96 replies to this topic

[WMMnGA]

Tuesday 12/6/05 - Day 30

Well now I can say I have successfully completed a month of Accutane with minimal side effects. I really don't know what I was so afraid of in the beginning. Sure, I feel like hell mentally and physically alot more often these days, but I have my fair share of good days too. If that's the price you have to pay for clear skin, I'll take it anyday, and count my blessings that I haven't experienced any of the more severe possible side effects.

My husband is sure he notices a change in my face already, but I just don't see it. I know it's still early in the game, but I want to see clearer skin shining through already! Good news is I haven't gotten a new cyst on my face in a couple of days, and it does seem smoother in some spots. I still have 2 huge, slightly elevated red marks, one on each cheek, close to the cheekbone. They are absolutely impossible to cover with makeup, too. Most everything else left is red marks and small pustles here and there. I am nearing the end of my prednisone course again (one day left) and I'm preparing myself for another explosion of cysts. Definitely keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't happen this time.

Side effects @ 1 month on 40mg -

* VERY dry skin (and before accutane I was reallllly oily)
* cracked, dry lps
* More prone to emotional, angry outbursts
* Slight feelings of sadness, but that's because I hate going out to face people and stayed cooped up here in the house most of the time.
* increased appetite
* sluggishness at times, more energetic at others (WTH? lol)
* occasional headaches
* DRY, brittle hair
* occasional joint/muscle pain
* reddish skin tone

That may seem like alot to deal with to those who have never taken Tane, but really, it's totally worth it to me to have clear skin at the end of this course. Here's my "month in" picture update..these were taken last night..forgive me, I look HORRIBLE.



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[sassy561]

Wendy,

Congrats on being finished with month 1!!!! One month closer to the finish line! I do see some improvement in your pics and I think by the end of month two you will really have some significant improvement. I shall keep my fingers crossed for you on the prednisone thing.

[j.l.r.m.]

hey, at one month I was like a monster. Things will get better soon, don't worry about it! best of luck.

[Carys]

Yay for Wendy!

I'm almost done with month 4, and I can safely say that you're going to be so glad when you're there, too.

I hope you continue to clear, and I think it's great you're being so honest in your log!

[WMMnGA]

Thursday 12/8/05 - Day 32

Well today isn't one of my better days. It's cold, rainy, and dreary outside, one of those days I feel like sitting in the house and feeling sorry for myself. Good news is, still no new cysts. Bad news, my skin tone and texture looks like death. *I* look like death. I'm having a hard time coming up with the words to describe it. It appears as though my skin is getting thinner. I have these ugly dark circles under my eyes, and although my face is pale, pallor, my red marks are shining like new money..with a red hue on my cheeks. Yeah, you can imagine how that looks. I've almost given up on makeup, to me my face looks just as bad with it as without it. It looks flat, chalky, and settles into the rolling scars on my cheeks now that my face is dry. My kids could get ahold of me with their sidewalk chalk and I'm willing to bet it would look just as good. Some days I feel like giving up, saying screw it, who cares, but I know it's bound to get better after these first few difficult months. Right before starting Accutane up to now is literally the worst my skin has ever been in my life. Damn Epidermx products, it didn't get this severe until I started using that shit. NEVER again.

BUT...I do have to say that, overall, it is getting better day after day. The tone and texture of my face is what is bringing me down, not the state of the acne. The only active acne I have right now is 2 pustles around the lips, one on the corner and one on the top, left side (both of those are painful, I blame the tons of aquaphor I slather on my lips for that), and 2 healing pustles on the forehead. No current cysts at all, except for the ones healing and almost down completely on my cheeks. I find that utterly AMAZING because I always have a cyst on my face somewhere. So no, It's not as bad as it could be, I just need to get used to having such dry skin when I've had a face full of oil since I was 12 years old. I had become accustomed to applying my makeup for very oily skin.. concealer, foundation, powder, the works, and that's just not cutting it now.

I took my last dose of prednisone yesterday, PRAYING that my face won't explode again in the next few days like it did last month. I also started 60mg Tane up from 40mg (I was given Sotret 30mg capsules to take twice a day, I wasn't even aware they made 30mg capsules before that ) I'm on my second day of 60mg, so soon we shall see if it brings any changes.

