22 replies to this topic

[dan52]

I have an appointment with my derm on Monday and at this point all I want is to go on Accutane. My concern though is that my face isn't terrible at the moment and he'll just prescribe some topical + antibiotic like he did last time (differin + I forget). I only have 4 or 5 active pimples, along with a slew of redmarks, whiteheads, and blackheads. On the other hand, I do get cysts (usually about one or two a month -- November was particularly terrible with 5), and have very oily skin and some mild scarring. Given the fact that I'm 26 and have had this for 12 years and have tried almost every other prescription in the book, I'm hoping that I'll be able to convince him to prescribe me accutane this time.

What's the best way to do this without being confrontational though? I have a feeling he'll just take a quick look and try to prescribe another topical as per usual.

I'm getting desperate here...

[mza]

Just speak to him about it. Get the point across that you really feel it would work, and you would feel so much better about yourself once they go (which sounds like the case). I'm sure he will understand.

[wildcat07]

stress the fact that you have tried other topicals and antibiotics before, with no success.

[Ghosty]

lol your 26 just tell him you want to try accutane and nothing else hell say ok in a heartbeat he loses money if you dont agree with him and fire his ass.

[ani_in_fl]

lol your 26 just tell him you want to try accutane and nothing else hell say ok in a heartbeat he loses money if you dont agree with him and fire his ass.

That might not work. Some derms are difficult about accutane. At least make sure the one that you're seeing doesn't think it's evil and should be banned before you even waste any time.

The big thing is if you're acne is not "severe" and "cystic" is that you'd tried tons of other things with no success. If you've been through the whole antibiotic/topical stuff, then take the list with you and explain everything that you have tried, tell them you've done your research, you know the side effects, and you want to go on accutane. Make sure you've done your research though prior to going in and you know what you're getting into. There are side effects on Accutane that some people aren't willing to deal with. I have never had any problems, and I love it -- it really is a miracle drug, but it's not for everyone.

[phatkid]

lol your 26 just tell him you want to try accutane and nothing else hell say ok in a heartbeat he loses money if you dont agree with him and fire his ass.

That might not work. Some derms are difficult about accutane. At least make sure the one that you're seeing doesn't think it's evil and should be banned before you even waste any time.

The big thing is if you're acne is not "severe" and "cystic" is that you'd tried tons of other things with no success. If you've been through the whole antibiotic/topical stuff, then take the list with you and explain everything that you have tried, tell them you've done your research, you know the side effects, and you want to go on accutane. Make sure you've done your research though prior to going in and you know what you're getting into. There are side effects on Accutane that some people aren't willing to deal with. I have never had any problems, and I love it -- it really is a miracle drug, but it's not for everyone.

even if not "severe" or "cystic" if it is persistent you should get it, not likke its a narcotic.....do what i did 12yrs ago, i told mine i am sick of the crap, done my research and would really likke to try accutane"

too bad ive done 3 courses and still break out

[Blu15]

stress the fact that you have tried other topicals and antibiotics before, with no success.

Yeah, that's what worked for me. I told my derm that I had tried every antibiotic and they didn't work for me.

[ani_in_fl]

too bad ive done 3 courses and still break out

I'm on my fourth and still breaking out, and I'm 35!!!! grrrrr..... What are you doing now for your skin? darn acne!

[phatkid]

too bad ive done 3 courses and still break out

I'm on my fourth and still breaking out, and I'm 35!!!! grrrrr..... What are you doing now for your skin? darn acne!

just started the regime.....didnt like the breakouts so i had some spare accutane laying around i will take for 3 weeks while my skin gets used to the BP and what not

phats

[ani_in_fl]

too bad ive done 3 courses and still break out

I'm on my fourth and still breaking out, and I'm 35!!!! grrrrr..... What are you doing now for your skin? darn acne!

just started the regime.....didnt like the breakouts so i had some spare accutane laying around i will take for 3 weeks while my skin gets used to the BP and what not

phats

Keep me posted on how it works for you. I've missed tons of Accutane over the last 7-10 days cuz of problems getting it approved with my insurance, and my skin looks like total crap ... this at the end of my fourth round. ugggh!!! Got another appointment in 4 weeks, and I will beg for low-dose accutane for the rest of my life .. . Okay, maybe not that long, but I'd like to stay on it for a while anyway. Second option is that hormone pill that people seem to have some luck with. BP has never done anything except dry the heck out of my skin, so no high hopes for that although I'll try anything.

[dan52]

Wow, I have to thank everyone here profusely for their support. I went to the derm this morning, told him the problems I've been happening, and how I want to go on accutane, and he said no problem. In fact, when I was filling out the psychological problem waiver, he remarked that it's kinda odd since so many people are so much happier once they are clear from the accutane.

