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Day 93
It's been ages since I've posted any pictures, so I figured I'd post a couple. I took these photos today, however, I AM wearing makeup. I don't have any active acne right now, but there are red marks under there. I'll try to take a no-makeup photo tonight to post.
To be perfectly honest, I am actually amazed that my red marks aren't visible in these photos. I thought for sure they would be. I'm only wearing a very light dusting of Everyday Minerals foundation and Make Up For Ever HD Concealer.
And for the record... My car was not moving when I took the second photo! 
Day 93
It's been ages since I've posted any pictures, so I figured I'd post a couple. I took these photos today, however, I AM wearing makeup. I don't have any active acne right now, but there are red marks under there. I'll try to take a no-makeup photo tonight to post.
To be perfectly honest, I am actually amazed that my red marks aren't visible in these photos. I thought for sure they would be. I'm only wearing a very light dusting of Everyday Minerals foundation and Make Up For Ever HD Concealer.
And for the record... My car was not moving when I took the second photo!
Hey! About your cholesterol, mine is always high because of genetics but it went up to 246 so my Derm gave me the speech about stopping accutane and I get so frustrated. But I took fish oil( put in freezer so u don't get the nasty fish taste) exercise and cut out milk and decrease cheese and we did decrease accutane from 60 to 40 for that month and I got it down to 204 snd this is my last month so I'm back up to 260 for this last month thank goodness bc I just wanted to reach that recommended dose. But I really think exercise helped a ton. Hope this helps, good luck!
Day 93
It's been ages since I've posted any pictures, so I figured I'd post a couple. I took these photos today, however, I AM wearing makeup. I don't have any active acne right now, but there are red marks under there. I'll try to take a no-makeup photo tonight to post.
To be perfectly honest, I am actually amazed that my red marks aren't visible in these photos. I thought for sure they would be. I'm only wearing a very light dusting of Everyday Minerals foundation and Make Up For Ever HD Concealer.
And for the record... My car was not moving when I took the second photo!
Your skin looks amazing! 🙂
Hi!!!!
I have had so much come up- so I've seemed to be MIA but I have been keeping up with the posts- just normally on my phone so it's been hard to reply. Rachel your skin looks great! So happy for you. I just wanted to make sure I shared what has been going on with me in case it could help someone else. Things are going well for me and I think it's because of how much I've learned from these posts.
I am on like day 11 of accutane. I took solodyne up until the day I started 40mg of accutane. When I started my skin wasn't "that bad"¦ I had a ton of red marks and inflammation going on in the same spots over and over- plus I always had a few actives that I could tell without the solodyne would be large, angry cysts.
Anyway- this is what I wanted to share- the IB scared me. I told my derm I wanted to be on something else to piggyback with the accutane to prevent this from happening. She said because I was so healthy and because I seem to tolerate meds well- she put me on prednisone for the first 2 weeks to pretty much guarantee I wouldn't get anymore breakouts. (7 pills for 3 days, then 5 for 3 days, then 4¦3¦2¦1). This has been a life saver!
On day 3 of accutane I could feel a cyst wanting to form on my chin. It never came out- only was a small red mark easily covered with make-up. On day 5 I felt 3 cysts on the center of my chin- but once again never came out and were easily covered with make-up. These bumps under my skin went away in 2 days and no on ever could see them (but I could feel them). Anyway- I really think if I wasn't on the pred these would have definitely surfaced.
So here I am- almost 2 weeks into the treatment and my skin is pretty much clear. I do have red marks to deal with but with a little makeup I look like my "old" self. I am nervous about only having 3 more days on the pred and then eventually going to 60mg of accutane¦ but so far so good! I am feeling a little dryness in my lips, but I am being very proactive with the aquifer. I am taking all of my supplements, being gentle with my skin, and moisturizing like crazy. I am using Obagi "clear" (hydroquinone cream- harsh for some but I have had success with for many years) under my moisturizer for the red marks and things seem better every day.
