My name is Linda, I'm 43 years old and I've had Psoriatic Arthritis
for 12 years, and Psorisis for 22 years. I remember back in the
summer of 1991, I just gave birth to my son, and my girlfriend and I
(with our sons in tow) took a trip down to the local pharmacy, just
to pick up a few things and "get out of the house". My psorisis had
gotten worse over the past several months, due to my pregancy. I was
walking around the store, when this stranger stopped, staired at my
arms and said, "OMG! Look at that lady's arms! That's disgusting!
Being overwelmed with my emotions as it is, after having a baby, I
was shocked, she said that. I just started crying, nonstop. My
girlfriend, came running over to me and said "don't listen to that
_itch! She's an ass!" Now, I don't give a crap what people think of
my skin. Usually, they don't ask, but it's how they ask, about it.
If they ask me about it, in a nice way, I explain to them what I
have. If there not nice...they get a sarcastic answer. What have you
encountered with people's remarks, and how do you deal with it?

I wake up EVERY morning stiff, swollen and in pain. I take two
tylenol and get on with my day. I used to be on Celebrex and
Methotrexate, but now, I have no medical coverage. My dermatologist
wanted to start me on Embrel. When I have medical coverage again,
I'll try Embrel and see if it helps me. Has it helped any of you?
Are there any major side affects? I use a topical ointment called
MG217 which is terrific. You can get it over the counter, at any
drug store, and if you don't see it on the shelf, tell the
pharmasist to order it for you. A 3.8 oz. jar is about $7.00.

I'm Hoping to make some new friends here. Feel free to e-mail me at
LRaymond7@... Take care.

Linda