Woah hahaha, what a intense log, sooo jokes the VIP story, and i wouldnt worry about it your quite pretty Im sure the pop-highschool-girl-druggies got nothin on you. BUT dood, what was your like first dosage? Im on 40mg a day, to start, i assume he will up-it at some point or another. Anyways keep the updates comming ahha deffly fun to read.

Month 1, Week 4

Day 25

Almost done with the first month! Time flies when you're having fun with Accutane!!

I haven't been on here in a while because class started this week so needless to say I have been busy. My IB seems to be clearing up, but at this high dose my skin is unpredictable. I noticed that the cysts are flattening out, leaving behind *beautiful* red marks. I haven't been wearing my glasses in public as much as I should, and I've noticed that my eyes hurt if I wear my contacts longer than 6 hours. The facial dryness hasn't changed much from my previous entry and the supplements are really helping with joint pain. I can't wait to be completely clear of actives!

I've been taking pictures of my skin once a week, but I don't want to post them until I've seen progress. I don't know why, I shouldn't be embarrassed considering the nature of this website. I put up another clear skin picture though because it will give me something to look forward to in a couple of months.

I took my makeup off to show my friend how bad my skin actually is because she didn't believe me. She stared at my skin and said that it looked a lot worse than she thought it would. I don't think that people realize that just because my skin looks smooth in most places, that doesn't mean that my skin is even in terms of skin tone. My makeup covers up a lot of hyperpigmentation, so without makeup it looks like a battle zone. Is it bad that I got some sort of sick pleasure out of 'proving' how bad my skin is? Haha, I am so immature, like when little kids say 'I told you so!!'.

Last night I saw Gran Torino, and it made me realize that there are worse things in life than acne. Such as Hmong gangsters with machine guns living in your neighborhood. Or having Clint Eastwood's wrinkles. I just wanted an excuse to use this emoticon:

Megan - That is hilarious!!! If crying doesn't work, then pull that line on your doctor, haha! My appointment is on Wednesday too, I'll cross my fingers for you. Did you end up getting on birth control? Start your log already!!!

Blax - Intense!? I was going for lighthearted! If you are on Accutane, you should start a log so you can chart your progress. I actually don't remember the dosage I was on the first time, but 40 should be good for your first month so your body can get accustomed to the medication. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you the best of luck!

Hey!! So how's the 80mg going? I'm going to be starting my 3rd month on Monday and I got bumped up to 80mg/day but I'm so nervous that I'm going to break out more! (I'm still breaking out a lot now but I don't want it to get worse!) Btw, good idea about the "rum and coke" thing because my friends don't know I'm on Accutane and I always cave in when I'm out with them. Even though I don't drink that much, I should probably cut it down more so I'll have to try that and then they'll never know! Also, I can totally relate to what you mean in your last post about proving to your friend that your face is really as bad as you say it is. My friends are always telling me my skin is fine but I'm like, I spend all this time covering it up! I hate looking at myself in the mirror at night when I wash all my makeup off. That's when my skin looks so red/inflamed, grosssss. Anyway, good luck with your course, there IS an end in sight and it's awesome to think we'll be acne free in only a couple months!

Giselle, I am jealous! I want to be a month in!!

And post your pics, don't be ashamed. Just look at mine ( I just posted today) and I guarantee it will make you feel better lol good luck with school starting again!

I really like your log!! It is helping me to not be as freaked out (I just started on 40mg yesterday!) Good luck with everything, I will for sure keep reading your updates!

Oh and by the way, I liked your post about proving your friends wrong about how bad it is without makeup! I do that too, because people never believe how bad my skin really looks! Hahaha but I guess it means that our makeup works well

oh i saw gran torino too and thought the same thing haha minus the wrinkles thing, but very true. And no I haven't started birth control yet cause I haven't been home since New years eve. I'm in seattle right now with my friend and i go back on tues so yea i have to wait (btw she didnt think my face was bad either, then i took of my makeup and she went all out tolling me what she uses on her face lol, but she has really bad red marks too so iz all good). BUT I have to talk to my mom and tell her im asking for tane. I figured out why i got like 6 cyts last week tho, its cause i started my period this week! Gah so yea i prob won't have any cysts (Maybe 1 or possibly 2) to show the doc but i have redmarks from them...everywhere. Oh well. but yay we have appts on the same day! so we cann post together haha. Or i can start a log hopefully!

