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Hey girlie, sorry to hear about the concentration difficulties and tiredness. (Although congrats on your A 
!) Is it not possible that maybe you're just feeling the stress of school (if I recall correctly this is your first year at grad school)? Definitely having a huge to-do list can be overwhelming at any time, and exams in general is like a stress marathon. It really takes a toll on the body and mind when you're hitting the books for an extended period of time. Maybe it is that in and of itself that is contributing to the cognitive/mental effects you're feeling.
I remember back in first and second year undergrad I used to be a pro at pulling all nighters, I could wake up the next day fresh as a bloody daisy. Now even on 5 hours of sleep, I'm pretty much completely bombed! Anyways I feel ya with the school stress - I'm graduating this year and I just want it over with! I honestly have no clue whether or not the Accutane contributes to tiredness. I was fine while I was taking it in highschool. I think moreso lack of sleeping and eating and exercising properly during midterm/exam times is the biggest contributor that we tend to underestimate. Do you think this could be contributing in your case?
Regardless I hope you feel better soon! I bet you will once exams are done and you have a chance to recoup. Seems like you guys are on a different schedule than grad students here in Canada - cause they already had their exams before Christmas, probably around the same time all the undergrads write their finals. I'm interested to know how it works in the States.
Hang in there!
Lisa
Month 2, Week 4
Day 54
I am almost done with my second month of treatment. At this high dose, I am hoping for a total of 4 months. That would bring my cumulative dose well into the recommended range.
I haven't had a breakout in a while, although I still have a stubborn little bump on my right jawline that is slowly regressing. My lips look dis-gust-ing, especially the corners of my mouth. I slather on aquaphor once an hour it seems so if there is some magical product out there that is more effective, by all means let me know asap so I don't have to look like I have herpes all over my mouth (gross!!!). The red marks have faded hardcore, and I just ordered a couple of samples of Green Cream 
to help accelerate the healing time. In no time I will be out by the pool with NO MAKEUP!!! Pool weather will start up in a couple of weeks so I'm just about ready. I have even been more confident being outside in broad daylight. I woke up at the asscrack of dawn yesterday to do a 5k fundraiser for MS and I barely had any makeup on. I am sure I looked like crap but for the first time ever i wasn't obsessing about my skin. My clear skin scored me a valentine too woohoo. I attribute it to my skin because clearly my charm and intellect weren't enough in the past. 
haha
I have to find time in my hectic schedule to get my blood drawn tomorrow. My lab requisition has been messed up since the first month, so rather than having a recurring lab order, I have to call the dermatologist office every month and have them fax it over to the lab. So annoying!! 
I actually worked as a phlebotomist at a hospital during my senior year, so getting blood drawn is no sweat. I used to get my blood drawn 'for fun' so I could have a chem panel/cbc/coag profile run under the table. I wish I still worked in the lab so I wouldn't have to pay for damn pregnancy and liver enzyme tests every month. 
Any suggestions for getting my energy levels up? Should I go to the gym/exercise? I have lost weight on accutane so that kind of defeats the (my) purpose for going to the gym. What other drug can boast clear skin and weight lost? NONE. I heart accutane!!!! (watch, when I get off it, all the acne will return and I'll get fat 
)
My tax return was deposited in my account - I am now $800 richer less poor!! At least I can actually afford to buy $300 worth of Accutane later this week...Stay posted for month 2 pictures!
Megan - Thanks for the comfort! 
Hopefully your dose won't be as high so you won't see as many side effects as me. You only have class mon-thurs? You are so lucky!! U of A is so gay, even as a grad student I have class on Mon-Fri, and at 9 am!! Booo!!!
Amanda - Thanks for recommending that cream. I'm going to buy some while I'm waiting for my green cream to come in. Accutane helps them fade but I am impatient and want flawless skin! 
Reina - I am so glad that I am not the only one experiencing all this. These psychological side effects make me feel like I'm going crazy. That is funny re: your friend repeating herself, I did the same thing to this girl I know (who isn't my friend) except I didn't apologize...oops. I think we all have a mean streak in us and accutane brings it out! I hope your math test went well, I know what you mean about studying - it's like we need to handcuff ourselves to a table at the library.