Wendy,

Congrats on being finished with month 1!!!! One month closer to the finish line! I do see some improvement in your pics and I think by the end of month two you will really have some significant improvement. I shall keep my fingers crossed for you on the prednisone thing.

Thanks! I'm so afraid it's going to get horrible again now that I'm off the prednisone. Let's hope not.
No current cysts as of now, so maybe the improvement is starting already. Trying not to jinx myself though.

hey, at one month I was like a monster. Things will get better soon, don't worry about it! best of luck.

IKWYM, I read through your entire journal the other night and I'm going through ALOT of the same feelings you were at this point in your treatment. Thanks for the encouraging words and I'm so glad things are looking up for you now!

Yay for Wendy!

I'm almost done with month 4, and I can safely say that you're going to be so glad when you're there, too.

I hope you continue to clear, and I think it's great you're being so honest in your log!

See thats what I like to hear, the success stories give me that nudge to keep going and realize there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Like I said before it is emotionally draining, but I know it's going to be worth it...gotta stay positive, gotta stay positive.

[WMMnGA]

Why oh why does this have to consume my thoughts 24/7.

I'm so sick of putting my life, and my kids lives, on hold because of this SHIT! I have school functions and Christmas parties to attend next week. I'll most likely send hubby out for them alone again. My kids teachers probably think I'm the worst, least involved mothers ever, and that affects me more than you know. My kids are my joy and I love to be involved with their activities and school functions as much as possible. And to think, when my first started Pre-k (3 years ago), I was one of the most involved.

I also have Christmas eve to deal with. I'm so looking forward to going to my meddling grandmother's house, having her examine my face, tell me how bad it looks (as if I don't know), and recommending a nice toothpaste or baking soda remedy...yeeeah. One year she even had the nerve to give me a dollar store brand acne soap bar as part of my gift, and told me it was sure to clear me right up..ok granny, we'll see about that...this year you will be able to see just how well that awesome soap bar helped out.

I've been throwing myself a pity party all day. Trying to get into the holiday spirit but that is next to impossible. I had plans to decorate outside but I just don't feel like it. I don't feel like doing much of anything. I had such high hopes for Christmas..hoping I would be on my way to clear skin by then..it's obvious that's not going to happen. Then there's our family vacation at the beginning of January. I'm not anticipating anything close to clear by then either

I've been an emotional mess. My husband was threatening to dispose of my Accutane today if I didn't stop my hopeless ranting and crying. Not gonna happen. It's the ACNE, not the Accutane. The tane is my last hope in this fight. I wish he could understand....well no, I don't, I wouldn't wish this on anyone...although I'm glad I have those of you here to listen that can understand my frustrations.

On a brighter note, only one new cyst. It's fairly small, and next to my right eye. None would be better, but I'll take one..it could be worse. I still have several pustles (whiteheads) that I'm trying to keep from popping. So no, still not as bad as it could be, but when I look in the mirror I realize that, even after Accutane clears me (if it does), I'm then going to have scarring on my cheeks to deal with. It's always something with me..I don't think I'll ever be happy with my appearance.



Ok, I just read through that and realize I ramble way too much..lol. It helps to get it out tho.

[silapp]

Hi Wendy,
Just letting you know, i'm sending you a private message. I have a question for you. Congrats on getting through a month of accutane! I'm on month 3 and finally starting to see an improvement!!!

Laurel

[sassy561]

Hi Wendy,

That's exactly hat this board is for...to rant and ramble and get stuff off your chest. Especially when we are tired of going to our loved ones about it or or just do not want to. Most people here relate to your emotions and want it to get better for you and we want to get better ourselves. Hang in there, and rant away whenever you feel the need!

[catmin]

Why oh why does this have to consume my thoughts 24/7.

I'm so sick of putting my life, and my kids lives, on hold because of this SHIT! I have school functions and Christmas parties to attend next week. I'll most likely send hubby out for them alone again. My kids teachers probably think I'm the worst, least involved mothers ever, and that affects me more than you know. My kids are my joy and I love to be involved with their activities and school functions as much as possible. And to think, when my first started Pre-k (3 years ago), I was one of the most involved.

