On 11/14/2022 at 11:18 PM, Calcified said:

@TrueJustice

It's weird how we have fairly low test, yet hairy, truth is I think we have high dht in skin after accutane or me anyway. RA or retinol is a dht inhibitor in skin which I think I'm low on now or it just don't work anymore.

I think that your body genetically activates an increase in hair growth in order to support the frail/thin/damaged/dry skin which I'm guessing is a primary symptom for all of us post-isotretinoin.

Where there is body hair the skin is protected, and the hair follicles also traps heat/moisture to attempt to improve moisture retention of the skin.

Whether or not testosterone is required to drive this genetic change, or even to allow the hair growth to occur, im not sure.

Hello everyone.

Thank you for participating in the below survey.

Ultimately there were only four participants. This is unfortunate because we could discover much much more.

However we still have yielded some interesting common factors.

The entire survey is below. However first, a summary.

Health Connections Post-Isotretinoin / What we have learned:

• 75% of participants reported having a poor diet while taking isotretinoin.
  (Note: This may be because of an increased awareness of good diet/health post-isotretinoin.)
• 50% of participants smoked and drank alcohol socially during the isotretinoin period.
• 75% of participants experienced skin dryness and poor mental healthand 50% reportedissues with bones/joints while taking isotretinoin
• 75% of participants reported dry skin, poor mental health and join pain and 50% reported food/digestive issues as current symptoms post-isotretinoin
• 50% of participants reported now having animmunity response to food and 50% particularly aversion to grains/wheat.
• 50% of participants reported Fish oil,Vit D, Vit C, B Vitamins,probioticandzinc as their current (working) supplements
• 75% of participants said they exercise daily and50% reporteda healthy diet as a way to help manage their symptoms.

Theories of How Isotretinoin Has Impacted Health

75% or more participants agree that:

• Isotretinoin has clearly led to periods of marked depression (not just general frustration/sadness)
• Isotretinoin has damaged my immunity in general
• Isotretinoin has led to physical damage to my intestines/gut
• Isotretinoin has led to destruction of healthy gut microbiome / flora
• Isotretinoin has led to recurring/chronic infections due to overall weakened immunity

50% of participants agree that:

• Isotretinoin has led to issues with/depletion of hormones.
• Isotretinoin has damaged my brain.
• Isotretinoin has led to auto-immunity issues
• Isotretinoin has led to musculo-skeletal issues
• Isotretinoin has led to issues with/depletion of hormones
• Isotretinoin has impaired my body's ability to naturally detoxify
• Isotretinoin has affected my body's ability to regulate its temperature
• Isotretinoin remains stored in the liver

Individual participants (25%) attest that:

• Isotretinoin has caused damage to my hypothalamus
• Isotretinoin has caused damage to my thyroid
• Isotretinoin remains stored in the body
• Isotretinoin has affected my mitochondria
• Isotretinoin has led to issues with/depletion of neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine/serotonin/GABA)
• Isotretinoin has led to impaired digestion of particular foods
• Isotretinoin has led to generally impaired digestion of all foods
• Isotretinoin has damaged my immunity through my skin
• Isotretinoin has led to an impaired ability to digest fat soluble vitamins (A, K, D, E)
• Isotretinoin has interfered with my body's ability to properly use fat/cholesterol for body processes
• Isotretinoin has interfered with my body's ability to properly use carbohydrates/sugars for body processes

Recommended Solutions from Participants

75% or more participants recommend:

• Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove all sugar
• Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove Omega-6's
• Exercising frequently (daily)
• Attempting to repair immunity
• Attempting to repair leaky gut / intestines
• Attempting to restore healthy gut flora / microbiome
• Attempting to balance hormones
• Attempting to repair skin barrier

50% of participants recommend:

• Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove estrogens / phytoestrogens
• Eating a traditionally healthy diet without major modifications
• Eating a 'heart healthy' diet with a focus on high fibre
• Including more household herbs and spices into diet
• Supporting body detoxification by other means (e.g. lungs/kidneys/skin)
• Celibacy / Not masturbating
• Intermittant fasting (e.g. for 12 or 18 hours)
• Tailoring diet to significantly increase Omega-3's

Individual participants (25%) recommend:

• Fasting for 24h
• Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove carbohydrates
• Focusing mostly/solely on increasing testosterone
• Regularly taking anti-bacterial / anti-viral / anti-fungal herbs and supplements
• Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove gluten
• Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove emulsifiers
• Attempting to thin blood
• Aiming at detoxification of estrogen
• Specifically targeting detoxification of the liver

CONCLUSION

The survey research indicates a number of simple conclusions:

1. Skin (dryness), poor mental health and joint/bone issues are the most common symptoms post-iso.

2. Food intolerance, digestive issues and immune system issues (weakness or autoimmune) are also commonly reported.

3.Fish oil,Vit D, Vit C, B Vitamins,probioticandzinc are some of the best functional supplements post-iso.

4. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are some of the best ways to manage symptoms post-iso.

5. Targetingimmunity and the gut microbiome is highly recommended to restore health post-iso.

6. Mental health management should be an ongoing priority for all people post-iso.

7. It's highly recommended to avoid all unnecessary sugar and Omega-6's.

8. Other areas worth investigating include: Fasting, avoiding estrogen, increasing Omega-3's, supporting detoxification and celibacy/not masturbating.

9. Attempting to balance hormones and repair the skin barrier is also recommended.

Author's Take:

I think we can see that for most people, 'Post-Accutane-Syndrome', is actually rather simple. It is the natural effect of what Isotretinoin does - reduce oil production of the body. This is how you get the ongoing symptoms of skin issues, inflamed and irritated digestion, bone/joint issues and mental health issues. The body simply isn't doing what it should normally do and make oil, because its sebaceous glands have been destroyed. The problem isn't that Isotretinoin doesn't work - it's that it works too well.

So what can we do? In my opinion the problems people are facing post-iso; the skin, immune system issues, and food/digestive issues etc. are completely natural. They are occurring because our bodies are deteriorating and aging without natural oil to protect and preserve them. No oil means no skin protection, no barrier for the immune system against pathogens, more inflammation and so less ability to digest needed foods/nutrients. The gut is impacted and the body begins to fall apart. It's all a cycle of reactions from that initial failure of the body to do what it needs to and protect/lubricate itself. All of this of course ultimately impacts our mental health, without the Isotretinoin even having to do that directly.

The point is - it's over. What's done is done. All of our health problems post-isotretinoin are irrelevant, because there is no "cure". The only "cure" for us is the same as for anyone who will have poor health chronically into the future: a diligent healthy lifestyle. It's called getting used to aging, and it's the same for everyone. Our bodies have all taken a massive hit, and we need to care for them in their ongoing weakness.

Can we still make things better? Of course! But it will begin with some humble truths. We need to take care of ourselves, rebuild and make something meaningful from the remains of our youthful hopes and dreams. We aren't going to live a glamorous life of health, wealth and success. But neither will we necessarily live one of pain and misfortune.

For me personally, as I've attested to in my earlier, initial post in this thread, the only thing that makes my life worth living anymore is my belief in God.

I believe God made me, and I believe God gave me the choice to go on Isotretinoin. I was vain, selfish, ignorant. I wanted everything for nothing. I was a drug-user, a proud nihilist and egotistical pleasure seeker. A sexual deviant and abuser of myself, my body and others. God didn't have to take me down - I took myself down. Maybe I deserved it, maybe I didn't. But I didn't deserve my life at all, ever. And for everything I've had and still have I thank God every day!

Many people out there are born blind or lose their legs - not because they deserve it, but simply because that is God's plan. And these people live the most meaningful, deep and beautiful lives because of their hardship. They connect with the most intimate reality of life - as we too are called to do in our suffering and sickness.

I have received so much healing from God in acceptance, and through Him, being able to forgive myself and all others. I no longer care whose "fault" it is I went on Isotretinoin. I no longer care about what symptoms I will have today, and calculating all the good times against the bad times to see whether I should be happy or should be sad.

I am so glad just to be alive today. I am so glad to be able to type this out to you guys on this forum and hopefully give you any help I can. Help not to chase a fleeting sense of control by following the latest rabbit hole on the internet, and give yourself a false sense of security that you can cure it all - but help in the form of hope for a true conversion, a true transformation.

