112 replies to this topic

[Jen121]

Hey there... I just wanted to say that its completely normal that you are breaking out! Give it some more time and it should start to look better... i dont think anyone goes away unhappy. Also your a guy so to tell you the truth the girl probably doesnt even notice your acne. It seems more acceptable for guys than girls... Try to hang in there i promise things will get better

[appletime]

Hey there... I just wanted to say that its completely normal that you are breaking out! Give it some more time and it should start to look better... i dont think anyone goes away unhappy. Also your a guy so to tell you the truth the girl probably doesnt even notice your acne. It seems more acceptable for guys than girls... Try to hang in there i promise things will get better

Hey Jen, thanks for the kind words. I hope and I pray that I start to clear up soon. It always makes me feel better to know that there are some people going through the same shit as I am, and that I have support from y'all. Thanks

You're lookin' good, btw!

Mark

Hay! I just got done reading your log. SOunds like you got your IB with cysts and all. I hated the IB but it will be so worth it when they start to disappear and you get clearer skin. My IB finished around my 2month mark or so. Just keep hanging in there. It will go away soon. Good luck to you!

Hi Firegurl,

Thanks for the best wishes! I hope that this is my IB - don't want it to get much worse than this! lol But I'll stick through this. I know that clear skin is right at the end of the tunnel. I'mma get there!

[appletime]

Day 16

OK, I'm updating from work. Haha. I can't stop coming to this site. It's becoming my haven, where I can vent out my frustrations.

I am just really unhappy at the moment. My skin looks awful and I have no confidence whatsoever. I dread going to work because I know people will be looking at my skin and it is affecting my work performance because I have no confidence. This is really affecting me. It's hard to work in a place where you have 10 gorgeous people sitting near you. It's hard not to feel jealous. They hardly even wear make-up and yet their skin looks flawless.

I hope that it will be over soon and that I will regain my confidece. I just want to say thank you to all of you who post in my log and give comments of support. You have no idea how much it brightens my day. To know that there are people who are experiencing the same things that I do makes me feel that I'm not alone with this struggle.

Anyways, I will keep on lifting my head up. And try not to be so down about things.

Also, I feel like I have no energy since taking 'tane. It's especially harder to get up in the morning. All I want to do is sleep, sleep, sleep. lol

Take care!

Mark x

[answerme]

Hey Mark!

I hope things get better for you soon. I have learned from an ex-acne-sufferer that we should try to look at this "acne challenge" as a temporary challenge or problem from which we, the sufferers, must separate ourselves from. That way, we wouldn't feel so bad about the situation and about ourselves. Rather, we would feel more hopeful and stronger. Sorry, if I sound preachy. I just feel that it's a good thing to share things that I have learned from other people/sources which I also find very helpful.

Also, I feel like I have no energy since taking 'tane. It's especially harder to get up in the morning. All I want to do is sleep, sleep, sleep. lol

Don't you think that the tane could be causing some nutritional imbalance in your body that requires you to take a specific kind of supplement? It's funny to think that in my case it's the opposite. Probably because of the multivitamins I'm taking. For two weeks already until now, I'm eating like a pig. People around are noticing more how fat I'm becoming. My cravings are what I need to control. Well, hope you'll find a way to address your problem too.

Keep us updated always! Luck!

Sherrie

[appletime]

Hey Mark!

I hope things get better for you soon. I have learned from an ex-acne-sufferer that we should try to look at this "acne challenge" as a temporary challenge or problem from which we, the sufferers, must separate ourselves from. That way, we wouldn't feel so bad about the situation and about ourselves. Rather, we would feel more hopeful and stronger. Sorry, if I sound preachy. I just feel that it's a good thing to share things that I have learned from other people/sources which I also find very helpful.

Also, I feel like I have no energy since taking 'tane. It's especially harder to get up in the morning. All I want to do is sleep, sleep, sleep. lol

Don't you think that the tane could be causing some nutritional imbalance in your body that requires you to take a specific kind of supplement? It's funny to think that in my case it's the opposite. Probably because of the multivitamins I'm taking. For two weeks already until now, I'm eating like a pig. People around are noticing more how fat I'm becoming. My cravings are what I need to control. Well, hope you'll find a way to address your problem too.

Keep us updated always! Luck!