Monica - I will be posting pictures from month 2 on Wednesday - stay posted!!
Punkrockprincess - I can see where you are coming from, because it is true that I am starting to feel jaded from the rigorous grad courses. It is easy to attribute everything to accutane, but I really have been having issues motivating myself to study since I started treatment. I hope I don't come off as if I am complaining, because I am genuinely so happy to be on accutane again regardless of all the side effects. Thank you for your supportive words, they are greatly appreciated. You are a brave soul to go on accutane 3 times - this is it for me. So the exams for my school may not be representative of all universities in the states, but the course I am taking has 6 exams throughout the semester. My grad program doesn't have comprehensive final exams, but the undergrads have an entire week each semester dedicated to finals. I was always interested in the educational system in Canada, is it similar to that of the states? I actually know quite a few Canadians that have moved to Arizona, is it a popular destination because of the warm climate?
I am so glad things are going so great for you. Okay, so minus the chapped lips and no energy, things sound great!! I can't believe so much time has already passed by. Was your Valentine the same guy you went on a date with? Go you! And I am certain it's because of your raised confidence plus charm and intellect!
And wow to volunteering at a hospice. That is some serious business I am not sure I would be able to do that.
Let us know if the green cream works too!
hey, I am glad that you have gotten through a good amount of your treatment !
I get to start mine for the first time tomorrow, do you have any good tips/advice?
Im sort of nervous because I have heard that it gets worse before it gets better
and I am already superr self concious about my skin 
. I hate even going out in
public because I feel that if someone is looking at me, their just looking in disgust
of how bad and blotchy my face is 
hopefully it will all be well.
Hi Giselle -
Im on day 1 and am nervous/noided and have been reading your blogs. Im dreading a breakout of epic proportions that i've been so commonly reading about. I saw your pic and i think we have something in common in that our acne isn't nearly as bad as it could be but it bothers us self-consciously so much that it really affects our lives. I rarely mention my skin to friends but when i do they seem to genuinly be like, "What, your skin isn't that bad at all man", that type of thing. But to me, it's hard for me to even look them in the face when discussing it. Good luck with the rest of your treatment, I'll be looking for updates from you, hopefully positive ones. Later
Hey yea i start on thursday! my appt got cancelled and they had to change it to one day earlier. I was so scared though cause my doc said she had a family emergency and i had to reschedule my appt and i was like oh no please dont screw this up for me! but then i felt really selfish too since she said she had an emergency. ANYWAY so i have to miss class on thurs since ill have to drive home to get tane . im sorry about ur lips but thats amazing that ur skin is doing so well! im so happy for u! I really wonder what dose ill be put on. Tell me if u figure out a good lip treatment, hopefully u find a miracle. Haha but ill let u know how it goes this thursday yay!
Debbie - The chapped lips and fatigue are well worth the clear skin! Although it is smooth, the stupid cysts wreaked havoc on my face so I have tons of red marks. I will be sure to buy that desitin! The Vday date was indeed the same guy, but I honestly doubt I have time for anything serious...unless he's ok with my selective dating schedule aka only available on weeks that I don't have an exam. Yay for being young, wild and single!! I don't know if I am emotionally ready for hospice either but there's only one way to find out.
Brookers - That is great that you are taking the plunge! It will be worth it in the long run. My best tip to you is to stay hydrated. Also buy some omega 3 fish oil and vitamin e supplements because they will help immensely with back and joint pain. If you don't take them, it can be quite painful. I think the most important thing is to stay positive. You are right that it will *temporarily* get worse before it gets better, but you have to look beyond what you see in the mirror and realize that it takes time. Patience is a virtue with accutane, but you are pretty much guaranteed to see dramatic results. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions - this is my second time on accutane so I have been through it all!
Ohio state - I hope that reading my log helped ease some of your fear. Even being on this high dose, I am still alive and kicking so have no fear haha. Like I said to Brookers ^ don't stress too much about the IB. It WILL clear up, so hide in your apartment or wear big sunglasses, do whatever you need to do to get through it. Assuming from your name, you are in college, so you probably know how irritating it is not only when you friends tell you that your acne 'isnt that bad', but when you are in your early twenties when you shouldn't even HAVE acne. When I post my month 2 pictures you will see how much of an improvement can occur in a short period of time. Stay positive and you will see results in no time!