I am a Catholic (Christian), and in the Bible, St Paul talks of those who live by the spirit, and those who live by the 'law'.We can spend the rest of our lives sad and miserable, counting out our grievances against ourselves and others. Counting and searching, constantly searching and tallying and trying to "put it together" and "make it work" so we can finallylive! That is living by the law. If you trust only in your own ability to save yourself, then you are already dead - because really, you have failed to ever truly live.

However if we let go of our pride and folly in the law, and choose instead to live in the spirit of Jesus Christ, then we will be truly alive. We can put aside all our doubts, sadness and suffering and offer it up joyfully as an act of giving and love to God and to the world. We can let go. We can accept. We can learn to open our hearts genuinely and to love again. Even if it is ugly. Even if it is painful. Even if it is different. In fact,becauseit is all those things. Because we are no longer living by the law, but are filled with the Holy Spirit, immune and uncaring of death, filled with simple, genuine love and passion for life because just like the man born blind, we realise how lucky we truly are.

Thatis reality.Thatis true life. That is the life that we are already living - if we just open our eyes to God's presence and our ears to what He is constantly trying to tell us in stillness and silence: "I made you before the world began. Not to live a life of emptiness and sadness, but one that is rich and full of meaning. Let go of your fear, your pride and your hurt, which only serve to drive you further from me and deeper into despair. Let go of all of this, and come to me."

I truly wish all of you the best, and hope that in your sickness and suffering you may find the truth, peace and love revealed in Jesus Christ. If there's anything else I can do to help, feel free to PM me. God bless you.

iDigital

---

FULL SURVEY RESULTS

Initial Information

1. What is your gender?
2. How old were you when you were taking Isotretinoin?

3. How old are you at the time of taking this survey?
4. What country did you live in while taking Isotretinoin?
5. What country/ethnicity are your parents from?

6. Was your acne mild/moderate/severe?
7. What year/s did you take Isotretinoin?
8. How long were you on it each time?
9. Did you take a repeated (second) course?
10. What was the brand name of your Isotretinoin?

P1: 1. Male 2. 12 3. 31 4. Finland 5. Finland 6. The only thing I can remember about it is that I had one big cystic pimple 7. 2003 8. 5 months 9. No 10. Roaccutan

P2: 1.female 2.16 3. 19 4. Ireland 5.Southern European 6. Severe 7. 2019-2020 8. 7 months 9. No 10. Roaccutane

P3: 1. Male 2. 20? 3. 35 4. USA 5. White 6. Mild 7. 2007? 8. 2 months 9. No 10. Accutane

P4: 1. Male 2. 19 3. 29 4. Australia 5. Italian 6. Moderate 7. 2012 8. 6 months 9. Yes, for 2 months 10. Roaccutane

Note: From this section on
(selections in BLACK are those affirmed by ONE participant)
(selections inRED are where TWOparticipants have agreed)
(selections in GREEN are where THREEor more participants have agreed)

Please list any previously existing health concerns/conditions you hadbeforetaking Isotretinoin - including as a child, even if you grew out of them.

P1: BMI at the upper normal limit, same with cholesterol maybe, random nose bleeds at least in winters, some keratosis pilaris I think

P2: -

P3: Just mild acne I think...

P4: Asthma, Eczema

Please list anyrelevant lifestyle factorswhich may have affected your healthduringtakingIsotretinoin.

P1: Nothing

P2: Diet, skincare, skin picking, stress

P3: Very poor diet, previously took many courses of antibiotics (for acne), smoke and drank on weekends.

P4: Bad diet, cigarette smoking, poor hygiene (oral etc), alcohol, marijuana use

Please list anyrelevantlifestyle factorswhich may have affected your healthafter/sincetaking Isotretinoin.

P1: Possible vitamin D deficiency

P2: Diet, skincare, skin picking, stress

P3: It took many years to clean up my diet but it seems the biggest thing that helps me is taking care of my gut. This looks like a whole foods diet with a variety of plant foods. Although I now have food sensitivities to dairy, eggs, grains and beans. So just meat, fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds basically. I am not super strict but when I stray too far I feel it.

P4: same as above, until noticed poor health

What negative symptoms/chronic health problemsdid you experience whiletaking Isotretinoin?

P1: Lip and face dryness, increased body hair, mild OCD, behaviour problems

P2: Stiffness of bones, sadness, dry scalp and skin

P3: Felt like a space cadet, sore joints, lost 20 lbs (160 to 140), didn't feel like myself, very foggy

P4: dry skin, thin skin, hair loss, poor mental health

What negative symptoms/chronic health problems do you currently experience?

