Lilblubutterfly's Claravis Log

So I finally got the prescription for Accutane (I got Claravis.) My acne got bad when I was 15. I am 27 now. I've tried all kinds of things and seen different dermatologists over the years. Let's hope this works!

I took my first pill this morning and my second just a little while ago. I suppose I won't notice feeling any differently until a few days pass. The only thing I felt out of the ordinary was a metallic taste in my mouth. Did anyone else experience that?

I am so excited to see some results! My doc started me off at 20mg 2x a day (so 40mg daily) for the first month and will give me a higher dosage starting next month. He said that this would help minimize breakouts in the first month.

I took a few pictures on 7/31 and some on 8/14 (just a few days ago) just to show what my face has been looking like without any makeup on. Some of what is most noticeable on my face are the red marks from previous nodules/cysts. There are quite a few under the skin right now that I can feel when I move my finger over my face... I've been fighting them off as best as I can!

What I've been using:
Morning: Cetaphil face wash
Benzoyl peroxide
Neutrogena oil free moisturizer, SPF 15
Bactrim

Throughout the day: blot with those little blue sheets (forgot what they're called)
Almay Clear Complexion Makeup

Night: Cetaphil face wash
Differin gel
Bactrim

As needed: Mary Kay mask
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
Aspirin mask

The result was that I was able to manage the acne somewhat... I wasn't breaking out as badly as I had in the past, but I was still breaking out. The nodules/cysts would go away more quickly, but they would still show up and leave nasty red marks that take forever to fade away completely.

But, anyway, done with all of that! I am just taking the Claravis now and making sure to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I am not concerned about the hair loss. I have enough hair for 3 people. I am a little concerned about the dryness, but I'll just have to deal with it when it hits me.

I can't guarantee that I'll be able to update daily, but I sure want to track my progress as best as I can so that I can look back later and see what a difference the medication has made. Whoopie!

Don't mind my silly expression in some of the pics. I was feeling rather uncomfortable about taking those and my girlfriend (she was taking the pictures) was making me laugh. She's the best.

You don't know how hard it is for me to show these to people, which I would never do outside this forum, but I figure that so many of you have posted pictures and I might as well do the same. You can see that I don't have several large ones clustered in any one area, but I do have quite a few and they get so big and red! Ugh... I can't wait for them to go away.

New - Nodular Cystic Acne

Hello, all. I've been dealing with nodular cystic acne since I was about 15. I am 27 now. At first, I tried all sorts of over the counter treatments. Absolutely no improvement. Started seeing a dermatologist, was prescribed all manner or topical treatments. There was a little improvement here and there but I'd usually end up with bad flare ups again. One thing that helped was going to regular derma visits where he'd take care of any present cysts and even any tiny pimples I had on a regular basis, but new ones would always spring up. I began trying various oral antibiotics that my dermatologist prescribed. I ended up sticking with Doryx for a little. It did help, but my face was still never clear and I continued to get some nodules on my face, especially at that time of the month.

I moved to Georgia in October of 08. Just before coming, my dermatologist and I were discussing Accutane. As soon as I was employed here and then waited 3 months to be eligible for health insurance, I found a new dermatologist. He said that he wanted to try some other antibiotics first. I tried more antibiotics that would really jsut end up giving me stomach troubles (currently taking Bactrim - hate it) and continued with topical treatment of Differin and benzoyl peroxide spot treatment.

I went to see my derma about a 3 weeks ago, have since had my first blood test for Accutane and just can't wait to start treatment. I am just hoping and praying (not that I'm a believer) that it will help!!! Right now, my face just looks like a battle zone. Scars, small pimples, a few large nodules and just all around oiliness. I am desperate right now as this is really starting to make me feel hopeless and down and I have just about no self confidence left. I will post pics and then post pics of my progress throughout my Accutane treatment. Wish me luck!!!