Megan - hahaha you crack me up, "then I felt really selfish because she had an emergency"! Your mom died? So what, I need my accutane!!!! I would have felt as impatient as you, it is bad enough waiting 30 days for two negative pregnancy tests. I am so glad they rescheduled your appointment for an earlier rather than later date, though. Um I wish I could recommend a good lip product to you, but considering the fact it looks like I have bright red lipstick on because they are so raw and I can barely eat an apple because I can't open my mouth very wide, I don't think you want to use anything that I've been using. Someone told me to use vaseline, I will slather some on tonight and report back. Whatever, nasty lips are better than nasty acne!!!
haha is it weird that i think chapped lips look pretty? well i mean the fact that they are bright red haha not like peeliness yummm
OH so i forgot to say ive been using green cream for a month in hopes that it will reduce my accutane IB i really like it. But r u gonna use it while ur still on accutane?
What?! These chapped lips make me look like a circus clown. All the eyes on me in the center of a ring just like a circus. what.
Which GC do you use, aren't there 3 different strengths? It is retardedly expensive so I bought samples to see if it is effective first. Have your red marks faded at all?
haha at least its winter so chapped lips make sense 
oh so i just bought 2 samples too its been like 3 1/2 weeks since i started so i havent been on very long but i was using level 6 then bought 9 cause my skin is so oily it literally had absolutly no drying effect whatsoever. uhh i don thikn its really had n effect on my red marks but it is definatley making me break out haha but thats good cause its getting rid of all my comedones.
I dunno if u should use it on tane tho...? but i guess that depends on how dry ur skin is too. is it not too dry? anyway g'luck old chap
hey giselle - I'm also on my second course of accutane, and am also in week 4 of my second month. i would really recommend you try elizabeth arden's 8 hour cream for your lips. the first time i was on accutane my lips were a mess, always cracking and red. but this time my sis gave me this stuff - i started using it right at the beginning of this course and honestly dont even think about my lips (as long as i remember to put it on every couple of hours!). really glad to hear your skin is clearing up!
hey giselle - I'm also on my second course of accutane, and am also in week 4 of my second month. i would really recommend you try elizabeth arden's 8 hour cream for your lips. the first time i was on accutane my lips were a mess, always cracking and red. but this time my sis gave me this stuff - i started using it right at the beginning of this course and honestly dont even think about my lips (as long as i remember to put it on every couple of hours!). really glad to hear your skin is clearing up!
at the risk of sounding like an idiot do u use the elizabeth arden 8 hr cream lip protectant or just the 8hr cream skin protectant on ur lips? ...i assume the one made for ur lips right? just wanted to make sure haha
Giselle! I'm so sorry to hear you're having a such a rough time. As you know I can completly relate, and it SUCKS. The memory/focus thing is really getting the best of me as well but I didn't put together that it was related to Accutane untill I read your post. And as far as the GC goes, I know it's crazy expensive, but those samples have lasted me FOREVER. I still have some and I've been using them for over a month, I mean I've skipped a few days but still. I hope things look up for you and that the GC does it's job and obliterates those red marks!
Hey Giselle I have just read the *majority* of your log today. You seem to be doing great.
That's great that your a medical student!! My dad's a doctor and I'm currently studying for my A levels (for Americans --> the big exams before college ;] ) and congrats on your A! Keep it up 
I have been on the regimen but am thinking of starting accutane, because although it works, the benzoyl peroxide really does seem to prolong marks and scars as many claim, plus I still had breakouts and my face doesn't look good. I can't stick with this forever.
I only have moderate acne but I'm sick of it, its so damn persistent. Before the regimen, I would have refused to go on accutane, mainly because of the joints thing, I'm very athletic and loveee sports, with many medals and trophies to my name . But I think I would rather risk that than my current situation of hiding indoors, when before acne I had such a great social life. LOL.
I have yet to talk to my dad about going on accutane, and seeing a dermatologist. If I do I will create a log here it all seems very encouraging!