P1: Thin and fragile skin, dry mucous membranes, mild joint paint, low testosterone, mild OCD and depression, increased body hair, possible stunted growth, pigment spot

P2: Stiffness of joints, depression, anxiety, dry skin, hair loss

P3: Autoimmunity, food allergies, joint pain, fatigue (although we may have finely figured out the fatigue is from my body constantly being reinfected with virus's that normal people keep dormant) If I eat clean (AIP diet) I can control the joint pain.

P4: dry and thin skin, digestive issues, periods of poor mental health

Please list any deficiencies, abnormalities or health problems that you've had formally identified by an allied health professional (e.g. herbalist, naturopath, kinesiologist, chiropractor, eastern medicine practitioner) since taking Isotretinoin.

P1: -

P2: Reduction in oil production in body, weaker immune system

P3: -

P4: digestive issues

Please list any deficiencies, abnormalities or health problems that you've had formally identified and accepted by a medical professional (e.g. GP, medical doctor, specialist) since taking Isotretinoin.

P1: Toe joint damage, flaky skin, dry eyes, pigment spot

P2: -

P3: mixed connective tissue disease, thyroid antibodies, high virus antibodies, hyperpigmentation under my eyes

P4: digestive issues, eczema flare up, dry skin. Some indication of liver abnormality.

Please list any formally diagnosed allergies (including food and environmental) which you hadbeforeandafterIsotretinoin.

P1: Haven't tested

P2: -

P3: None

P4: before: peanuts, dust after: the same

Please list any formally diagnosed food intolerances (including diseases such as coeliac) which you hadbeforeandafterIsotretinoin.

P1: Haven't tested

P2: Food intolerances: eggs, wheat, gluten, soya

P3: only after...

P4: before: none after: grains mostly, informally

What foods/categories of foods do you currently avoid eating and why?

P1: Junkfood

P2: -

P3: Dairy, eggs, grains, legumes. Eating these foods aggravates my autoimmunity. Causes joint paint and fatigue. I eat per AIP. Note the difference between allergy, sensitivity, and intolerance. What I have is considered a sensitivity due to IGG response.

P4: Omega 6's Estrogenic foods Sugar Most carbohydrates High GI food Emulsifiers Mostly because my body seems to have problems using energy, or building up immunity response and sugar feeds pathogens/makes me dry and acidic

What foods/categories of foods have you avoided eating in the past but now can tolerate? Did avoiding them work in the past?

P1: -

P2: -

P3: None

P4: I was fasting for a while and avoiding all carbohydrates very strictly. It worked and helped me get to where I am currently where I can now eat some natural carbs/fruit

What supplements do you currently take and why?

P1: FIsh Oil, I want to test how I react to vitamin A Vitamin C and D

P2: -

P3: Vit D, fish oil, methylated B vitamins (I have 1 snip in 2 genes that limits my ability to detoxify), CoQ10, probiotics, immunoglobulins, digestive enzymes, gut powder: L glutamine, zinc, vit c

P4: Vit D, Vit C, General Mineral/B Vitamin multivitamin, probiotic, zinc I suspect the above work to help me to create new skin at a more rapid rate because my body makes no sebum (Minerals). Also helps keep the immune system happy (D, C, Zinc, Probiotic). Also helps with producing energy (B vitamins).

What supplements have you tried in the past but now no longer take, and why? Did they work for a time?

P1: NAC, Niacinamide seemed to make dryness symptoms worse

P2: -

P3: liver supplements, adrenal supplements, have tried many many things over the years. My current supplements above from Silver Fern seems to do the most for me. Have had a great last 3 months or so.

P4: Lots and lots. Some of them helped momentarily. I dont take them because theres always side effects even with natural supplements, the body has to counterbalance them, so they arent really a solution.

What behaviours/lifestyle factors do you currently engage in to assist with your health, and why?

P1: Healthy diet and daily walks

P2: -

P3: Weightlifting, cycling, sunlight early in the day, good sleep hygiene. Over the past decade I have tried to do these things but the fatigue would come in cycles that would stop me in my tracks for weeks to months at a time. We now think this may be from viruses being reactivated in my body. We are treating with immune support (Transfer Factor Multi-Immune) and a tincture called A-EB/H6. Note my doctor is a functional Dr, but also a "real" MD.