Yaaaay!
You look gorgeous
This really gives me so much hope! I'm really happy for you!!
Aww, thanks! Give it some time and your skin will be looking just as clear! 🙂
Your skin looks amazing!
Thanks, Katie! 🙂
Hi!!!!
I have had so much come up- so I've seemed to be MIA but I have been keeping up with the posts- just normally on my phone so it's been hard to reply. Rachel your skin looks great! So happy for you. I just wanted to make sure I shared what has been going on with me in case it could help someone else. Things are going well for me and I think it's because of how much I've learned from these posts.
I am on like day 11 of accutane. I took solodyne up until the day I started 40mg of accutane. When I started my skin wasn't "that bad"¦ I had a ton of red marks and inflammation going on in the same spots over and over- plus I always had a few actives that I could tell without the solodyne would be large, angry cysts.
Anyway- this is what I wanted to share- the IB scared me. I told my derm I wanted to be on something else to piggyback with the accutane to prevent this from happening. She said because I was so healthy and because I seem to tolerate meds well- she put me on prednisone for the first 2 weeks to pretty much guarantee I wouldn't get anymore breakouts. (7 pills for 3 days, then 5 for 3 days, then 4¦3¦2¦1). This has been a life saver!
On day 3 of accutane I could feel a cyst wanting to form on my chin. It never came out- only was a small red mark easily covered with make-up. On day 5 I felt 3 cysts on the center of my chin- but once again never came out and were easily covered with make-up. These bumps under my skin went away in 2 days and no on ever could see them (but I could feel them). Anyway- I really think if I wasn't on the pred these would have definitely surfaced.
So here I am- almost 2 weeks into the treatment and my skin is pretty much clear. I do have red marks to deal with but with a little makeup I look like my "old" self. I am nervous about only having 3 more days on the pred and then eventually going to 60mg of accutane¦ but so far so good! I am feeling a little dryness in my lips, but I am being very proactive with the aquifer. I am taking all of my supplements, being gentle with my skin, and moisturizing like crazy. I am using Obagi "clear" (hydroquinone cream- harsh for some but I have had success with for many years) under my moisturizer for the red marks and things seem better every day.
Yaaaay!
It sounds like you're having some great look with your course so far! I took doxycycline before starting Accutane, which definitely purged some stuff out of my skin. I really think that helped me to have a very minimal IB.
Good luck! 🙂
Your skin looks amazing!
Thanks! 🙂
Your skin looks great Rachel!
Thank you! 🙂
GOOORRRRGEEEOUUSSSS!!!!!
Seriously, you are so beautiful! I would only be concerned about the cholesterol after stopping the medicine. As in, get your levels retested a month after stopping and see if they have decreased. I also think it is a good idea to talk to your family doc/GP to see what they say.
Day 119 Part I
I always feel bad when I don't update this log. But then again, I guess it's a good thing because it means I'm not having any side effects or any major breakouts. In fact, I haven't had a zit since... I honestly have no idea. It's been well over a month now. My red marks still have not budged though. Bummer.
I'm also done with Aquaphor (I hope). Throughout this course, Aquaphor and Bag Balm were the only things that helped my lips. Everything else would wear off in a matter of seconds. However, neither of those products are a joy to apply. I hated sticking my finger into a tin of goop (Bag Balm) and half the time I ended up with Aquaphor all over my mouth when I squirted it out of the tube and onto my lips.
You see, my birthday was this past Saturday (24! Woo!). And as an avid Sephora shopper, I just had to stop in and pick up my birthday present. This year the present was mini sizes of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Sugar and Sugar Rose Tinted. And let me say, they are actually working really well on my lips. Much easier to apply than Aquaphor or Bag Balm and they actually last on my lips. Hooray! I'm kind of surprised because I didn't think anything would work besides Aquaphor, but I really love them! Hopefully they continue to work as well as they're working now.
