No Meds for Nearly a Decade: Positive State of Mind

No Meds for Nearly a Decade: Positive State of Mind
from Joshua B.

Backstory: Newly Diagnosed with Gutate P

Dead Ed, I'm happy to see FlakeHQ is still kicking and I thought it was about time for an update. Physically, my P has not changed much since my diagnosis. It covers ~10% of my body, settled around my elbows and knees with intermittent spotting on my body.

I remember you were one of the few (if not only) sites dealing with the psychological dimensions of having P. No one without P can really fathom how psychologically debilitating it can be. Nothing helped my psychology more then being able to read all those years ago about people with much more severe P then my own (and the medical problems that can come with it) enjoying life on their terms. Thank you and the FlakeHQ community for helping me internalize that right from my diagnosis. The journey so far could have been agonizing if I didn't. P never became who I am. It is just a part of what is me.

Some other thoughts...

A) The Internet has done wonders for discussion of the disease. I believe people are more familiar with P and subsequently are more indifferent (more polite) when they see it or become so after a discussion about it. I'm sure my confidence has something to do with that perception. But it does feel like P has become more mainstream over the decade.

B) I know this is not an option for everyone, but after six months in coal-tar baths and slathering on topical steroids, I came to the realization that if my health wasn't threatened, why was I treating my P as if it was? The topicals would potentially do more harm than good and it wasn't worth having clear skin for that. So I haven't treated my P with any prescription since 2001. I wear shorts, short sleeves, bathing suits, etc., no problems.

C) P has made me appreciate how important overall physical and mental health is. I quit smoking and began to “listen” to my body more closely. I do notice that the better my shape and the less burdened, the better my P is as a whole. My worst flare-ups have come from stress and a lack of exercise. I like this little barometer, it helps me realign when my environment is out of whack.

D) The woman I met all those years ago has since become my wife. Good people are good people. P can't stop that.

All the best, we'll chat in another 9,

:) -Joshua B.

*****

Ed’s Response: Always great to hear from old friends, Joshua. Glad to hear your attitude about life with P is so positive. Perhaps way too many of us are scared to do what you elected to do in 2001 — stop using prescription meds for your P. I certainly hear from a lot of flakers who believe we’d be better off using fewer and less expensive palliatives. The issue just underscores the variability of our disease(s) and the way we react and manage them. No matter the extent of our suffering or our dependence upon prescription drugs, your point (C) is something we should all heed. Once we become familiar with the way our P behaves, for many it CAN BE a barometer. Using it is probably exactly what it’s for. -Ed

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