I feel exactly the same way. My breakout was very sudden in May and literally my life was put on hold. I went from being a very involved parent at school to a 'hermit' like person. IN fact, my whole social life was wiped out. (by me of course, as I didn't really want those 'shocked' looks.
I sent my husband out with a grocery list as well as bringing my kids to never ending birthday party invites.
By my 3rd month on accutane I started feeling more 'normal' looking and resumed most activities.
LIke you, in one of your posts, I 'm happy not to be dealing with active acne, but am sad abt the tone/texture and marks to deal with.

I don't like seeing friends who haven't seen me since all this happened because its obvious something 'happened' and most tht have seen me, have asked 'what happened'.

It WILL get better!

[valintheville]

hey wendy-no joke -this is what my derm said as soon as she came in the room to see me yesterday-"well, i can see you've been pickin the hell out of your face--you are really gonna be pissed off when your face is all cleared up and you have all those scars." i wanted to punch her. i couldn't believe it, i know she's right, but it really made me want to cry...then she said my triglycerides were 305!!!norm is 150!!i've never had problems before, so she wants me to go low fat or she'll lower my dose. great, my face looks like crap, my derm is rude, and now my heart is gonna explode !!!!...hope your week is better-i'm thinking of ya today-i'm venturing out to my 1st graders party at school. have a good one!

[WMMnGA]

hey wendy-no joke -this is what my derm said as soon as she came in the room to see me yesterday-"well, i can see you've been pickin the hell out of your face--you are really gonna be pissed off when your face is all cleared up and you have all those scars." i wanted to punch her. i couldn't believe it, i know she's right, but it really made me want to cry...then she said my triglycerides were 305!!!norm is 150!!i've never had problems before, so she wants me to go low fat or she'll lower my dose. great, my face looks like crap, my derm is rude, and now my heart is gonna explode !!!!...hope your week is better-i'm thinking of ya today-i'm venturing out to my 1st graders party at school. have a good one!

Errrr..I probably would have cried, cuz I'm a softie...lol. That was so insensitive, some doctors should really learn better bedside manners, especially when it comes to a sensitive topic such as this. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience.
Good luck on getting the triglycerides lowered, I worry about that as well. My eating habits aren't the best and I just know I'm gonna go in one day to not so pleasant lab results.
I reluctantly attended both of my girls parties too (Pre-K and 2nd grade) because they were begging me, and it wasn't so bad. Only a couple of strange looks...or what I assumed were strange looks. The way I scrutinize people now, I could take a simple friendly glance out of context.

[WMMnGA]

[quote name='catmin' date='Dec 12 2005, 04:47 AM' post='877825']
[quote name='WMMnGA' post='876090' date='Dec 10 2005, 06:40 PM']

I don't like seeing friends who haven't seen me since all this happened because its obvious something 'happened' and most tht have seen me, have asked 'what happened'.

It WILL get better!
[/quote]

Don't you hate that? Some of my friends and relatives are like that too. It's sad that acne has the potential to bring your life to a screeching halt until things are resolved. I know it's done a good job of halting mine.
Its good that you are clearing now, lets hope the tone and texture problem is only temporary and will resolve on it's own after Accutane. I'm in the middle of my 2nd month, and my skin still looks hideous, but from what you and others have told me, I know theres still hope since many notice the biggest improvement during the 3rd month. My days have been filled with depression but it's got to get better sooner or later.

[WMMnGA]

Hi Wendy,

That's exactly hat this board is for...to rant and ramble and get stuff off your chest. Especially when we are tired of going to our loved ones about it or or just do not want to. Most people here relate to your emotions and want it to get better for you and we want to get better ourselves. Hang in there, and rant away whenever you feel the need!

Thanks, it definitely helps to have somewhere to vent my frustrations! I was reading in Julie's log that you are now off Accutane...how are you doing so far (guess it would help to go check out your log huh?). Keep us posted on the situation with the cysts, I hope you can find something that will work to get rid of them.

[silapp]

Hi Wendy,

That's exactly hat this board is for...to rant and ramble and get stuff off your chest. Especially when we are tired of going to our loved ones about it or or just do not want to. Most people here relate to your emotions and want it to get better for you and we want to get better ourselves. Hang in there, and rant away whenever you feel the need!

