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Hi Everyone!
Just a brief history. 31 years old, had acne since I was around 13. Remember being prescribe Zineryt when I was younger.
Anyway, i've been on and off antibiotics for the past 10 years, but been pretty much constantly on antibiotics for the past 4 years.
Ive had
Minocycline
Tetracycline
Oxytetracycline
Zinyert
Duac
Also been using various Clearasil, Freederm, Charcoal Soap and Quinoderm lotions and potions.
My old Dr used to alternate between Minocycline and Tetracycline, so when one stopped working he would move me to the other etc.
Since October my Acne has really flared up, especially on my nose. Dr then prescribed Oxytetracycline. Been on that since then but it hasnt seemed to help, so I went back. Saw a different Dr and said as ive been trying antibiotics for so long with no result, could I see a dermatologist. She wrote me up a referral and ive got an appointment in 3 weeks time.
Ive started to take pictures of my face daily, as somedays its ok, somedays its really bad. At least ive got photos if I have a clear day on my appointment.
Also for the past 3 years ive had spots on my scalp. Iused to have really short hair, but have no choice but to grow it because of the spots and red marks. Various Dr's have prescribed Nizorol, T-Gel and other lotions - However when I saw the Dr that referred me, she said it also appears to be acne. Reading up online, looks like it could be related to the amount of antibiotics I have been on over the years.
Im really hoping that after all these years the Derm will put me on Roaccutane. Im a Customs/Immigration Officer and theres nothing more embarassing then working with the public having a face full of spots. Luckily my manager is very understanding and on days when its been really bad ive been able to phone up and take annual leave - just so I can stay in the house and hope the spots go before my next shift, (Mainly when there on my nose)
I did look into going privately incase the Dr didnt refer me, so if the derm wont prescribe Roaccutane, thats always an alternative. However paying over £400 compared to £8 on the NHS - im hoping they will prescribe it!
Sorry for such a long post, just wanted to get it off my chest. I suppose in technical terms my acne is mild to moderate - however having it for 15 years with nothing working does seem to take its toll. Although in the referral letter which I have a copy of, the Dr did say "Severe intermittent acne".
Simple pleasures - Ive never been clean shaven. I always have facial hair to try and hide the spots. How sad is it that one of my future dreams is to be able to be clean shaven!
Anyway, if you've got this far, thanks for reading. 
Hi Dave,
I got to the end of your post . I need to say that you™ve described my life when it comes to taking antibiotics to control acne. I used to take Tetralysal, which was a miracle for over a year, Trimethroprim that was a total disaster and I™m currently on Oxytetracycline (my 6th day today).
My dermatologist is willing to put me on Roaccutane but I™m not too sure. Still scared of the initial breakout, which I will get. I also have got a customer service focused work and I can™t be calling in sick (I do it from time to time but rarely) and staying at home for at least a month to survive the initial breakout.
You™re lucky that you managed to get a referral from your GP. Mine practically said that I was insane when I asked him to refer me to the dermatologist. That™s why I have to pay for private consultations, which is expensive (I live in London).
Anyway, I™ve got 3 months to make up my mind and save up money in case I decide to go ahead with the treatment. You™re right when it comes to the cost of roaccutane when you™re buying it privately. My 6 moths course of 20 mg would cost me £240 plus consultations and blood tests. Insane!
Let me know how you™re getting on with your treatment once you start.
Thank you
Hi Maggie,
When I went to the Dr's I had it in the back of my head that if they didnt refer me I would just go private, so had nothing to lose by being blunt and really pushing for it. Not a big fan of going to the Dr's as had a bad expereince about 7 years ago when one Dr said it was only acne and I was wasting his time! Silly old sod!
The Dr that refered be said she had no problem with the referal, but the derm wont do anything as its not servere enough and the wrong type of acne. Apparently she used to be a derm before becoming a GP. However at the end of the appointment she was totally different and told me to tell the derm how its affecting me and to push for roaccutane. Her comments on the referal form were really good as well.
I live in Kent and all the private derms ive been looking at are around the outskirts of London. Managed to find a local Dr's that would do the blood tests for 50, but its all the consultation fees and the cost of the prescription that add up if going private.
If I do get prescibed roaccutane, I dont think the initial breakouts will worry me too much, as the thought in the back of my mind would be "this could be it, acne free in a few months!"
Just a case of waiting and everything crossed when I see the derm now!
Hope the Oxytetracycline works for you. Quite a pain having to work out when to take them due to the no food or dairy before or after!
I wish you good luck and I really hope you manage to get the treatment. Ive got 3 months to save up money and decide if I want to start roaccutane. Im scared of the initial breakout (its my nightmare) but from the other hand Im sick and tired of taking antibiotics, watching what I eat and when I eat. If Im lucky they work for a few months but I always end up flaring up again. Im fed up
Just got back from my appointement, was very quick, probably around 5 minutes!
She was too keen to prescrive accutane at first, said my acne was not serve enough. However after I explained its very persistent, Ive tried every antibiotic and its been going on for so many years, she agreed to put me on a course - not without having a huff first!
In the mean time ive been prescrived Isotrexin to put on every night. Got the form to get my blood test done and she said they will send me an appointment letter with an appointment for around 4 weeks time.
Hi Dave,
Congratulations! I hope roaccutane works for you. Have you received a letter for your appointment yet?
I remember using isotrex. Didn't have much luck as my skin is very sensitive so I ended up with red, peeling face on top of acne.
I think I'll ask for roaccutane in April when I have my next appointment with the dermatologist. I'm sick and tired of acne. I've been using lumie clear device for 2 weeks so it's too early to see any improvement. I was supposed to be having fun today at my friends birthday party but I'm sitting at home instead with 4 painful cysts on my cheeks. I've got 2 job interviews next week and I'm praying for make up to cover them up. Feel like crying today.
Let me know how's the treatment going once you start.
Maggie