1129 replies to this topic

[kaydon]

UGGHHH. I'm about to freak out on my dermatologist office. I've called those sons of bitches twice today - gave them my name, my phone number, specified why I was calling. You think when they hear the word iPledge they would get the frickin' ball rolling! But no, I got a "What, say that again? You need the doctor to do what?" I mentioned the blood test and that it was my second time calling, and then they said they would need to check my records. I told them this was important and that I hope to receive a call back today. I'm starting to get all paranoid...I only have until Friday, then I am locked out. I can't have that happen.

I understand.. when I had my first derm appointment, she said to come back in 4 weeks, lalala, so a few days passed and she had never told me how to get my password or what I actually had to do with iPledge. My mom calls, and asks how to get my password and if I need to do anything with the iPledge system before I get my prescription, the first lady said no on the phone, the second said my password would be EMAILED that same day, and then the third said I had to answer questions that day. After an hour and a half, my mom finally realized the password would be mailed to me within 5 days.... talk about stupiditiy..

WOW. I can't believe that your dermatologist didn't inform you about getting the blood test! I'd expect the receptionists or whoever answers the phone to be a little confused about the whole thing, but not the dermatologist. My dermatologist told me that my username was going to be mailed to me. I was so confused. Then I called iPledge and they told me it was the number on my card that I got from the booklet, and I was like, oh alright!

I have a feeling this whole iPledge thing is going to be a real pain in the ass every month! If only my doctor's office was a little bit more informed about it, it wouldn't be that bad.

Edited by kaydon, 23 April 2012 - 02:25 PM.

[kaydon]

Day 29

Well, I’m pretty much on month two!

It’s been a crazy month. I didn’t know how this month would go, but it’s been nothing but breakouts. On Sunday, my face was looking better – the inflammation and redness weren’t as bad. However, I’m still breaking out. My chin/jawline & forehead are the problem spots. The spots that look bad today are itchy & yesterday, I felt my face throbbing. I’m guessing that the itchiness and how inflamed these spots are, means they’re on their way to healing.

I’m not sure when to expect these flare-ups to stop as I enter month two, but I’m hoping by my 23^rd birthday (June 28^th) I’m seeing some real improvement.

Fingers are crossed. Come on, ‘Tane – get rid of this acne! I want to feel good this summer.

[Polka dot]

Wow, your pics show you have really come a long way!! I'm betting that the worst is over and it looks like you are healing up nicely. Not sure if you've tried it before but neosporin really helped for me to speed up clearing my IB.

I'm proud of you (and all of us) for sticking it out. The initial breakout sucks to high hell, but we can do this. Acne is not going to win!! I swear I almost stopped taking accutane when I was getting my IB, it was so bad, but now that I'm through that rough spot I'm so incredibly grateful I didn't. Every pill we take is one day closer to flawless skin!! And yours is really looking lovely in your most recent pics.

Did you get everything worked out with the derm's office?

[kaydon]

Wow, your pics show you have really come a long way!! I'm betting that the worst is over and it looks like you are healing up nicely. Not sure if you've tried it before but neosporin really helped for me to speed up clearing my IB.

I'm proud of you (and all of us) for sticking it out. The initial breakout sucks to high hell, but we can do this. Acne is not going to win!! I swear I almost stopped taking accutane when I was getting my IB, it was so bad, but now that I'm through that rough spot I'm so incredibly grateful I didn't. Every pill we take is one day closer to flawless skin!! And yours is really looking lovely in your most recent pics.

Did you get everything worked out with the derm's office?

Thanks! Week two was just awful for me. Things seem to be getting better. It's weird, because it'll get worse, get better, and then it goes right back to breaking out. You know what, I've thought about Neosporin! Especially because one day I woke up with a cut on the side of nose a few weeks ago. That still hasn't healed, the scab rips off every night when I wash my face or take a shower. I'm going to have to pick some up - does it help with healing acne too?!

I'm glad you stuck with it & are seeing results! That's what it's all about.
I can't wait to get to the point where I'm not dealing with new breakouts every week. I'm going to be ecstatic when that happens!

Yep, everything worked out with the derm office & I picked up my script on Monday.

Edited by kaydon, 25 April 2012 - 12:13 PM.

[Polka dot]

That was kind of how my IB was too - I thought it was over twice before it was finally over for real the third time. Neosporin definitely did help healing my acne as well as the little cuts and scans on my face that seem to want to stick around forever due to accutane-induced slow healing. There were two or three little spots on my face that just would NOT heal up until I started doing neosporin twice a day. Feels anti-intuitive at first to put something that greasy on my face but it really has worked wonders and I hope it does the same for you )

Wishing you the best for month two!!

[tommurray64]

You said you had red scales after your first course I was wondering how long did it take for them to go and did you use anything to get rid of them, thank you.

[kaydon]

You said you had red scales after your first course I was wondering how long did it take for them to go and did you use anything to get rid of them, thank you.