Sherrie

Hi Sherrie,

You don't sound preachy at all. I actually agree with you. I see this struggle as temporary. And I know that there is always hope in everything. Especially now that I'm on 'tane. I know that clear skin is just around the corner for me.

Do you recommend me taking multi-vitamins? Doesn't it contain Vitamin-A? I also need to take something for my joints. My muscles ache easily these days.

How's your acne?

M x

[Jules70]

Hey Mark!! Sorry to hear your having a rough time of it. I know this may not be something you want to talk about but have you told anyone at work that your taking tane??? I finally did. The first time was hard then it didn't seem like such a big deal. It was very embarassing for me to admit at my age that I'm taking a med to clear my skin. But the reaction I got was like, "oh, okay! How's it going??" That was it. No big deal. I understand it's an individual decesion to tell people about it. And like answerme already said, this is temporary. Gotta focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. Take care

[answerme]

Do you recommend me taking multi-vitamins? Doesn't it contain Vitamin-A? I also need to take something for my joints. My muscles ache easily these days.

hmmm...not exactly...i just think that you should look carefully into it. im not really familiar with joint pain remedies...and taking multivitamins with vitamin A may cause you more trouble because of the strong reaction it will cause between vitamin A and the high dosage of the isotret you're taking. you definitely must avoid anything with vitamin A supplement (that's a warning given by the manufacturers). i didnt find it threatening in my case, though, since I'm somewhat underdose. the supplements im taking, i think, have been beneficial to my health. if i find any good info about the vitamins/mineral/herbal-supplement-and-joint-pain-connection, il let you know as soon as i can.

take care!

[MattMyster]

Hey Mark, great log Just popped in for visit

For your joints? Man take like 1200IU of Vitamin E or more a Day...it helps ALOT with joint pain I've found, and plus it helps with flaking, dry lips, dry skin, dry eyes and most other things. It's great. I take a Multi-Vitamin to help when I'm working out sometimes, mine has Vitamin A in it but It doesn't hurt you that much./ I highly recommend taking some type of Multi-Vitamin, vitamin A or not it helps alot.

[appletime]

Hey Mark!! Sorry to hear your having a rough time of it. I know this may not be something you want to talk about but have you told anyone at work that your taking tane??? I finally did. The first time was hard then it didn't seem like such a big deal. It was very embarassing for me to admit at my age that I'm taking a med to clear my skin. But the reaction I got was like, "oh, okay! How's it going??" That was it. No big deal. I understand it's an individual decesion to tell people about it. And like answerme already said, this is temporary. Gotta focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. Take care

Hi Jules! Thanks for the well wishes.

I've told some colleagues of mine from work who I feel comfortable with that I'm taking accutane. Almost all of them were supportive and wanted updates to find out how I was doing and how my progress was. But there was 1 person who thought I was overreacting by taking 'tane for my acne. She believes that nature should take it's course and that I should "wait" until I naturally clear. I couldn't help but feel annoyed because what does she know about my struggle? She has no right to judge me when she doesn't know first hand how acne could affect your life. I've decided to ignore her opinions.

I am trying my level best to be positive at the moment. Whenever I feel down I just tell myself that this is only temporary and that I'll soon be clear.

Do you recommend me taking multi-vitamins? Doesn't it contain Vitamin-A? I also need to take something for my joints. My muscles ache easily these days.

hmmm...not exactly...i just think that you should look carefully into it. im not really familiar with joint pain remedies...and taking multivitamins with vitamin A may cause you more trouble because of the strong reaction it will cause between vitamin A and the high dosage of the isotret you're taking. you definitely must avoid anything with vitamin A supplement (that's a warning given by the manufacturers). i didnt find it threatening in my case, though, since I'm somewhat underdose. the supplements im taking, i think, have been beneficial to my health. if i find any good info about the vitamins/mineral/herbal-supplement-and-joint-pain-connection, il let you know as soon as i can.

take care!

If you could get any info regarding multi-vitamins intake while on isotret - that would be great! I don't have my derm appointment until 3rd of June. But I will also ask him about multi-vitamins and if he recommends me taking them.

Take care Sherrie!

[appletime]

Hey Mark, great log Just popped in for visit

For your joints? Man take like 1200IU of Vitamin E or more a Day...it helps ALOT with joint pain I've found, and plus it helps with flaking, dry lips, dry skin, dry eyes and most other things. It's great. I take a Multi-Vitamin to help when I'm working out sometimes, mine has Vitamin A in it but It doesn't hurt you that much./ I highly recommend taking some type of Multi-Vitamin, vitamin A or not it helps alot.