Hi Everyone!

Ok, I have been coming to this site to read everyones blog when I really need some support...today was really bad for me. I have a derm appt in the morning and I am going to try to convince him I need accutane (this will be my second course, first was 6 years ago when I was 22). I have a feeling he is going to poo poo the idea...I have tried everything else though and I know accutane will work (it kept me clear for about 2 years). The derm I see now isnt the original derm who prescribed it to me (I moved)...anywho, I will let everyone know in the morning how it went.

Question, for all of you chicas on Accutane now, has it caused or worsened any wrinkles (due to the dry skin)? I dont think I had wrinkles the first time around Plese send me your thoughts!!

Thanks!

Jennifer

Yay! Ok, so I went to the derm this morning and had a straight MELT DOWN in the office...My face is getting soooo bad. He agreed Accutane is a good option. He says it doesnt work for everyone the first time around, but we both have high hopes for this time! Of course I have to jump through all the hoops and get on birth control (Im going to ask for Yasmin) and do the blood work etc, so I actually wont take for 5 weeks. He also prescribed Bactrim int he meantime...I am hopeful. I think the Yasmin may help as well (that appointment is next wed...wish it was today!). So I am 5 weeks away but it puts my mind at ease that at leaast I have a plan. I will post a pic of my skin soon. Of course I dont have any pics where it looks bad...I only keep pics that make me look fabulous!

I am going to start a blog and I hope to talk with some other chicas on here soon!

Hi Everyone!

 

Ok, I have been coming to this site to read everyones blog when I really need some support...today was really bad for me. I have a derm appt in the morning and I am going to try to convince him I need accutane (this will be my second course, first was 6 years ago when I was 22). I have a feeling he is going to poo poo the idea...I have tried everything else though and I know accutane will work (it kept me clear for about 2 years). The derm I see now isnt the original derm who prescribed it to me (I moved)...anywho, I will let everyone know in the morning how it went.

 

Question, for all of you chicas on Accutane now, has it caused or worsened any wrinkles (due to the dry skin)? I dont think I had wrinkles the first time around Plese send me your thoughts!!

 

Thanks!

 

Jennifer

Thanks for the info Daniel J! I will do some more research on the BCP before I go to the doc...thanks for the advice!

I think the Yasmin may help as well (that appointment is next wed...wish it was today!).

Print this article out:

Which states:

"You can repeat treatment with isotretinoin as many as four times without any problem." (Highlight that part and show him:)

For Yasmin, I'd switch to Tri-Sprintec (the generic for Ortho Tri-Cyclen). Only $9 a month at Walmart. Many on here say Yasmin made their acne worse even though its suppose to make it better.

Plus, YAZ & Yasmin alter your potassium levels increasing its side effects over other birth control pills.

Giselle! My derm said i could have accutane!!!!!!! Im soo excited except it sucks i have to wait a month but still eek ! I Do have a question for YOU tho...since im abstinent she said i dont have to take BCP but I can if I want, she thinks the accutane will completley take care of my hormonal acne but im scared cause u said urs came back . Oh Im also really irregular so I figure thats something to consider... too. so idk if i should take it or not, she said it was my choice tho so hmm decisions decisions haha. I AM SO EXCITED tho. She was so like chill she honestly was like if u really want to take it u can have it and i was like I Do so she said ok and gave me all the ipledge crap woopee!

Hi! Im not Giselle, but I feel the same excitement as you! I just got the go ahead for accutane..and I have to wait the month too. I am sexually active, but even if I wasnt..I would try the BCP now and maybe it will help clear you up while you are waiting (that is the hope I am holding onto right now..I have a bad breakout now and it sucks ass). I am considering Yasmin or Ortho Tri_cyclen, but my appt isnt until next wed so I have some time to research...I have become addicted to these boards!