The red/pink scales were from picking the skin so much - but they eventually healed.
I forget how long it took, maybe a few weeks to a month.

I didn't use anything to get rid of it, but I think that Neosporin should help.

[kaydon]

Day 31

Acne, acne, go away, come again another day. (Actually, how about you just go away & stay away.)

Experienced yet another breakout. Womp womp womp. This is getting a little old. Honestly, each time things start to look up, I'm waiting for the next flare-up. I’m feeling hopeful though because it’s in the process of healing, and it starts to look better with each passing day.
There’s a decent sized cystic pimple on my jawline – ugh, gross!

My cheeks look pretty awesome. If only the rest of my face would look like that, I’d be happy.
I’m trying my best to remain patient & positive.

The eczema on my hands came back. I may have to fill that script my derm gave me for it.

Is it strange that as annoying as these side effects are, a part of me is happy because it means the drug is really working?

Edited by kaydon, 27 April 2012 - 10:17 AM.

[NeedAMiracle!]

I'm the same way! The first week or two I didn't have any side effects and i was almost, sad? Haha like i wanted just to see some kind of sign that it was in there and doing its thing. Im like almost done with week 3 and I really don't have many side effects, Im not even that dry or have chapped lips too bad. Not sure if I should get a higher dosage or what, but oh well, I'll just take what I can get.

Sorry about the still breaking out though, thats a bummer. It'll all be worth it though when you have beautiful clear skin. Which will hopefully be sooon!

[SupernatualFanatic]

I'm the same way! I'm officially on day 10 and just experiencing horrible dry lips and somewhat dry skin, of course I can't forget my damn scalp.. but anyway, I am sorry you broke out ;( It will get better, you're only a month into it, a lot of people actually have to have the full 3 months for their skin to fully grasp that it's on Accutane before it starts working. I know you'll have amazing results before then! Just keep pushing through!!

[kaydon]

I'm the same way! The first week or two I didn't have any side effects and i was almost, sad? Haha like i wanted just to see some kind of sign that it was in there and doing its thing. Im like almost done with week 3 and I really don't have many side effects, Im not even that dry or have chapped lips too bad. Not sure if I should get a higher dosage or what, but oh well, I'll just take what I can get.

Sorry about the still breaking out though, thats a bummer. It'll all be worth it though when you have beautiful clear skin. Which will hopefully be sooon!

I'm the same way! I'm officially on day 10 and just experiencing horrible dry lips and somewhat dry skin, of course I can't forget my damn scalp.. but anyway, I am sorry you broke out ;( It will get better, you're only a month into it, a lot of people actually have to have the full 3 months for their skin to fully grasp that it's on Accutane before it starts working. I know you'll have amazing results before then! Just keep pushing through!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one! & I also got a random zit on my chest! I never break out there!

I'm actually expecting breakouts into my third month with the way things are going so far. But maybe I'll get a nice surprise & things will improve before then. A girl can always dream!

[SupernatualFanatic]

Don't say that haha you won't break out into the third month because I say so! I'm the queen of Accutane! Not.. buttttt you will have clear skin before you know it chica.

[kaydon]

Day 33




Took this picture last night before putting on makeup. The right side of my cheek isn't looking too great, but they're small whiteheads, so hopefully they'll clear up fast.
You can't really see it - but there's a cystic pimple on the left side of my jawline & ugh, I want it gone.

I wouldn't show these pictures anywhere else. I'm just trying my best to document my progress. I want to look back on these pictures and realize that this whole thing was worth it when things get better.

[SupernatualFanatic]

I'm sorry your still breaking out ;( but to be honest, I'd be surprised if anyone noticed your acne - your gorgeous! You have incredible features too, and they're very unique. We're all our own worst critics, but you areee gorgeous.

[kaydon]

I'm sorry your still breaking out ;( but to be honest, I'd be surprised if anyone noticed your acne - your gorgeous! You have incredible features too, and they're very unique. We're all our own worst critics, but you areee gorgeous.

Aw thank you Taylor!!
Those pictures are pictures I would never show anyone except for this website and close friends!

I'm really hoping this is the tail end of my IB.

Edited by kaydon, 29 April 2012 - 02:04 PM.

[kaydon]

Day 35

Nothing new to really say today, I just figured I’d come here to ramble about my skin instead of complaining to my mom who is sick of hearing about it by now.

My most recent breakout is at its ugliest stage; the whiteheads are at their largest. The cystic pimple is grossing me out. It’s like, the size of a skittle and it’s on my jawline. I feel like that one isn’t going to away for a while, and that kind of bums me out. What was on my forehead is clearing up and flaking away, for the most part.

I have no side effects except for eczema and dry lips. My scalp isn’t even itchy anymore, thank god that went away.

I have my next derm appointment on the 16^th of this month. If things are still looking ugly, I may discuss upping my dosage to 80mg. I don’t know if that’s a good idea or not, but I didn’t even break out quite this bad on my last round of Accutane.