P4: Fasting, low carb diet, rebalancing omega 3/6 ratio, exercising daily, no smoking/alcohol/junk food, no excess sugar, no snacks between meals, no masturbating

From informed research you have undertaken, combined with your own experiences, please selectwhich theories arethe most likelyabout howIsotretinoin has impacted your health.
Do not select something unless you are certain.

"In my opinion..."

(selections in BLACK are those affirmed by ONE participant)
(selections inRED are where TWOparticipants have agreed)
(selections in GREEN are where THREEor more participants have agreed)

P1:

Iso has damaged my brain.

Isotretinoin has clearly led to periods of marked depression (not just general frustration/sadness).

Isotretinoin has led to issues with/depletion of hormones.

P2:

Isotretinoin remains stored in the body

Isotretinoin remains stored in the liver

Isotretinoin has damaged my immunity in general

Isotretinoin has led to physical damage to my intestines/gut

Isotretinoin has led to destruction of healthy gut microbiome / flora

Isotretinoin has led to recurring/chronic infections due to overall weakened immunity

Isotretinoin has clearly led to periods of marked depression (not just general frustration/sadness)

P3:

Isotretinoin has damaged my brain

Isotretinoin has damaged my immunity in general

Isotretinoin has caused damage to my hypothalamus

Isotretinoin has caused damage to my thyroid

Isotretinoin has led to physical damage to my intestines/gut

Isotretinoin has led to destruction of healthy gut microbiome / flora

Isotretinoin has led to recurring/chronic infections due to overall weakened immunity

Isotretinoin has led to auto-immunity issues

Isotretinoin has led to musculo-skeletal issues

Isotretinoin has clearly led to periods of marked depression (not just general frustration/sadness)

Isotretinoin has affected my mitochondria

Isotretinoin has led to issues with/depletion of neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine/serotonin/GABA)

Isotretinoin has led to impaired digestion of particular foods

Isotretinoin has led to generally impaired digestion of all foods

Isotretinoin has impaired my body's ability to naturally detoxify

Isotretinoin has affected my body's ability to regulate its temperature

P4:

Isotretinoin remains stored in the liver

Isotretinoin has damaged my immunity through my skin

Isotretinoin has damaged my immunity in general

Isotretinoin has led to physical damage to my intestines/gut

Isotretinoin has led to destruction of healthy gut microbiome / flora

Isotretinoin has led to recurring/chronic infections due to overall weakened immunity

Isotretinoin has led to auto-immunity issues

Isotretinoin has led to musculo-skeletal issues

Isotretinoin has clearly led to periods of marked depression (not just general frustration/sadness)

Isotretinoin has led to an impaired ability to digest fat soluble vitamins (A, K, D, E)

Isotretinoin has interfered with my body's ability to properly use fat/cholesterol for body processes

Isotretinoin has interfered with my body's ability to properly use carbohydrates/sugars for body processes

Isotretinoin has led to issues with/depletion of hormones

Isotretinoin has impaired my body's ability to naturally detoxify

Isotretinoin has affected my body's ability to regulate its temperature

Which of these solutions do you endorse?

(selections in BLACK are those affirmed by ONE participant)
(selections inRED are where TWOparticipants have agreed)
(selections in GREEN are where THREEor more participants have agreed)

P1:

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove all sugar

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove Omega-6's

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove estrogens / phytoestrogens

Eating a traditionally healthy diet without major modifications

Exercising frequently (daily)

Focusing mostly/solely on increasing testosterone

Attempting to repair skin barrier

P2:

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove all sugar

Eating a 'heart healthy' diet with a focus on high fibre

Including more household herbs and spices into diet

Exercising frequently (daily)

Supporting body detoxification by other means (e.g. lungs/kidneys/skin)

Attempting to repair skin barrier

Attempting to repair immunity

Attempting to repair leaky gut / intestines

Attempting to restore healthy gut flora / microbiome

Attempting to balance hormones

Celibacy / Not masturbating

P3:

Intermittant fasting (e.g. for 12 or 18 hours)

Regularly taking anti-bacterial / anti-viral / anti-fungal herbs and supplements

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove gluten

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove Omega-6's

Tailoring diet to significantly increase Omega-3's

Exercising frequently (daily)