Giselle! My derm said i could have accutane!!!!!!! Im soo excited except it sucks i have to wait a month but still eek ! I Do have a question for YOU tho...since im abstinent she said i dont have to take BCP but I can if I want, she thinks the accutane will completley take care of my hormonal acne but im scared cause u said urs came back . Oh Im also really irregular so I figure thats something to consider... too. so idk if i should take it or not, she said it was my choice tho so hmm decisions decisions haha. I AM SO EXCITED tho. She was so like chill she honestly was like if u really want to take it u can have it and i was like I Do so she said ok and gave me all the ipledge crap woopee!

Hi! Im not Giselle, but I feel the same excitement as you! I just got the go ahead for accutane..and I have to wait the month too. I am sexually active, but even if I wasnt..I would try the BCP now and maybe it will help clear you up while you are waiting (that is the hope I am holding onto right now..I have a bad breakout now and it sucks ass). I am considering Yasmin or Ortho Tri_cyclen, but my appt isnt until next wed so I have some time to research...I have become addicted to these boards!

 

 

Giselle! My derm said i could have accutane!!!!!!! Im soo excited except it sucks i have to wait a month but still eek ! I Do have a question for YOU tho...since im abstinent she said i dont have to take BCP but I can if I want, she thinks the accutane will completley take care of my hormonal acne but im scared cause u said urs came back . Oh Im also really irregular so I figure thats something to consider... too. so idk if i should take it or not, she said it was my choice tho so hmm decisions decisions haha. I AM SO EXCITED tho. She was so like chill she honestly was like if u really want to take it u can have it and i was like I Do so she said ok and gave me all the ipledge crap woopee!

 

Hey not giselle aka ginger? haha yay! so we'll start at about the same time cool! yea my doc gave me a prescription for yaz but my insurance doesnt cover it so the pharmacy faxed her to see what else she can give me if i DO take it. Thanks for ur input yea im really undecided cause my derm was like why would u take it if ur abstinent ? haha i was like cause my acne is hormonal and i dont want it to come back!

Month 2, Week 1

Day 31

I am officially in my second month of treatment! I was starting to get discouraged because I broke out a few days ago, but I *think* my skin looks a little better. I may just be full of it because I want to see improvement, but here are the pictures from month 1 (I am scared, please be nice):

Month 1 right side

Month 1 left side

The PA is keeping my dosage at 80mg/day for 4-5 months. A side effect I didn't mention before is fatigue. I often feel lethargic and tired, but I have been mountain biking on the weekends to try help my energy levels. I also have a commuter bike that I ride to class so I count that as exercise too. I should probably just go to the gym, but I feel retarded going with a full face of makeup because people give me funny looks. Plus I am a big fat lazy bum. I. can't. wait. until. Idon'thavetowearmakeup!!!! Come onnnnn Accutane!! Work your magic...

I need to get ready for class, but I hope y'all have a fabulous day!

Nutritiongal - I did break out more on the 80 mg but only for a couple of weeks. I would go with the higher dose because it decreases the chances that you will have to undergo another treatment! Ordering a coke when I am out prevents people from asking questions as to why I'm not drinking, and also prevents me from ordering a drink! Give it a try the next time you're out and about. I knowww what you mean, if you look at the pictures I posted, nobody has ever seen my skin like that except the friend I showed last week. People have no idea how bad it is!! I guess we can take their ignorance as a compliment - we must be wonderful makeup artists!

Debbie - Thank you, you really gave me the courage to post my pictures!! Hopefully it will help people that are contemplating going on Accutane, especially once they see our beautiful skin in a couple of months.

Smellytaco - I like your user name, very funny! Did you start an Accutane log? I hope that mine helps you as far as what to expect in side effects. Yay for makeup, I don't know what I would do without it!

Ginger - I had a meltdown the day I was prescribed Accutane too!! I told Megan, it's like getting a speeding ticket: all you have to do is cry. That is awesome that you are going to be joining the Accutane party!! I'll be on the lookout for your log. It just takes a lot of patience, getting through all the ipledge craziness. I hope that reading my log helps.

Megan - I am so excited that you're getting started!! I have to run because I'm going to be late for class, but I'll stop by your log later

Ok I fixed the links for the month 1 pictures. Looking at them makes me proud of my makeup skills!! My friends/random people are constantly telling me that I don't have an acne problem. Maybe I should carry around those pictures in my wallet to show them otherwise?

you are going to have baby smooth skin soon Giselle! Accutane is pretty crazy.