Hey Matt. Thanks for stopping by.

I'll do that, thanks! I'll be going to the nutrition centre so I'll make sure to pick one up. What do you think of this though? http://www.puritan.com/pages/file.asp?xs=0...PID=857&CID=128 My friend picked it up for me, but the Vitamin E content is very low. Should I take it or should I but the Vitamin E instead? Because I'm able to return it and have it exchanged.

Thanks And how's your acne doing? Hope you're having good progress. Let me know how you get on!

I agree with CanadianMatt. I take Vitamin E also and it helps with all that stuff. I also take multivitamins that has vitamin A in it but derm. said it is small amount so it is ok. I also take Vitamin C becuase my immune system is down so much. Last, my derm. prescribed my Omacor (prescription strength Omega-3) to help lower triglycerides and cholesterol. Hope you are doing well!!

Heya

So you're taking Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplements, seperately? And then you are also taking multi-vitamins, and then Omega 3? Do you think they make a vast difference? I just can't all the side effects anymore. So any supplemental help would be great. I'm just confused with what to take when there's so many options available.

Thanks very much! How's your acne now? Hope your getting good progress!

M x

[answerme]

hey mark! if you can get the supplements in seperate bottles/caps, then that'll be a lot better since each is concentrated. for vitamin E, look for natural vitamin E (D-Alpha tocopherol), liquid or dry form, or mixed tocopherol. avoid d1-alpha tocopherol. try taking 800 I.U. a day. the omega 3, 6 & 9 are one of the most important ones that leo kiesen tells us to get no matter what. (i haven't gotten one for myself though. ) for vitamin C, look for ascorbic acid (not Ester-C) and start at 1500mg. you can experiment on this up to 5000mg. kiesen says that you'll know you're giving yourself an overdose of vitamin C if you start experiencing diarrhea or "gastrointestinal distress". he also says that it may be enough to get your vitamin C from 1-2 organic lemons diluted in a glass of water everyday.

What do you think of this though? http://www.puritan.com/pages/file.asp?xs=0...PID=857&CID=128

if you do try it, please let us know how good it is (especially on the skin). kiesen recommends Health From the Sun's Total EFA-Vegetarian Formula (liquid), 16 oz.

see ya!

sherrie

[appletime]

Day 17 and 18

Hey guys,

I was supposed to update yesterday, but I was really tired. I wasn't home until 10pm and I just felt like sleeping.

I'll have to keep this short since I'm at work but I'm feeling a little bit more confident again. The cysts are starting to come down and I got a compliment from my manager today telling me how smooth my face was. Woohoo!

I hope this trend continues. I don't want to have another breakout. I don't think I'll be able to handle it.

I'd like to thank everyone for their comments. You guys are great. I know I don't always comment on your logs that often but always know that you have my full support.



I'll try to give a better update next time! My work has piled on so much since I've been on 'tane. For some reason I'm not at productive as I used to be. lol

Take care and I hope your acne's gettin' betta!

Mark x

[Jules70]

Hi Jules! Thanks for the well wishes.

I've told some colleagues of mine from work who I feel comfortable with that I'm taking accutane. Almost all of them were supportive and wanted updates to find out how I was doing and how my progress was. But there was 1 person who thought I was overreacting by taking 'tane for my acne. She believes that nature should take it's course and that I should "wait" until I naturally clear. I couldn't help but feel annoyed because what does she know about my struggle? She has no right to judge me when she doesn't know first hand how acne could affect your life. I've decided to ignore her opinions.

I am trying my level best to be positive at the moment. Whenever I feel down I just tell myself that this is only temporary and that I'll soon be clear.

That's too bad she reacted like that. Wasn't like you were asking for her opinion. LOL Try and stay positive and you always have your friends at acne.org to keep you company. Take care.

[TennesseeGrl]

Hey there Mark! Sorry I wasn't here in your time of need (a stupid breakout) to give you my .02 and tell you that it's okay and clear skin is just around the corner! But it sounds like you made it out alright and since you are already getting compliments on your skin that means you are well on your way! yay!

I hope you are feeling less tired and less busy! Stress is bad for your skin

Keep up the great work!

[appletime]

That's too bad she reacted like that. Wasn't like you were asking for her opinion. LOL Try and stay positive and you always have your friends at acne.org to keep you company. Take care.