Attempting to repair immunity

Attempting to repair leaky gut / intestines

Attempting to restore healthy gut flora / microbiome

Attempting to balance hormones

P4:

Intermittant fasting (e.g. for 12 or 18 hours)

Fasting for 24h

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove carbohydrates

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove all sugar

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove Omega-6's

Tailoring diet to significantly increase Omega-3's

Tailoring diet to significantly lower or completely remove estrogens / phytoestrogens

Eating a traditionally healthy diet without major modifications

Eating a 'heart healthy' diet with a focus on high fibre

Including more household herbs and spices into diet

Exercising frequently (daily)

Specifically targeting detoxification of the liver

Supporting body detoxification by other means (e.g. lungs/kidneys/skin)

Aiming at detoxification of estrogen

Attempting to repair skin barrier

Attempting to repair immunity

Attempting to repair leaky gut / intestines

Attempting to restore healthy gut flora / microbiome

Attempting to balance hormones

Celibacy / Not masturbating

Attempting to thin blood

If any solutions you endorse were not on the list above, please list them below and give a very brief reason why you endorse them.

P1: -

P2: -

P3: -

P4: -

Thank you for completing this survey.When ready, its results will be shared on the most current page ofthis publicly viewable thread.

If you have any final comments regarding improving the survey or other relevant information that you did not get a chance to put elsewhere, please include below.

P1: -

P2: -

P3: Its been about 15 years since taking accutane. After a 2 month run of Accutane, I got off of it due to feeling spacy all day. I had uncontrollable loud voices in my head. I went from taking work home with me to get extra practice and advance in my career to not being able to focus and barely able to show up. I thought I was going crazy so I was going to take my life. I called my dermatologist, and she said I had been off the Accutane for 3 months so it was out of my system. Whatever I was dealing with had nothing to do with Accutane! I came across the idea that the body can heal itself from almost anything if given the right foods and environment. First I became allergic to wheat, then corn, then eggs, dairy... and so on. At this point I know that I have to eat AIP. A good lifestyle is important including diet, exercise, mediation sometimes, sunlight in the morning, blue blocker glasses at night. I am overall doing much better than I have been over the years. Happily married with two kids. Starting a business. The best thing I did was stop thinking of myself as a victim, and just start digging myself out of the hole. It is what it is, what can I do about it now? Is this decision going to help or hurt me? I think the combination of all the antibiotics and poor diet, and then the Accutane did some real damage to my gut/allowed bad bacteria to flourish. Once the gut is in a poor state that leaves you vulnerable to immune system issues. I have had at least 3 stool samples and they all show gut dysfunction. I bet I've spent over $50k on Dr's over the last decade. Sorry so sporadic, shooting from the hip here. Thanks for doing this survey. Hopefully you can piece some things together. One thing I see a lot of on the forum is people focusing on one thing or the other and all these wild theories. In my opinion everyone needs to see a functional medicine Dr and have as many tests ran as they can afford to get a baseline. See where you are at as a whole and work from there instead of trying some random supplement or diet because of some theory.

I think its quite ignorant for idigital to say there is no cure, simply because he himself hasnt yet found it. There absolutely is a cure. Its called removing accutane from your system and replenishing true retinol back into your system. Exactly how to accomplish that has been the challenge all along.
multiple people have recovered from accutane. It is not impossible. The problem is there has never been a concrete, universal protocol for people to follow.
what is accutane? It is 13 cis retinoic acid, which means its a highly polarized poison. All whole foods found in nature that are rich in beta carotene or retinol have an even balance of cis and trans isomers, which prevents them from being polarized.
I believe the key is to flood your system with a natural supply of whole food beta carotene mixed with fat, and adequate amounts of glucose to support glucuronidation, which is the conjugation of accutane with glucuronic acid. Glucuronic acid is a glucose derivative.
Im not cured but I will say Im sleeping better, waking up earlier, and dreaming more since introducing the honey pumpkin lactose free 2% milk smoothies twice daily. Whole food beta carotene and glucose combined with some fat for better absorption.
do not believe the lie that there is no cure. There absolutely is a cure. Keep fighting.

psstrenuous exercise does more harm than good. It builds up lactic acid in your system that cannot easily be removed. Very Light exercise such as walking is the best form of exercise for anyone damaged by this poison.