I'm curious, did anyone else in your family have acne?

My parents have flawless complexions...

I sure hope so, John! I always thought that I would grow out of my acne...but here I am!

My parents say that they had acne, but they are old and senile so I don't know if they had it at my age (most likely as teenagers). My dad has some scarring on his cheeks but I have never seen pictures of them with bad skin. My sister also had acne in high school but has since grown out of it.

Update: 2 bacnes. Hope this isn't an IB on my back!?

Giselle, I see some improvement on both sides. You're not tricking yourself, trust me. You've been getting plenty of exercise so I don't think you are a bum.

thanks for ur coment in my log

yay pictures! and makeup skills! first off ur so luck u get it on ur cheeks giselle, i get it on my chin and lower cheeks, its so hard to hide but i do love makeup!. 2nd yea theres definatley an improvement! 3rd i could just see u whipppin out those pics when ppl say u dont have acne and then theyd get all awkward and be like ohh... its...not that bad... hahaha. but it actually really doesnt even look severe at all...id say moderate. ill put pictures up next month b4 i start eek it is kinda scary i know.

hey giselle, good luck on your acne.

im on my second course 2 weeks in. its just a few months more.

dont worry about the bacne. ion my 1st course, i had 3 pimples on my back and thoguht wth too. but those 3 were the only ones i evr got on my back.

I should probably just go to the gym, but I feel retarded going with a full face of makeup because people give me funny looks. Plus I am a big fat lazy bum. I. can't. wait. until. Idon'thavetowearmakeup!!!!

Giselle - you are the best.

I am so glad you posted your progress pictures. It will be such a sigh of relief when you get to post the clear ones from the next few months next to month one. ahhh I can't wait haha.

As for bacne - wouldn't you rather get it on your back than your face? I can't remember how many times I used to wish I had it on my back instead of my face! hahaha

We would totally get together for drinks to vent - although they would be just be cokes as you have been doing!! Do you get people asking what you are drinking and you just lie about it?? I am thinking it's going to be interesting being the sober one around a bunch of drunks, one of which I usually am

Anyways I was SO EXCITED to see what you said above about wearing makeup to the gym. I was going to post on my log asking people about that. I am joining a new gym right near my house and I just figured oh well I am going to have to wear makeup! And I used to hate when people wore makeup to the gym LOL Just go with makeup who cares! This is what I figure.....Sure we have icky skin right now, but that's no reason not to work on having a hot bod. And any people that give you funny looks --screw em! In a few months you will have clear skin, a hot bod, and look way better than them!!! hmmm... Good thing acne is humbling

I sure hope so, John! I always thought that I would grow out of my acne...but here I am!

 

My parents say that they had acne, but they are old and senile so I don't know if they had it at my age (most likely as teenagers). My dad has some scarring on his cheeks but I have never seen pictures of them with bad skin. My sister also had acne in high school but has since grown out of it.

 

 

Update: 2 bacnes. Hope this isn't an IB on my back!?

Giselle: First let me way that you are one BRAVE soul to go on 80 mg. I'm on 30 mg (I'm 127 lbs) and I am having incredible fatigue. All I want to do it sit on the couch and watch sports. It is pretty sad. The tane makes me tired and I just want to snack and sleep. I don't even want to try to go out or date because I"m waiting for my skin to get better, but by the time that happens, I may have gained a ton of weight from snacking lol. Anyway, I am just starting my second month so I have a long way to go and I"m still in IB mode .... I sincerely hope that the tane works for me for real. I'm praying that it does.

Giselle, you're lookin good girlie! Definite improvement, the level of inflammation is really calming down. As for the gym - I am yet another gal that wears makeup to work out! My makeup skills in general suck, so usually I wear a very minimal amount, and as a result it doesn't really seem to sweat off or look funny after. But the coverage is sorta light in the first place so I guess that's the trade off. Maybe try wearing a little less when you go? Anyways I have found hitting the gym even 2x a week has really kept my energy levels up enough to deal with my crazily busy schedule! Good luck at 80mgs, I imagine I'll be joining you there soon dependent upon how my 1.5 month bloodwork is looking.

woah woah woah u changed the title of ur log haha i was lookin for it and was like this isn't right... but i see now. i like accutane squared tho hah

Hey hey!! Woowhoo We are PAST our first month cheers to that!!!