Thanks, it definitely helps to have somewhere to vent my frustrations! I was reading in Julie's log that you are now off Accutane...how are you doing so far (guess it would help to go check out your log huh?). Keep us posted on the situation with the cysts, I hope you can find something that will work to get rid of them.

Hi again! So, your in your third month now? I am too - day 78 or something. My skin is FINALLY starting to look better, although I still have 2 big active pimples. I keep telling myself that this HAS to be the last breakout... the two doctors I've seen so far kept telling me I should be clear by the end of month 2- hahaha. What dosage are you on? I'm still on 40mg - hoping and praying they will bump me up next time.

I'm glad that you decided to go to your kids partys at school. I think I would die if I had to stay inside all the time. Luckily, while I hate the way I look, i've never really kept myself hermited away inside... don't know why.
Do you wear make up? I use mineral make up now and i LOVE it!
Also, please email me if you want to talk - even if its not about zits - kids even! lol.

Laurel

[WMMnGA]

Hi Wendy,

That's exactly hat this board is for...to rant and ramble and get stuff off your chest. Especially when we are tired of going to our loved ones about it or or just do not want to. Most people here relate to your emotions and want it to get better for you and we want to get better ourselves. Hang in there, and rant away whenever you feel the need!

Thanks, it definitely helps to have somewhere to vent my frustrations! I was reading in Julie's log that you are now off Accutane...how are you doing so far (guess it would help to go check out your log huh?). Keep us posted on the situation with the cysts, I hope you can find something that will work to get rid of them.

Hi again! So, your in your third month now? I am too - day 78 or something. My skin is FINALLY starting to look better, although I still have 2 big active pimples. I keep telling myself that this HAS to be the last breakout... the two doctors I've seen so far kept telling me I should be clear by the end of month 2- hahaha. What dosage are you on? I'm still on 40mg - hoping and praying they will bump me up next time.

I'm glad that you decided to go to your kids partys at school. I think I would die if I had to stay inside all the time. Luckily, while I hate the way I look, i've never really kept myself hermited away inside... don't know why.
Do you wear make up? I use mineral make up now and i LOVE it!
Also, please email me if you want to talk - even if its not about zits - kids even! lol.

Laurel

I'm still in my second month..on day 42 to be exact. My first month was 40mg, now I am on 60mg. I'm expecting an increase to 80mg next month, we'll see. I hope I start clearing up soon since my third month is approaching. It does look a little better, but I still have a gross, festering, and PAINFUL cyst on my right cheek, right under an old one that is now healing. Just my luck, looks like it just drained downward..lol. My skin tone and texture is still sooo uneven too, I hate that. I can't get my makeup to look right anymore since there is absolutely no oil on my face. I do have some of the Jane Iredale mineral makeup, and while I love the way it looks on the rare clear spot on my face, it exaggerates my current blemishes and makes them look dry and crusty. I am definitely going to use it after my face clears though, it looks so much better than liquid makeup, IMO. Is there a trick to keep it from looking so dry? It does have alot better coverage than I thought it would. What kind of concealer do you use? I am currently using Jane Iredale covercare, and its the best I've ever used for good coverage. It's a bit drying (but what isn't during Accutane treatment?), but otherwise the best I've come across so far.

I wish I had more confidence in myself and was able to go out without feeling embarrassment anytime I have to face someone. Take Friday for instance, my 2nd grader's teacher is one of these type of people that get RIGHT up in your face to talk to you...ugggh I was freaking out..lol. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed, I wanted to run out of the room. She didn't seem to notice at all, I'm sure the slather of makeup helped somewhat.
Having acne for 13 years has killed my self esteem, and when it flares up like this, all I want to do is stay holed up in the house. I am dreading visiting the family for the holidays.

I added you to my yahoo messenger, I hope to catch you on there sometime so we can chat. These 3 kids keep me on my toes, its hard to find the time for anything..lol.