I'm currently taking daily value of vit A in cod liver oil basically without side effects. My skin seems less dry, faster healing and I can endure cold better.I did get eye and nose dryness when I started and every time I increased my dose (I started at low dose). I had keratosis pilaris so I figured I have vit A deficiency. I still have but it has improved a lot. Let's see where this goes.

Idigital

Did you do the MHRA survey 2 years ago?

Still waiting on that to come back with some conclusive findings. Have no desire to conduct another survey till that one is correctly answered

Milk thistle did not improve / worsened acne, second week of not eating dairy.

On 11/18/2022 at 10:09 AM, TrueJustice said:

Idigital

 

Did you do the MHRA survey 2 years ago?

 

Still waiting on that to come back with some conclusive findings. Have no desire to conduct another survey till that one is correctly answered

Nope never even knew it happened.

Looking again at the survey I helped to conduct, it seems apparent that a chronically compromised immune system is the biggest problem for most people post-isotretinoin. Likely due to permeability of the skin. Chronic immune issues leads to poor gut/digestion microbiome and subsequently other inflammatory health issues.

I recommend people moisturise their whole bodies daily to repair the skin barrier and visit a naturopath for a plan to restore the gut. Then for the rest of our lives it's remaining health conscious with diet and exercise - which is difficult but not impossible.

The ideal outcome for most people in a state like ours would be to repair everything and conserve it as best as possible. So no smoking, drinking, excessive sugar etc. Basically living as if you were a senior, despite not already being one. We'll have to behave well, because whatever we build back up can come crashing down much more easily for us than for regular people.

I dunno, I thought the link for that survey came via this forum, cant think how else I came to know about it

In any case its been slow going, I thought some scientists were behind it so that seemed encouraging enough to do it.

Your post above pretty much concludes everything anyway, all you can do from here is try and protect the body as much as possible. Id also add the little things like exercise and sleep- just compare a crap day post tane with not enough sleep, its exhausting

Some people have been bolder in their approach, Anti Vit A diets and HRT spring to mind. Just dont think Im willing to go down those paths - too extreme and theres no guarantee theyll work to improve things.

Looks like the forum was upgraded, putting in a test post to re-subscribe to this thread...

Currently Passionflower is my only oral supplement, for rls, and Im using zest cocoa butter and shea soap with equate brand advanced therapy lotion and vo5 moisturizing shampoo. Also lactose free with lactaid 2% milk. These things are all helpful to me thus far. Carrot juice for vitamin A replenishment also.

the daily use of moisturizing lotion and soap is likely whats needed to reestablish sebum production and flow to push the poison out of the skin once and for all.

Also, bile is 95% water. If the body is chronically dehydrated there will be inadequate bile production and flow. The soap and lotion should also help the body regain its proper bile flow.

Another thing I should mention, low dht likely occurs due to dehydration. Dht is essentially testosterone bound to hydrogen. Once the body is properly hydrated, dht levels should increase back to normal. Im putting my hopes with the soap and lotion along with daily carrot juice intake.

Posted by: @under_tow

Looks like the forum was upgraded, putting in a test post to re-subscribe to this thread...

Same.

Also, I just noticed somehow my survey and other posts have shifted attribution to "IkraamJama"???

I can't access my old DM's either. Whaat.

@idigital same all DM's are deleted or have not been restored yet.

Posted by: @ia3g17soton-ac-uk

On 11/18/2022 at 10:09 AM, TrueJustice said:

Idigital

 

Did you do the MHRA survey 2 years ago?

 

Still waiting on that to come back with some conclusive findings. Have no desire to conduct another survey till that one is correctly answered

 

Nope never even knew it happened.

Looking again at the survey I helped to conduct, it seems apparent that a chronically compromised immune system is the biggest problem for most people post-isotretinoin. Likely due to permeability of the skin. Chronic immune issues leads to poor gut/digestion microbiome and subsequently other inflammatory health issues.

I recommend people moisturise their whole bodies daily to repair the skin barrier and visit a naturopath for a plan to restore the gut. Then for the rest of our lives it's remaining health conscious with diet and exercise - which is difficult but not impossible.