Anyways I'm so with you on the bacne...I have like 3-4 awkward zits back there. Thankfully it's winter and they can be covered up...they will be gone by summer no worries!

Month 2, Week 2

Day 36

My skin looks 10x better!!! My cheeks are a lot smoother, and the breakouts have greatly subsided. I have new cysts on my forehead and right jawline; otherwise the older blemishes have cleared up. The new cysts are a walk in the park compared to the IB I experienced a few weeks ago! I still an abundance of hyperpigmentation on my cheeks, but I know that they will fade in time. A couple of my friends have complimented me on the improved texture of my skin. The light breakout on my back cleared up as well (either that, or I picked them off ).

Ironically, I keep forgetting to write about an alarming possible side effect I've noticed, which is short term memory loss. Has anyone else noticed this? I forget conversations or places I've gone, although I can recall them when my friends prompt me. I have my first exam of the semester next week, so I hope that Accutane does not interfere with my ability to retain information upon extensive studying. The superbowl is on Sunday, so of course I am going to watch it when I should be studying - especially since the Cardinals are playing. GO ZONA!!!

I had to reformat my hard drive just now because I probably effed up my computer by downloading torrents. I lost all of my pictures, but luckily I posted my accutane progress pictures to a photobucket album, so at the very least I have those. Facebook is actually a good form of backup, since I have a ton of pictures on there too. Ha, imagine if I made an Accutane photo album on there. At least all was not lost. I was actually excited to take my progress picture this morning because my skin already looks a lot better. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel!!!

I think that all this improvement in my skin calls for a shopping spree. As I always say, new face, new wardrobe!

Nike - as always, thank you for the support. I am glad that I was not fabricating the improvement in my skin. Thank goodness for an objective audience!

Megan - That would be so funny if I made people eat their words. How awkward would they feel if they saw those pictures!? Or would that just be me? I don't know what you are talking about, I had plenty of acne on my chin, if you look at the pictures I took the day of my first appointment. Personally, I wish that all of my acne was centralized on my forehead. That way, I could wear bangs and cover those bad boys up, haha.

Anioh - It's great to hear from someone else on their second course. That is so bizarre about the bacne, I don't usually get it, so thank goodness it cleared up right away. I will definitely be checking in on your progress.

Debbie - I couldn't agree with you more! Our skin is...a work in progress. In a couple of months acne will be a trouble of the past. I don't know about the bacne, I live in an extremely hot environment, so it would be torture to not be able to wear a tank top or lay out at the pool. I know what you mean, though, it would be a lot easier to conceal. I reckon the grass is greener on the other side. Have you tried the diet coke trick? You might want to put a lime on the rim of your glass to make it look legit Maybe next time I will ask for cranberry juice in a wine glass! As far as the gym, I am really just paranoid of seeing my students there. I have a 'free' membership to the campus rec center, so now that my skin looks smoother with makeup on, I'll give it a shot. You are right, why not improve our physical fitness while we clear up our skin!?

Jillie - The fatigue definitely interferes with my ability to accomplish simple tasks for the day. I know how you feel, there are probably 100 things I should be doing right now, but instead I am surfing the internet, lol. And as far as the dating, I know EXACTLY how you feel - although I get asked out on dates regularly, I always make up excuses to avoid the uncomfortable feeling of a guy sitting across a table from me, examining my face. Obviously we are our own worse critics, but still. Just hang in there, and you will have boys throwing themselves at your feet when you're done with your course!

Punkrockprincess - I am so glad to hear that you and Debbie both wear makeup to the gym. I think my issue is that my makeup doesn't really match my skin tone, so when I wear my hair up it looks really bad. I think I will try to wear less, maybe it will be less noticeable. Thank you for the advice, and I will start going to the gym to see if it does help with my energy levels. I hope your bloodwork goes well.

UTVols - Good point, at least we got the bacne out of our systems before summertime. Bring on the sun and clear skin!