And on another note... I take my last two pills for month four tomorrow. Meaning, I see my dermatologist today. Since my cholesterol has been a concern, it's no surprise that I'm incredibly nervous about this appointment. If my cholesterol hasn't lowered significantly, I'm off Accutane. And as we all know, I am determined to do a full six months even though my derm doesn't think it's necessary.
This past month I did not completely change the way I ate. Oops. I did, however, eat oatmeal almost every morning for breakfast. I started eating apples regularly the week before my blood work since I read that was good. And I stopped drinking whole milk in the morning (this was recommended by derm before I started my course), drinking low calorie orange juice instead. I still ate whatever I wanted, but I really don't think I eat that badly... I don't know.
I also went for walks around my neighborhood most evenings, so that was usually a 1.5 mile or 2 mile walk.
It's only a matter of hours before I find out if any of that did the trick. I'll update later.
Day 119 Part I
I always feel bad when I don't update this log. But then again, I guess it's a good thing because it means I'm not having any side effects or any major breakouts. In fact, I haven't had a zit since... I honestly have no idea. It's been well over a month now. My red marks still have not budged though. Bummer.
I'm also done with Aquaphor (I hope). Throughout this course, Aquaphor and Bag Balm were the only things that helped my lips. Everything else would wear off in a matter of seconds. However, neither of those products are a joy to apply. I hated sticking my finger into a tin of goop (Bag Balm) and half the time I ended up with Aquaphor all over my mouth when I squirted it out of the tube and onto my lips.
You see, my birthday was this past Saturday (24! Woo!). And as an avid Sephora shopper, I just had to stop in and pick up my birthday present. This year the present was mini sizes of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Sugar and Sugar Rose Tinted. And let me say, they are actually working really well on my lips. Much easier to apply than Aquaphor or Bag Balm and they actually last on my lips. Hooray! I'm kind of surprised because I didn't think anything would work besides Aquaphor, but I really love them! Hopefully they continue to work as well as they're working now.
And on another note... I take my last two pills for month four tomorrow. Meaning, I see my dermatologist today. Since my cholesterol has been a concern, it's no surprise that I'm incredibly nervous about this appointment. If my cholesterol hasn't lowered significantly, I'm off Accutane. And as we all know, I am determined to do a full six months even though my derm doesn't think it's necessary.
This past month I did not completely change the way I ate. Oops. I did, however, eat oatmeal almost every morning for breakfast. I started eating apples regularly the week before my blood work since I read that was good. And I stopped drinking whole milk in the morning (this was recommended by derm before I started my course), drinking low calorie orange juice instead. I still ate whatever I wanted, but I really don't think I eat that badly... I don't know.
I also went for walks around my neighborhood most evenings, so that was usually a 1.5 mile or 2 mile walk.
It's only a matter of hours before I find out if any of that did the trick. I'll update later.
Heyy Rachel! Happy belated birthday!! I'm glad to hear that you're doing okay and haven't had any new actives in over a month. Neither have I! So happy to be clear, and stay clear! 
I'm sick of Aquaphor and Burt's Bees. I'll have to stop in Sephora for that lip treatment. My lips have been really bothering me, but I have 19 more days left and I'm trying to suck it up and deal with it.
I hope your cholesterol has lowered. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out for you!!
Heyy Rachel! Happy belated birthday!! I'm glad to hear that you're doing okay and haven't had any new actives in over a month. Neither have I! So happy to be clear, and stay clear!
I'm sick of Aquaphor and Burt's Bees. I'll have to stop in Sephora for that lip treatment. My lips have been really bothering me, but I have 19 more days left and I'm trying to suck it up and deal with it.
I hope your cholesterol has lowered. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out for you!!
Thanks, Katie! 🙂
I'm SO glad to hear your skin has been staying clear. That must be exciting especially after you had a pretty rough time with your course! I can't believe you only have 19 more days left! That's crazy!!