[silapp]

Hi Wendy,

That's exactly hat this board is for...to rant and ramble and get stuff off your chest. Especially when we are tired of going to our loved ones about it or or just do not want to. Most people here relate to your emotions and want it to get better for you and we want to get better ourselves. Hang in there, and rant away whenever you feel the need!

Thanks, it definitely helps to have somewhere to vent my frustrations! I was reading in Julie's log that you are now off Accutane...how are you doing so far (guess it would help to go check out your log huh?). Keep us posted on the situation with the cysts, I hope you can find something that will work to get rid of them.

Hi again! So, your in your third month now? I am too - day 78 or something. My skin is FINALLY starting to look better, although I still have 2 big active pimples. I keep telling myself that this HAS to be the last breakout... the two doctors I've seen so far kept telling me I should be clear by the end of month 2- hahaha. What dosage are you on? I'm still on 40mg - hoping and praying they will bump me up next time.

I'm glad that you decided to go to your kids partys at school. I think I would die if I had to stay inside all the time. Luckily, while I hate the way I look, i've never really kept myself hermited away inside... don't know why.
Do you wear make up? I use mineral make up now and i LOVE it!
Also, please email me if you want to talk - even if its not about zits - kids even! lol.

Laurel

I'm still in my second month..on day 42 to be exact. My first month was 40mg, now I am on 60mg. I'm expecting an increase to 80mg next month, we'll see. I hope I start clearing up soon since my third month is approaching. It does look a little better, but I still have a gross, festering, and PAINFUL cyst on my right cheek, right under an old one that is now healing. Just my luck, looks like it just drained downward..lol. My skin tone and texture is still sooo uneven too, I hate that. I can't get my makeup to look right anymore since there is absolutely no oil on my face. I do have some of the Jane Iredale mineral makeup, and while I love the way it looks on the rare clear spot on my face, it exaggerates my current blemishes and makes them look dry and crusty. I am definitely going to use it after my face clears though, it looks so much better than liquid makeup, IMO. Is there a trick to keep it from looking so dry? It does have alot better coverage than I thought it would. What kind of concealer do you use? I am currently using Jane Iredale covercare, and its the best I've ever used for good coverage. It's a bit drying (but what isn't during Accutane treatment?), but otherwise the best I've come across so far.

I wish I had more confidence in myself and was able to go out without feeling embarrassment anytime I have to face someone. Take Friday for instance, my 2nd grader's teacher is one of these type of people that get RIGHT up in your face to talk to you...ugggh I was freaking out..lol. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed, I wanted to run out of the room. She didn't seem to notice at all, I'm sure the slather of makeup helped somewhat.
Having acne for 13 years has killed my self esteem, and when it flares up like this, all I want to do is stay holed up in the house. I am dreading visiting the family for the holidays.

I added you to my yahoo messenger, I hope to catch you on there sometime so we can chat. These 3 kids keep me on my toes, its hard to find the time for anything..lol.

Oh goodness, I know exactly what kind of people you are talkign about - the kind that gets right up in your face! I HATE THAT TOO!! It wouldn't be an issue if i didn't have zits, but i'm like, god, i know thats all they can see! Its awful. Even from a normal distance I sometmes examine other peoples faces to look for flaws - just so I can see how easy it is for them to see mine! Awful, isn't it?

I don't have very much self esteem either, which really affects me and my husbands relationship. I never want to go out anymore and I hate goign to see his brother and his brothers girlfriend. She is the kind of girl with perfect skin, perfect makeup, perfect clothes.. always looking completly "together", you know? Around them, and everyone else for that matter, I get really shy and stumble over my words.. it sucks. I know its all due to my freakin zits! Once in a blue moon I acually thought I was a hot girl... i'm just waiting for that day to come back!!
BTW, I saw your photos and you are a very beautiful person! It's a shame acne can ruin that self image for us.

Laurel

[WMMnGA]

Hi Wendy,

That's exactly hat this board is for...to rant and ramble and get stuff off your chest. Especially when we are tired of going to our loved ones about it or or just do not want to. Most people here relate to your emotions and want it to get better for you and we want to get better ourselves. Hang in there, and rant away whenever you feel the need!

