explained to me that he could help. I would have to come to his clinic for thirty days and leave my body in his hands. After discussing the situation with my family, I decided that it was the best choice. I left my family and went cross county by myself to his clinic for thirty days. It was the hardest time of my life. Every day I went to the office for treatment which consisted of exercise, baths, wraps, hydrotherapy, and massages. It sounds like going to a spa but it is the opposite. Some of the wraps really hurt and hydrotherapy is basically hot and cold showers. Doc also controls your diet, giving you food every couple of days. Anyway, after all the treatment, my pa is in remission and my skin looks better than ever. I had a patch on my hand that was large and crusty and oozy. Now, it is just kinda red and dry--but it gets better every day. I was sent home with guidelines to follow such as diet and exercise. Also, I have baths to take every day and lotion as well. My point is that natropathic doctors can help. I am an RN and have delt with doctors and allopathic medicine for years.....it is not always the answer.

Doctors and naturopaths do not always have the answer however I would be more apt to try and see a naturopathic doctor who also had thier MD.
How great would it be to have a naturopathic MD specialist who deals only in rheumatology?
I like the idea of intergrated medicine, thankfully its being done more and more.
Karen

That would probably be ideal, but good luck finding one. After being on both sides of the tracks, I can tell that natropaths and medical docs do not get along. One thing is for sure, natropaths seem to be more in tune with your body, looking at the whole picture and trying to cure the root cause. Most MDs basically look at the symptoms and treat that--just masking the underline problem. Put it this way, after being diagnosed with PA by my natropath, I went to a MD appointment that I had made prior and had to wait 6 weeks for. After waiting in a cold exam room for over an hour, He comes in and takes a quick look and tells me that its not psoriasis and I have contact dermatitis. I then tell him about my trip and my new diagnosis of PA. He looks at me and say "do your joints hurt?". I tell him that yes, I have been having some pain--and that was the last I heard of that--he never brought up the topic again. I told him about my plans to go to the natropath for treatment and he basically told me that this is out of the natropaths realm--and that when the natropath doesnt help me I can come back and see him and we would become best friends. What a frakin jerk! He then wrote me 6, yes 6 scripts for meds. I went to my car and tore them up...I was so angry. I was having serious problems and all he wanted to do was push medicine on me. I called my natropath that night and told him I was certain that I was ready and I was coming for natural treatment. It was the best thing I ever did. I would recomend a natropath only to people who are ready to make lifestyle changes....it takes alot of work.

What a wonderful story! It is unfortunate that we sometime have to come to such frustration before we can force ourselves to consider other forms of therapy.
When my fingers first swelled, up, I just wanted to find a bee and get stung. Now I know it may have even helped!
And how many of us have waited more than a year to get diagnosed with PA? (I believe because they are afraid that more folks will apply for disabilities and that'll cause insurance companies to have to pay out big time!)
It's like when you finally decide to quit tobacco - you must HATE it so much that you are motivated to try life without it.
That's how I had to feel about my dermatologist experiences before I went to my natureopath. I have little love for alleopathic medicine these days, but I have several friends within the medical profession. It's not the individuals who I dislike, but it is the 'attitude' within the profession, and how these doctors believe we should submit to their authority. (without question) When we all know that topicals aren't gonna cure us, and many of their meds are going to cause other issues down the road! Not to mention the costs!
What if diet and exercise and anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements are the best remedy?
Shouldn't we be trying them first? Sure western medicine has its place, and in an emergency, I'll be the first to call the hospital. But with an auto-immune disease - I think a holistic approach is the best bet. You have to ask, "How long did it take me to get this bad, and how can I reverse this degradation?"
We can't ignore our role in the disease process.