The ideal outcome for most people in a state like ours would be to repair everything and conserve it as best as possible. So no smoking, drinking, excessive sugar etc. Basically living as if you were a senior, despite not already being one. We'll have to behave well, because whatever we build back up can come crashing down much more easily for us than for regular people.

Just resolved some further issues with my account.

For anyone who reads this post in future and wants to contact "IkraamJama" that is me.

Maybe accutane attacks differently depending on the ethnicity of each person, which is why many people from industrialized countries have greater effects than Latinos / Asians (although I have seen some participating in this forum)

I doubt race changes side effects, would be dependant on life choices, dietary, exercise etc.

Its basic medical science when people are exposed to high and long exposure of anything. Things change.

Ever heard docs saying don't take to many antibiotics, otherwise when you need them they won't work, is it because it's still in us and we need to flush it out? of course not.

Don't know why some people try to make it so complicated, it's not.

@calcified I am Latino and the negative effects of this drug are healed (only with time, without diet), I have participated in national and regional accutane groups and I have never seen anyone mention any negative effect beyond dry skin, instead when participate in foreign groups, problems are the first thing they mention.

@george20 good to hear you are healed.

How long ago did you take it and what dosage, duration etc?

A dermatologist told me dosages are not as high as they used to be to prevent hyperostosis etc.

Naturecrazy YouTube guy said the drug is trapped in the body, specifically the skin. The lymphatic system is what transports toxins away from the skin. If the lymphatic system is dysfunctional, itll be hard to overcome accutane syndrome via traditional pill method.
amazon sells two brands of carrot soap rated over 4 stars. Should receive a shipment of carrot complexion soap tomorrow Tuesday. If naturecrazy YouTube guy is correct about the drug being trapped in the skin for years after use, then the carrot soap hopefully will restore true retinol to the skin and help push accutane out once and for all. Will keep the board posted on this.

Posted by: @thomas76

Naturecrazy YouTube guy said the drug is trapped in the body, specifically the skin. The lymphatic system is what transports toxins away from the skin. If the lymphatic system is dysfunctional, itll be hard to overcome accutane syndrome via traditional pill method.
amazon sells two brands of carrot soap rated over 4 stars. Should receive a shipment of carrot complexion soap tomorrow Tuesday. If naturecrazy YouTube guy is correct about the drug being trapped in the skin for years after use, then the carrot soap hopefully will restore true retinol to the skin and help push accutane out once and for all. Will keep the board posted on this.

Why do you believe nature crazy, it makes no sense.

1. Why wouldnt I believe naturecrazy? You said yourself that mega dosing retinol made you feel better.
2. Ive been observing my biofeedback machines skin observations lately. Guess which vitamin it says my skin needs more than any other vitamin. You guessed it. Vitamin A.

Posted by: @thomas76

---

1. Why wouldnt I believe naturecrazy? You said yourself that mega dosing retinol made you feel better.
2. Ive been observing my biofeedback machines skin observations lately. Guess which vitamin it says my skin needs more than any other vitamin. You guessed it. Vitamin A.

I mean the whole trapped in skin thing.

Well the truth is that retinoic acids action is in the skin. Retin a and accutane both target the skin. So its not really a stretch to accept the possibility that it could become trapped in the skin if accutanes mechanism of action is to stop sebum flowsebum being the oil that carries toxins out of the skin.
about to do my second shower with carrot soap. So far so good. Main thing I noticed yesterday was significantly increased thirst. Also doing banana milk smoothies and drinking carrot juice. Carrot juice has never done anything for me I believe because for some reason my body cannot deliver beta carotene or retinol to my skin post accutane. The increased thirst from using carrot soap tells me it may be working to rehydrate my post accutane skin and thus my body.

Forgot to mention my feet itched like crazy last night. Im also supplementing with ancestral living bone. My biofeedback machine recommends a bio calcium supplement and the living bone product does a great job of knocking out my rls.

Thomas76 I take retinol to increase dryness not reduce it, be carefull retinol feels very similar to being on accutane.

Beta carotene and retinol are two completely different things, with beta carotene being far safer. With beta carotene, the body only makes what retinol it needs from the beta carotene.
Ive tried three different specialty soaps in the past month, with carrot soap being the worst of the three, cocoa butter bar soap being in the middle, and equate brand sensitive skin body wash being the best of the three.
just started a supplement combo of gamma oryzanol and beef tallow pills. Will see how it goes.