Thanks, it definitely helps to have somewhere to vent my frustrations! I was reading in Julie's log that you are now off Accutane...how are you doing so far (guess it would help to go check out your log huh?). Keep us posted on the situation with the cysts, I hope you can find something that will work to get rid of them.

Hi again! So, your in your third month now? I am too - day 78 or something. My skin is FINALLY starting to look better, although I still have 2 big active pimples. I keep telling myself that this HAS to be the last breakout... the two doctors I've seen so far kept telling me I should be clear by the end of month 2- hahaha. What dosage are you on? I'm still on 40mg - hoping and praying they will bump me up next time.

I'm glad that you decided to go to your kids partys at school. I think I would die if I had to stay inside all the time. Luckily, while I hate the way I look, i've never really kept myself hermited away inside... don't know why.
Do you wear make up? I use mineral make up now and i LOVE it!
Also, please email me if you want to talk - even if its not about zits - kids even! lol.

Laurel

I'm still in my second month..on day 42 to be exact. My first month was 40mg, now I am on 60mg. I'm expecting an increase to 80mg next month, we'll see. I hope I start clearing up soon since my third month is approaching. It does look a little better, but I still have a gross, festering, and PAINFUL cyst on my right cheek, right under an old one that is now healing. Just my luck, looks like it just drained downward..lol. My skin tone and texture is still sooo uneven too, I hate that. I can't get my makeup to look right anymore since there is absolutely no oil on my face. I do have some of the Jane Iredale mineral makeup, and while I love the way it looks on the rare clear spot on my face, it exaggerates my current blemishes and makes them look dry and crusty. I am definitely going to use it after my face clears though, it looks so much better than liquid makeup, IMO. Is there a trick to keep it from looking so dry? It does have alot better coverage than I thought it would. What kind of concealer do you use? I am currently using Jane Iredale covercare, and its the best I've ever used for good coverage. It's a bit drying (but what isn't during Accutane treatment?), but otherwise the best I've come across so far.

I wish I had more confidence in myself and was able to go out without feeling embarrassment anytime I have to face someone. Take Friday for instance, my 2nd grader's teacher is one of these type of people that get RIGHT up in your face to talk to you...ugggh I was freaking out..lol. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed, I wanted to run out of the room. She didn't seem to notice at all, I'm sure the slather of makeup helped somewhat.
Having acne for 13 years has killed my self esteem, and when it flares up like this, all I want to do is stay holed up in the house. I am dreading visiting the family for the holidays.

I added you to my yahoo messenger, I hope to catch you on there sometime so we can chat. These 3 kids keep me on my toes, its hard to find the time for anything..lol.

Oh goodness, I know exactly what kind of people you are talkign about - the kind that gets right up in your face! I HATE THAT TOO!! It wouldn't be an issue if i didn't have zits, but i'm like, god, i know thats all they can see! Its awful. Even from a normal distance I sometmes examine other peoples faces to look for flaws - just so I can see how easy it is for them to see mine! Awful, isn't it?

I don't have very much self esteem either, which really affects me and my husbands relationship. I never want to go out anymore and I hate goign to see his brother and his brothers girlfriend. She is the kind of girl with perfect skin, perfect makeup, perfect clothes.. always looking completly "together", you know? Around them, and everyone else for that matter, I get really shy and stumble over my words.. it sucks. I know its all due to my freakin zits! Once in a blue moon I acually thought I was a hot girl... i'm just waiting for that day to come back!!
BTW, I saw your photos and you are a very beautiful person! It's a shame acne can ruin that self image for us.

Laurel

Thank you, I read/viewed your entire log last night, and so are you! Its sad that acne has the potential to make us feel this way about ourselves. I know the type of people you are talking about..they seem to have it all together. Living in a college town, I see it all the time. These girls look perfect and unfortunately I let that bring me down. I know it's not the best idea to compare yourself to others, but damnit, its hard not to.

I was able to keep my acne at bay for a few years and felt great about myself during that time. Although my acne problems started at 12, my acne was at it's best between the ages of 17-21. From there it starting going downhill and right before I started accutane it was the worst it had been in SEVERAL years...and I'm almost 26 now. I should have started when the derm offered it to me twice, but the first time I was afraid, the second time I was nursing my daughter and couldnt take it. Now that I've bit the bullet and went on accutane, I can only hope this will be the final solution (for both of us!).

