Hi all, long time lurker here and have really appreciated lots of your discussions and advice.
It seems that this is where everyone seems to hang out, so thought I'd say hello.
I'm 26 and live in the UAE. I'm actually Australian and am working here in Dubai for a few years with the hubby. I was diagnosed with PA when I was 20 and was originally on MTX, Prednisone, Voltaren and Cyclosporin. I'm now weaned off most of that, except the Cyclosporin, which still continues to amaze me as to how effective it is, despite my relatively low dose (75mg twice a day). I really wanted to be off the MTX because I know in the next 12 months I want to have kids. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge on getting pregnant with Cyclo? Is it safe? even advisable? Doc seems to think its fine.
Anyway, Im glad I found this place, I really admire the support that everyone gives to each other. If only I'd have found this place 6 years ago when I was first diagnosed, I think I would have coped better.
I guess Im pretty lucky, the desert sun here in the UAE has done fantastic things for my psoriasis, my scaling is minimal, but still have heaps of work to do to reduce my little leopard spots of pigmentation. Anyone have any tips??
Nonetheless, I'm still standing and glad to be alive, and just wanted to say thanks because I think you guys are great.
Oh, and is anyone else Aussie or in the UAE at all?
Hi DeeDee, I'm an ex-pat Canadian living in Australia for the last 22 years. I'm in Melbourne. How long are you planning on being in the UAE? Glad the weather is good for you, are you able to get much sun or do you have to cover up? Would UV help your spots? Don't have any advice re pregnancy but I'm sure someone here will be able to help.
Glad to have you on board. (No pun intended)
Pam
We have quite a few Aussies on here. Cassie is also from Oz. I know I see others as well. We also have Wendy who I think is from New Zealand and then quite a few Brits.
Can't give you any advice on those meds.
I've seen pictures of Dubai. It is so beautiful and must be a fascinating place in which to work and live.
Glad to have you join us.
Hello and welcome. I am not positive but I believe the cyclosporin is like the mtx in that you need to be off it 3 months before trying to get pregnant. I remember my rheumy brought that drug up and I declined however later went on to the mtx which I just stopped.