I'm so excited, it's hard to describe... a little nervous about any potential breakout, but I'm going in for blood work wednesday morning and then back to the derm on Monday to pickup the prescription for accutane. Wish me luck.

Thanks again,
Dan

[kidz12345]

goodluck!

[shirley2]

Yup, accutane will clear anyone up!

[accesskb]

too bad ive done 3 courses and still break out

I'm on my fourth and still breaking out, and I'm 35!!!! grrrrr..... What are you doing now for your skin? darn acne!

just started the regime.....didnt like the breakouts so i had some spare accutane laying around i will take for 3 weeks while my skin gets used to the BP and what not

phats

Keep me posted on how it works for you. I've missed tons of Accutane over the last 7-10 days cuz of problems getting it approved with my insurance, and my skin looks like total crap ... this at the end of my fourth round. ugggh!!! Got another appointment in 4 weeks, and I will beg for low-dose accutane for the rest of my life .. . Okay, maybe not that long, but I'd like to stay on it for a while anyway. Second option is that hormone pill that people seem to have some luck with. BP has never done anything except dry the heck out of my skin, so no high hopes for that although I'll try anything.

accutane for the rest of your life? I hope you won't have to go that route. Just curious... do you have a healthy diet? drink lots of water/day?

[CursedSkin]

tell him if he doesnt prescribe you accutane, you will find another derm who will....


you have to threaten their money for them to listen to you...otherwise hes gonna keep prescribing you some shitty cream which he knows wont work and have you keep coming back which means more $$$$$$,,,


threaten his money...i mean thats the only thing derms care about anyway.

[kate.m]

Hi Dan,

I'm in exactly the same position as you!! I'm 25, I've been dealing with acne for 11 years, and I've been on various prescription meds for the last 8 years, none of which did much. I also had an appointment yesterday (Mon) with my derm who had told me before that she wouldn't prescribe accutane for me. I had this whole speech prepared about why it was time for accutane, but I just went in without makeup (that's a first for me!), and with a quick look at my bare face she agreed that accutane was the way to go. She says she'll call in the prescription sometime today or tomorrow (as soon as my bloodwork gets back).

I'm also worried about the initial breakout, especially since it'll probably start just before the holidays. But at this point I'm ready to do ANYTHING to control my acne, and I'm really glad I'm taking this big step. We'll have to keep tabs on each other's progress!

Good luck!

[pecan-ice]

lol your 26 just tell him you want to try accutane and nothing else hell say ok in a heartbeat he loses money if you dont agree with him and fire his ass.

That might not work. Some derms are difficult about accutane. At least make sure the one that you're seeing doesn't think it's evil and should be banned before you even waste any time.

The big thing is if you're acne is not "severe" and "cystic" is that you'd tried tons of other things with no success. If you've been through the whole antibiotic/topical stuff, then take the list with you and explain everything that you have tried, tell them you've done your research, you know the side effects, and you want to go on accutane. Make sure you've done your research though prior to going in and you know what you're getting into. There are side effects on Accutane that some people aren't willing to deal with. I have never had any problems, and I love it -- it really is a miracle drug, but it's not for everyone.

I agree...giving them a list of all the things you tried shows that your acne is persisant and stubborn...and that is another reason accutane should be prescribed... also if your acne has never let up...mention that as well..I told my dermotologists that and he agreed with me that I would be a candidate.

[phatkid]

accesskb......


yes i have a healthy diet as of october, i have since dropped 30lbs and take in plenty of water....

i think its stress related, but after accutane i should be able to roll around in butter like a cob of corn...

phats

[ani_in_fl]

accutane for the rest of your life? I hope you won't have to go that route. Just curious... do you have a healthy diet? drink lots of water/day?

I'm a vegetarian, so I don't eat any beef, pork or poultry. I do eat fish. Also a lot of veggies. I drink a lot of iced tea, but not so much water. The only time water tastes good to me is when I work out. Now ... with all that said, I do have a wicked sweet tooth, and I definitely eat my share of junk food (chocolate and such ... no fast food or anything like). I have gone through periods in my life where I cut all that out though, and drank tons of water, but none of it ever made any difference whatsoever.

I was half kidding about accutane for the rest of my life. Of course, if the derm offered, I'd probably jump on it. If my derm takes me off Accutane next month, I'm probably going to try spiro...spino...whatever it's called. The hormone pill. Sounds like some people have had good luck with that. The funny thing is I have 3 kids, and the only time my skin has ever looked GREAT for any length of time was when I was pregnant. So ... maybe I could stay pregnant forever ... just kidding ....

[Keithr23]

Just tell the derm u want accutane. I told my derm and two minutes later he ahd me fill out papers and had his nurse draw my blood. I only had very mild acne at the time (currently acne free after three nmoths accutane.