Hey there, i'll try and make this as quick as possible but I do tend to digress alot and end up typing way more than needed!

Where to start, i'm currently 17 and i've had what I would personally consider mild-moderate acne for about 18 months now, although now it's certainly more into the moderate category.
At first I was told it was just a phase, that I would grow out of it. Fair enough, this could be the case, I waited on this for about 4 months, after that I started using numerous topical treatments, to no avail. Another month passed and I went to see my GP, he prescribed me Oxytetracycline which I took for probably about 2-3 months; at first I really did see an improvement, however this only lasted for, at most, 3 weeks, yet I continued to take the treatment. I was told by my GP that taking any form of antibiotics for a prolonged time can lead to an upset stomach, I got, at some points, probably the most painful stomach cramps i've ever had, not just this but around the same time my appetite completely diminished (i've been told that it had nothing to do with the antibiotics, but I still today think that is the case)

After a further month or two still taking Oxytetracycline, not caring what it was doing to my appetite and stomach, it got to the point where I really was not seeing any improvement and wanted to stop taking them. Went back to GP and got given Erythromycin to take for a further 4 months, things were looking better on this, skin looked *slightly* better, but nothing major. At least I wasn't getting as bad side effects as with the tetracycline. 4 or so months passed, same thing happened - Couldn't see any effect of them, went back to GP and got given a reference to see a derm. With me being in the UK, this consisted of the NHS as I wasn't in a position to pay for private treatment. Alongside the derm appointment, I got given minocycline this time. However, 2 weeks after being put on this I found out that the derm appointment wasn't going to be for another 2 months (as I write this, it is 6 days away; gives you an idea of how great the NHS is) because of the time scale, I decided to go down the route of herbal medicine as I have a friend this worked for, basically got told that the acne was related to my general wellbeing? Got given a herbal medicine to take 2 times a day, cut out wheat and dairy from my diet, told to exercise regularly - the usual stuff. Still adhering to these rules seeing as they're the best shot I have until I can see the derm (next monday)

I realised i've overkilled on this enough as it is, but hopefully one or two people will be able to stick with me through it, and finish reading.

The acne itself has mostly been facial, particularly on the cheeks/underside of face, with some spreading to the neck. However more recently (last 5-6 months) i've had some appear in the center of my chest, with painful lumps beneath the skin, but almost exactly the same type of acne as that appearing on my face, and, to a lesser degree on my back.
Anyway, been told to take a list of everything i'm taking/have taken to the dermatologist when I go, which will be a list of the things mentioned here, aswell as the topical stuff i've been using (haven't yet gone on the regimen, as the appointment is so near!) Currently using 'Freederm' which seems to work to a minor degree.

Where i'm going with this is; will I be expected to get offered Accutane (or whatever variation) on my first visit? My acne is pretty bad right now, not the worst it's been but definitely up there. If I do get offered it, i'll certainly take it. It's gotten to the point now where I almost feel defeated by the acne, and I do see taking accutane as a final attempt. If anyone could share what happened on their first dermatologist visit, if they were offered Accutane right away, or some other treatment first? I really don't want to be given something that *may* not work and have to wait another 4 months for another appointment.

Sorry for the huge wall of text i've created, hopefully some people made it this far
Any other advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

Sounds like you haven't done topicals yet, like retinoids? Retin-A, Tazorac, etc? Usually derms make you do antibiotics (which you've done), and retinoids, and if this all fails then Accutane is the last resort.

If you really want Accutane badly, even though topicals could help you, then tell this derm you've already been on them. Also tell him about any emotional suffering that acne is causing, etc. Just pour your heart out, haha. It's really a 50/50 chance. Some derms give it out like candy, some are really against it.

Yeah, just thought i'd give this an update.

Derm offered me Accutane on Monday, almost seconds into the appointment!
Anyway, I had my blood test then and there, and have to return the following Monday (28th) to pick up the medication (assuming the bloods are okay)

No doubt i'll probably have a ton of questions over the next few days, just like to say what a wonderful community this is; it's a rarity to find a place that is genuinely concerned about helping people nowadays.

Ha ha, same with me on my 1st derm app. I walked in she asked my my problem (dum question if you cant see my face your blind lol) but yea seconds after that she just started talking about accutane and had me sign papers and junk lol , i was susprised it was so quick, she didnt even ask if i wanted to be on accutane she just kinda threw it in there and stuff, but hey im on it.

you should get some type of chapsitck or something, i got chapped lips and its just the end of week 2 on Tane.

Pretty much the exact same procedure with me when I went in, they just started talking about it so fast!

Finally picked it up today, turns out they're starting me on 70mg, which I was quite surprised with after reading some of people's dosages on here, but I suppose I am pretty severe. It was an odd feeling taking it for the first time, almost slightly enjoyable (yes, i'm strange!) Just preparing myself for the imminent side effects now