Hey Jules,

I know what you mean. I don't talk to her about my face anymore. She and I just don't really gel together. And definitely true about th people here at acne.org. You guys are awesome! You've become my 2nd family and if it weren't for your support I would have had a much difficult time coping with 'tane.

Thanks everyone.

Hey there Mark! Sorry I wasn't here in your time of need (a stupid breakout) to give you my .02 and tell you that it's okay and clear skin is just around the corner! But it sounds like you made it out alright and since you are already getting compliments on your skin that means you are well on your way! yay!

I hope you are feeling less tired and less busy! Stress is bad for your skin

Keep up the great work!

Hey Sarah!

No problems at all! You must've been pretty busy as well. How's it all going? And thanks! Reading your responses always lifts my mood up. And you speak the truth. I will get clear!

I'm afraid I'm still busy as ever. My colleague is off for 3 weeks to take her vacation and I need to do more work to compensate while she's gone. It's gonna be tough but I'll manage!

Thanks again!

[appletime]

Yeah! I love this place too. My hubby tries to help support me but it's not the same. Him and my friends don't have acne so they really don't understand what I am going through. It's nice to have people who understand how horrible acne can be. Not to mention, how horrible the side-effects of Accutane can be.

Yes, I take all those supplements (sorry forgot to answer your question awhile back). I dunno if they do me that much good...I think I am the most often sickest person on Accutane. But, I think it would be better than nothing. I may be worse off. The Omacor(Omega-3) wasn't by choice. My derm. perscribed it when my Triglycerides went up.

My skin is doing well and thanx for asking!!

I know what you mean... People that we're close with, don't always understand how acne can affect a person. I guess they have an idea, but they don't know what it's like. To know people who are going through the same issues as you do is great.

I'm taking the Essential Oils supplement (http://www.puritan.c...PID=857&CID=128). Just started taking it yesterday. Hope it work well on me!

I'm glad to hear you acne's gettin' betta! I hope it only gets better and better.

[TennesseeGrl]

Get off the org! Get something done!

Things are good here! Just vacationing... about to go to the pool actually! Yay! With TONS of sunblock (not even sunscreen, but the old lady kind of sunblock to ensure that not a sun ray touches my skin! )
So I'm off! But I just wanted to drop by and say hello!

[appletime]

Get off the org! Get something done!

Things are good here! Just vacationing... about to go to the pool actually! Yay! With TONS of sunblock (not even sunscreen, but the old lady kind of sunblock to ensure that not a sun ray touches my skin! )
So I'm off! But I just wanted to drop by and say hello!

I just got home from work! My plan right now is to get nothing done! lol

Sounds fun! Have fun and if you ever run out of sunblock, let us know and we'll dispatch a box to you ASAP!


Day 19:

Okay, time for a skin update! The cysts are starting to die down. I've been feeling more confident at work again which is good because I'm having my PDR next week! It's a one on one meeting with my manager and I want to be confident during the session - not worrying about my acne.

I have 2 new whiteheads. Just saw them now. But I'll be happy to take them compared to the cysts. I'm also happy about the products I'm using. Cetaphil for my face wash, Neutrogena Dry Touch as my moisturizer, QV lip treatment for my dry lips and Fish Oil supplement. I think I've gotten some good stuff. Without these products I think I would never have survived being on 'tane. Especially when the products I used before were harsh.

What else? Oh, my colleague/good friend from work Sandra is leaving tonight for her vacation (3 weeks). I'm really going to miss her. She's the closest person I'm with in office and I don't know how I get through a day without her. She's wonderful. Work is going to be a little harder to bear now that she's gone - even if it's just for 3 weeks.

Anyways, I have to go to bed! I loooove sleeping more than ever since I've been on 'tane. Wonder why?

Take care guys! And as usual, I hope your acne's getting better!

Mark x

[Jules70]

Hey Mark. Glad to hear things are going well for ya. 2 newbies isn't great but no new cysts is fantastic. Don't you love cetaphil face wash. That stuff is the best.

[cj83]

Hey appletime,
Did I post in your log before? I dunno...
Hey I'm glad to hear that your skin is getting better. Only some new whiteheads. That's great dude. And hooray for no new cysts. That's fantastic!! I'm really happy to hear that cos cysts suck! Hope your improvement continues that way..

cj