[WMMnGA]

Wednesday 12/21/05 - Day 45

I can't really tell if my face is any better or worse. It looks ok one day, then awful the next. My right cheek is clear except for one MONSTER cyst that refuses to heal. That pretty much ruins the apperance of the entire side..sticks out like a sore thumb. My left side is ok except for one big pustle. My chin, which was clear for a while, while my cheeks took hell, is breaking out now that my cheeks are clearing. Ahhhh I can't win! It's mostly pustles, with one moderately sized cyst. Pustles arent quite as bad as cysts, but they still hurt like hell and look hideous. Forehead is clearing up veeeeeeery slowly, I still have those 2 little bumps on the right side..im not sure what they are. They started out as pustles but they'll start to go away, then flare up again. I noticed alot of them doing that since starting accutane. I'll think they are about gone, the next day they are full of junk..yuck. Oh I also got a fresh new pimple on my neck..strange because I've never been one to breakout on the neck area.
So yeah, it's hard to tell if I'm getting better or worse. I've learned to just go with the flow from day to day and take things as they come until I start noticing vast improvement. It's depressing, but what can I do?

Current side effects-
- dry, cracked, burning lips
- dry skin
- widespread mild eczema (backs of hands, wrists, forearms, back of legs, lower back)
- dry hair
- sluggishness (anyone else getting this? I swear I am SO damn lazy since starting tane)
- mood swings but better than before. Few and far between now. I notice I feel alot more angry on tane, and I'm not an "angry" person. Can't say for sure its the med, could be the stress of dealing with my acne and the holidays.

:::sigh::: why can't I crawl in a cave and hibernate until my course is over. Just hook me up intravenously, that'll work.

[silapp]

Wednesday 12/21/05 - Day 45

I can't really tell if my face is any better or worse. It looks ok one day, then awful the next. My right cheek is clear except for one MONSTER cyst that refuses to heal. That pretty much ruins the apperance of the entire side..sticks out like a sore thumb. My left side is ok except for one big pustle. My chin, which was clear for a while, while my cheeks took hell, is breaking out now that my cheeks are clearing. Ahhhh I can't win! It's mostly pustles, with one moderately sized cyst. Pustles arent quite as bad as cysts, but they still hurt like hell and look hideous. Forehead is clearing up veeeeeeery slowly, I still have those 2 little bumps on the right side..im not sure what they are. They started out as pustles but they'll start to go away, then flare up again. I noticed alot of them doing that since starting accutane. I'll think they are about gone, the next day they are full of junk..yuck. Oh I also got a fresh new pimple on my neck..strange because I've never been one to breakout on the neck area.
So yeah, it's hard to tell if I'm getting better or worse. I've learned to just go with the flow from day to day and take things as they come until I start noticing vast improvement. It's depressing, but what can I do?

Current side effects-
- dry, cracked, burning lips
- dry skin
- widespread mild eczema (backs of hands, wrists, forearms, back of legs, lower back)
- dry hair
- sluggishness (anyone else getting this? I swear I am SO damn lazy since starting tane)
- mood swings but better than before. Few and far between now. I notice I feel alot more angry on tane, and I'm not an "angry" person. Can't say for sure its the med, could be the stress of dealing with my acne and the holidays.

:::sigh::: why can't I crawl in a cave and hibernate until my course is over. Just hook me up intravenously, that'll work.

Hey girl,
I have eczema on my hands too. Did your doctor prescribe you any steriods for it?
Just keep on truckin... if I can do it, you can too!

Laurel

[WMMnGA]

[/quote]
Hey girl,
I have eczema on my hands too. Did your doctor prescribe you any steriods for it?
Just keep on truckin... if I can do it, you can too!

Laurel
[/quote]

Yep, he gave me a ziplock bag full of sample sized Cloderm cream. It works great when I remember to use it. I've been using it 3-4 times a day for a few days now, and it's still dry but not as red and inflamed anymore. I should also start moisturizing more in general, I don't really like putting lotion on. I hate the way it feels on me, but I'm sure it will help substantially if I did more often. I'm so freakin dry and itchy.