If you do check out the Fresh lip treatment, I hope it works! I'm surprised it doesn't wear off quickly like everything else does on these Accutane lips! Lol.
Day 119 Part II
Well, I return with both good news and bad news.
The good news? My cholesterol was fine, although my derm didn't tell me the exact number. So, since my cholesterol is fine, I can continue Accutane. Hooray! My triglycerides were high, but he isn't concerned. My platelets were high, but that was likely due to dehydration. If I drink a lot of water before my next blood work and my platelets are still high, then it will be a concern.
The kind of bad news? I will not be taking Accutane for six months, meaning I will not reach my cumulative dose. My derm continues to stress the fact that in Europe many dermatologists take a patient off Accutane once the skin has cleared. I don't know anything about that. However, since I haven't broken out in ages, he just really doesn't think I need an extra month. While I would be happiest do a full six months, there's no convincing him otherwise. I will just keep my fingers crossed that since my acne was pretty mild/moderate and I've had a very successful course, that I will be fine and my acne will not come back.
I'm kind of afraid to stop taking Accutane after five months, but I also would have been afraid to stop taking it after six months. I'm sure you all can relate. Who knows what will happen to our skin once the Accutane is out of our systems. It's a scary thought. Hopefully we'll all be alright. My derm says Accutane stays in your system for 2-3 months after your course ends, so I'll see how it goes.
I asked about a topical treatment for my "shallow scarring," as he told me it is. He thinks I should let them heal on their own. Years ago he prescribed Biafine for my scars, which if I recall correctly, did work. However, he said Biafine can clog pores and make your skin break out, so he was afraid to prescribe it.
I've already answered my questions in iPledge. What a joy iPledge has been throughout this entire time. 
And in true iPledge fashion (for me at least), my seven day window started last Thursday and I have three days (including today) to pick up my prescription. Damn iPledge. At least we're basically done. I won't miss you.
So, my upcoming Accutane journey includes: Completing month four tomorrow and starting month five on Wednesday. I get blood work done in one month, but I will not see my derm afterwards. They'll call if there's anything to be concerned about. Two months from now I have to do a urine pregnancy test to make sure I'm not pregnant. Unless my skin starts breaking out again, I won't see my derm until six months from now for a follow-up.
You're almost done! That's awesome! I feel confident with your success that you won't relapse even if you don't do 6 months. I'm sure whatever your dermatologists instructs will be the right thing for you
I do know that fish oil helps triglycerides.
I can't believe how lucky I got when my Dr accidentally put my in the iPledge system as "not able to get pregnant"...it was a mistake and I of course still do the test every month, but it means I don't have to do the questions. I hate hearing about how difficult that whole process is for others!
You're almost done! That's awesome! I feel confident with your success that you won't relapse even if you don't do 6 months. I'm sure whatever your dermatologists instructs will be the right thing for you
I do know that fish oil helps triglycerides.
I can't believe how lucky I got when my Dr accidentally put my in the iPledge system as "not able to get pregnant"...it was a mistake and I of course still do the test every month, but it means I don't have to do the questions. I hate hearing about how difficult that whole process is for others!
Thanks! I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that my skin will be okay. It's been so long since I've broken out, so hopefully that's a good sign.
I'm hoping that my triglycerides will go back down after I'm off Accutane, but if they don't, I'll definitely look into fish oil! Even though the idea of a fish oil supplement totally grosses me out.
You are very lucky! The only thing I hate about iPledge is the seven day window that you have to fill and pick up your prescription. Even though my results aren't confirmed in iPledge until the day I meet with my derm, my seven day window is messed up every month! 🙁 I never have a full seven days to get my prescription and my pharmacy never has it all in stock. This month I only have three days to get it.
Day 128
I was curious as to when my last zit was, so I tried searching through my updates. I got a zit on my left cheek in July. The scar is still there as a reminder. 
I don't remember when I got it, but I've had one zit since then and it went away quickly.
It's been months! That's kind of crazy...