Daniel
hey giselle - I'm also on my second course of accutane, and am also in week 4 of my second month. i would really recommend you try elizabeth arden's 8 hour cream for your lips. the first time i was on accutane my lips were a mess, always cracking and red. but this time my sis gave me this stuff - i started using it right at the beginning of this course and honestly dont even think about my lips (as long as i remember to put it on every couple of hours!). really glad to hear your skin is clearing up!
at the risk of sounding like an idiot do u use the elizabeth arden 8 hr cream lip protectant or just the 8hr cream skin protectant on ur lips? ...i assume the one made for ur lips right? just wanted to make sure haha
no i actually mean the skin protectant - its awesome. i was also given this stuff which works pretty well if your lips start to peel a lot. think it uses sugar to exfoliate your lips; whatever it does they feel amazing afterwards and it's really gentle.
actually cant post the link it won't work... have never used this before 
Month 3, Week 1
Day 58
I've been super busy! I had a test today, so needless to say I am very sleep deprived. I should be getting ready to go out, but I wanted to post some month 2 pictures first. I will put up the rest tomorrow.
compared to
GC samples came in today! Now i just need to get rid of these stubborn red marks.
Cole - Good luck with your second course! Do you have a log? That's cool we are on the same week of treatment on the second course. I hope this is it...
I'll have to look for the cream this weekend. They sell Elizabeth Arden at department stores right? I'm willing to try anything at this point, my lips are a complete disaster!!
Megan - It's a good thing you asked, I would have just assumed he was referring to the lip cream myself.
Daisy - The lack of attention is irritating more than anything! I am constantly tuning people out when they are talking to me, and I have even unknowingly offended a couple of people. Haha! I can't wait to use the GC tonight when I go to bed. It's always fun to try new products until they don't live up to your expectations.
Whyacne - Thanks for reading my blog, I know it isn't all about acne but I hope it was still helpful. I would recommend accutane to anyone, because it has completely changed my life. The joint pain is really kept to a minimum if you take supplements. Are you thinking of going into medicine? I am actually not a medical student, but I am applying this summer. I would love to be a dermatologist but it is one of the most competitive specialties in the states. Good luck on making your decision!
Month 3, Week 1
Day 59
Ok here are the rest of the pictures:
compared to:
Thank you, Nichole and John for the comments! I couldn't be happier about my skin at this point. I don't remember the last time my skin was this smooth. I didn't have any makeup on in any of the pictures. I hope that sometime soon I will be able to leave the apartment without having to put on makeup!!
My regimen basically consists of applying CeraVe lotion in the morning, then Everyday Minerals, and Vanicream at night. Super complicated, huh!? I will start applying the GC to PIH spots too. The dermatologist gave me a couple of samples of hydrocortisone cream for my lips (called locoid lipocream).
The rash on my right arm has cleared up but right now my left arm is crazy looking. At least it is still chilly in the morning so I can cover it up with a long sleeved shirt or a jacket, but it will be warming up soon so I'll have to be more diligent about applying lotion.
Here is a picture of my lips. It does not do them justice at all...
But...I'll take chapped, bleeding lips over acne any day!!!!!!
You skin is clearing up very nicely! Hope your lips start to feel better soon. Have you talked to a derm about that? They might be able to write you a prescription for some medicated lip stuff. Make sure to drink lots and lots of water too. Good luck with the rest of your course.
Giselle, Where do you get the CeraVe lotion? Drug store? I am about to run out of my Ponds and I don't really like it anyway. It's a thick cream and takes a while to sink in when I get ready in the morning. Skin is looking good! I hope that I have the same results in the next month as you! I am just finishing my 1st week and not looking foward to a possible IB! But reading through everyone's logs it seems most IB's clear up pretty quickly for most people!! Good luck and keep us updated!
You are lucky: you have best of both worlds.
You have tanned skin but you don't hyperpigment and form purple black marks. That's amazing! I was looking at your first month pictures, and was thinking...hmm those might lead to purple/brown marks. But wow! By the second month, they are gone!
I tan easily too, but my marks last for at least 6 months at a time...