[SupernatualFanatic]

I'm sorry your still breaking out ;( but at least your not 3-4 months into it and breaking out, it's pretty normal to break out into your second month and even third for some people, I've read like.. 49320842 logs haha, I hope it clears up for you soon though! That's good you don't have too severe side effects either Try to stay positive! If you need to relax.. take a bath, light some candles, read a book/magazine, and eat whatever the hell you want. I do that when I feel stressed and it works wonders. AND on your course, try to not look in the mirrors too much. I know it sounds insanely impossible, because it used to be for me, but whenever I get out of the shower or bath, where I had washed my face, I dim my lights in my room before I look in a mirror so i don't see any flaws. It may sound dumb, but it helps me stay away from the mirrors, and it helps me focus on other things.

Hang in there I hope you have a wonderful day.

[kaydon]

I'm sorry your still breaking out ;( but at least your not 3-4 months into it and breaking out, it's pretty normal to break out into your second month and even third for some people, I've read like.. 49320842 logs haha, I hope it clears up for you soon though! That's good you don't have too severe side effects either Try to stay positive! If you need to relax.. take a bath, light some candles, read a book/magazine, and eat whatever the hell you want. I do that when I feel stressed and it works wonders. AND on your course, try to not look in the mirrors too much. I know it sounds insanely impossible, because it used to be for me, but whenever I get out of the shower or bath, where I had washed my face, I dim my lights in my room before I look in a mirror so i don't see any flaws. It may sound dumb, but it helps me stay away from the mirrors, and it helps me focus on other things.

Hang in there I hope you have a wonderful day.

As negative as I'm being about my skin, I do have to say it has improved & I see it getting better each day (if there's no new actives). I've had about four different breakouts since I've started & it's kind of scary! I've been reading so many logs lately, too. The one thing to remember with this whole thing is patience & sometimes that's wayyyy easier said than done!

I love candle lit baths! They're so relaxing. And as far as looking into mirrors go, I'm the worst! I go to the bathroom in work & before classes & stare at the mirror looking at my skin. When I'm home I try not to, but I'm pretty much surrounded by mirrors in my room & bathroom.

You have such a positive outlook & I love it! I'll deal with this ugliness if by August everything turns around. *Crosses fingers*

Edited by kaydon, 01 May 2012 - 10:08 AM.

[NeedAMiracle!]

I'm the same way! The first week or two I didn't have any side effects and i was almost, sad? Haha like i wanted just to see some kind of sign that it was in there and doing its thing. Im like almost done with week 3 and I really don't have many side effects, Im not even that dry or have chapped lips too bad. Not sure if I should get a higher dosage or what, but oh well, I'll just take what I can get.

Sorry about the still breaking out though, thats a bummer. It'll all be worth it though when you have beautiful clear skin. Which will hopefully be sooon!

I'm the same way! I'm officially on day 10 and just experiencing horrible dry lips and somewhat dry skin, of course I can't forget my damn scalp.. but anyway, I am sorry you broke out ;( It will get better, you're only a month into it, a lot of people actually have to have the full 3 months for their skin to fully grasp that it's on Accutane before it starts working. I know you'll have amazing results before then! Just keep pushing through!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one! & I also got a random zit on my chest! I never break out there!

I'm actually expecting breakouts into my third month with the way things are going so far. But maybe I'll get a nice surprise & things will improve before then. A girl can always dream!

No you are most definitely not the only one! I also got a huge random zit on my back too! And my arm? Ha it was weird. But they're both about all gone now. I really hope your 3rd month goes well though, and only gets better from there!<3

[SupernatualFanatic]

I'm the same way! The first week or two I didn't have any side effects and i was almost, sad? Haha like i wanted just to see some kind of sign that it was in there and doing its thing. Im like almost done with week 3 and I really don't have many side effects, Im not even that dry or have chapped lips too bad. Not sure if I should get a higher dosage or what, but oh well, I'll just take what I can get.

Sorry about the still breaking out though, thats a bummer. It'll all be worth it though when you have beautiful clear skin. Which will hopefully be sooon!

I'm the same way! I'm officially on day 10 and just experiencing horrible dry lips and somewhat dry skin, of course I can't forget my damn scalp.. but anyway, I am sorry you broke out ;( It will get better, you're only a month into it, a lot of people actually have to have the full 3 months for their skin to fully grasp that it's on Accutane before it starts working. I know you'll have amazing results before then! Just keep pushing through!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one! & I also got a random zit on my chest! I never break out there!

I'm actually expecting breakouts into my third month with the way things are going so far. But maybe I'll get a nice surprise & things will improve before then. A girl can always dream!

No you are most definitely not the only one! I also got a huge random zit on my back too! And my arm? Ha it was weird. But they're both about all gone now. I really hope your 3rd month goes well though, and only gets better from there!<3

You guys wanna hear something more weird?.. I gots a pimple on my butt