Geesh, Your MD wasn't very nice to you.
I'm sorry you had such a negative experience with him. It's terrible that you couldn't find a doctor to work with you in your quest for a proper diagnosis.
Thankfully it was at my rheumatologists advice that I add adjunctive therapy to my treatment plan. A plan that I feel will work out wonderful.
The clinic that I am going to tomorrow at a Boston hospital practices intergrated medicine using the best of both worlds and I would imagine that the doctors and practioners all pretty much are on the same page.
PA does require some lifesyle changes for sure. Whether it be medicinal, alternative or complimentary.
Karen

OuchyK;
Look in the phone book under Physicians, Internal medicine, then call to see it they are specialists in Nutritional/Alternative Medicine.
This is how you will find an MD who has integrated alternative medicine.
in the field you need for your area of concern.
How great would it be to have a naturopathic MD specialist who deals only in rheumatology?
I like the idea of intergrated medicine, thankfully its being done more and more.
Karen[/QUOTE]

Here's my personal experience with doctors and naturopaths:
My plaque psoriasis first appeared after I was prescribed a beta-blocker drug for heart problems. I had never taken any other drugs before this, so I think that it was a sound assumption that the rash, which appeared two weeks after taking the beta-blocker, was connected to the drug. One of the side effects listed for this drug, (as well as most prescription drugs), was "rash", and the advice from the drug manufacturer was that if this happens, the patient should go their doctor, immediately. I did this. My doctor, a competent specialist in internal medicine, told me to continue taking the beta-blocker, and my body would become used to it, and presumably the rash would disappear. I argued that I would prefer to try another drug, because I felt fatigued and lethargic most of the time. But I was intimidated by his expertise and authority. So I continued for a full year. Eventually, I voiced my concerns with my GP, and she gave me a more tolerable heart drug.
Fast forward ten years. I had this pesky rash on my foot, in varying degrees of annoyance for ten years. Then, during a particularly smoggy summer season, it spread into a full blown raging mess. I went to a dermatologist. She diagnosed psoriasis. She prescribed prednisone and topical steroid creams. I asked about diet changes, or the suspicion I had about allergies. No, no connection, she says. "You will need to take the drugs for the rest of your life. Psoriasis is hereditary", was the verdict, no questions asked.
Soon, I was hospitalized for raging psoriasis, which had really become bad after I decided, out of fear of the serious side effects, to stop taking the steroid drugs. By now, there was a reluctant admission by the drug company that the beta-blocker could trigger psoriasis. When I confronted my internal medicine specialist with this information, he had no comment. The dermotologist was not consulted, I decided that she would not take kindly to a patient who asked difficult questions, that is, those for which she had little if any knowledge. I decided to try out more benign methods to get well.
When I was discharged from hospital, I started searching for information, and I found this site, the alternative and complementary medicine site. I read the postings of people who really believed that diet and lifestyle changes could help. I started to try out different herbs and supplements. I eliminated foods that were problematic for me. And I stopped taking the drugs that the expert had said I would need "for the rest of my life". Thank goodness for these wonderful people here--I am indebted to you all.
I went to a Naturopathic doctor for guidance in supplements and diet. After only a few consults, and the cost of about $200., (in my province they are not covered by Medicare, but in some other provinces they are), I was on my way to healing. It took about two or three months to see a real lasting change. The worst I have been was when I stopped the steroids, and the "rebound effect" sent me to the hospital. I know now that one must taper the dose down gradually.
I am still learning, thankfully. Now, my best teacher is my body. If I decide to drink wine excessively, or indulge in sugary foods, my skin will start to itch, and if I continue with the bad things, the psoriasis emerges, and takes its time to go away, and only if I smarten up and do what I know is best for me.
My point is that none of my conventional doctors gave me the knowledge to get well. They gave me drugs, which only made my life miserable. And I am fair-minded enough to give them the benefit of the doubt. Their entire practice is dictated by relying on the information they get from the drug salesman. There is no other option, they are simply too involved in the status quo. And I have yet to find a doctor who has the slightest interest in learning integrative, complementary, herbal, or naturopathic medicine. The stakes are too high. They are financially subsidized from med school to private practice by the drug companies. And carrying a huge caseload, well, there is only so much time in the day.
So, essentially, it was up to me to find help in taking control of my psoriasis. Doctors of all stripes are only human beings, as fallible as the rest of us. I learned from my mistakes, and I know that if I repeat them, my psoriasis will return. I am an active participant in maintaining this new found health. The idea of running to a doctor for an opinion is not out of the question for me, but I don't place them on a pedestal either. I learned my lesson well from my own experience.