Peter IPL does not work and something else is causing the flushing, skin is resilient and will heal on its own unless something else is casing the symptom to be perpetuated.

jordan, if that does not work check for seb derm...

i am also using clarifoam ef.. which took care of my bumps and flakyness.. and in two weeks my redness and flushing decreased by over 40% along with my first ipl laser.

check that out, i really recommended.

Just to let you guys know

Seb derm has its own flushing by the way

If you use seb derm topicals,when the weeks go on and if applied through the day you will notice a huge decrease in flushing because once again seb derm has its own flushing,the irritation,the itchy feeling.

Clindoxyl and other BP topicals kill seb derm though with steady use,the best treatment in my opinion

killed my seb derm in 2 weeks using clindoxyl nightly,but then obviously it came back after stopping treatment

jordan, it will not heal by itself believe me.. It has been 2 years and a half and i still suffer from this.

Peter I dont think it will heal by itself what I am saying is there is no way it is just an issue of damaged blood vessels, it is a much more serious and complex issue that involves the nervous and endocrine system, if the IPL helped your skin you do not have what most of us have.

i just had my second ipl two days ago and it has helped a lot. i am about 60% less red.

And yes i think i have the same problems as you guys do...

post accutane- i got kp on arms and back.

Facial flushing and burning on my cheeks only. And permanent redness on my cheeks.

if ipl did not work for you, try another doctor that is good at it.

if you have kp after accutane i'd suggest trying to cure it with sea buckthorn...that's what I've been up to...and people with kp flush too....so you never know

seabuck worked for your kp hoofy? and what have you been doing for your facial redness? and eyes?

I should let you guys all know

a couple weeks ago I ordered a specially made LED therapy that lamar recommended

its supposed to help overall complexion..acne..and help with flushing

but lamar said start off slow because if you start off fast you could have a flare up of your flushing

lamar has been really an amazing help through all of this

the time he has given trying to help me out with everything

Its hard to express how much I appreciate it

It cost me 500 but atleast I know i got a good one..I should be getting it this week

he built it already just a couple days ago

and I am also gonna go to a derm about mepacrine

my doctor has not responded to any of my emails..its basically a big fuck you to me personally I feel

but I mentioned it to my derm months ago and he said no I cant do that because of the eyes

but im gonna show him facts that mepacrine does not affect the eyes and level with him how its ruining my life

hoping to do that tommorow

also im back on finacea which has calmed down my non flushing redness

My current regimen

night

dove unscented beauty bar

finacea

osmotics tricerame

day

dove unscented beauty bar

finacea

clinique redness moisturizer

Peter what I mean is we all have facial flushing, but there are a slue of things that accutane can do to our bodies that cause flushing and that fact the the IPL helped you and did not help me means that our provocations are different.

Update my regimen was way too drying and it made my skin more irritated

So I have done tons of research and read so many reviews I almost went mad but I made up my choice..cleansing milk is supposed to be great and I found the best reviewed one ever

today I bought

Darphin infral cleansing milk (cleanser)

supposed to be amazing for redness and the reviews sounded too good to be true

but I bought it and tried it tonight and looked at my face in the mirror after and it was really less red,like I was amazed..and it made my skin so soft

here are tons of reviews for it

http://makeupalley.com/product/showreview....&Cleansers=

So far I would suggest you all try this out..I had to buy it but if your in america I am sure you could get samples..But i am glad I bought this so far

only downside is its in a kind of girlish bottle but not really..but its kinda peach/pink

___________________________________________________________________________

I also bought with it

Darphin chamomile aromatic care

and this is supposed to be amazing for redness-prone-damage skin-(also protects your skin from upcoming environmental damage)..supposed to be amazing for redness prone skin to fix your complexion

http://makeupalley.com/product/showreview....phin/Treatments

I bought these 2 products and so far I really like them..so calming and Everyone says there effective

Just read the reviews..dont look at the (would you buy again) part because people dont even click yes or no sometimes,they just go straight to the review

I also have a derm appointment tommorow for mepacrine

so I am getting up early tommorow and printing off my research and facts so I can go in there with a proper head on me

And my LED therapy is coming next week hopefully so I can't wait for that too

But you guys have to try these products I recommended

I am serious..Your skin wont fix itself

time wont do it guys..grocery store products wont do it either (have tried every one on the racks lol)

the cleanser cost me 50 but its supposed to last a long time

and the chamomile cost me 80 but thats supposed to last really really long

and if your in america you can get samples

I know for a fact they give tons of samples of chamomile because they know people will love it

and Darphin have a thing on there website that if your no satisfied with these particular products you can get your money back..just goes to show they know you will love it

Anyways got to get some sleep..have not slept in 40 hours..university is a grind getting back at it.

Hey Jordan have you gone any further in regards to your hormone belief? I know you said that there is a more intensive test you can take after testing your hormone levels and I was wondering if you had gotten that done?

Jordan,

I appreciate and thank you for spotlighting the nexus between Endocrine dysfunction and Accutane usage. I thank each and everyone of you for sharing your experiences and wisdom. I particularly applaud those scientists and doctors, like former Accutane drug designer, Dr. Abrishamian who actively conduct research on the behalf of their patients who suffer post Accutane ailments.

Here is my profile:

-Male

-32 years old

-Caucasian

-took Accutane in 1994 and in 1999 (40mg for 6 months)

-self-employed

-160lbs

-single (never married)

-athletic

-never taken illegal drugs, never smoked

-never used antidepressants for depression

-consume low-glycemic/anti-inflammation foods

-no allergies

- idiopathic hypogonadism (low testosterone)

- idiopathic GH deficiency

- Sexual Anhedonia

- osteopina

-Even after 90 minutes on a treadmill, I hardly sweat,

-I NEVER get sore after intense workouts with trainers.

-It is very difficult to build muscle, even after 6 months hardcore training with trainers, eating 5 times a day, and consuming lots of protein!

My story:

Upon graduating from college in December 1998, a severe case of nodular acne blindsided me. In turn, I proceeded to a dermatologist who prescribed Accutane -- this was my 2nd cycle of Accutane -- previously took it during my Senior year of highschool (1993/1994). During this 2nd Accutane cycle, my ability to orgasm vanished -- all sexual pleasure gone!!! I became horrified, mystified, saddened, confused, angry and embarrassed.

Wicked thoughts ran wildly thru my mind while trying to recollect and pinpoint the exact cause of this ongoing, chronic sexual sensory dysfunction...had i been poisoned?, attacked by a virus?...

February 2001

A year had passed and my sexual sensory dysfunction remained. Seeking answers I decided to visit my Family Physician and an Endocrinologist in Ft. Lauderdale with respect to my mysterious lack of sexual sensation --

Diagnosis: hypogonadism (low testosterone)203ng/dl

Remedy: Take Androgel.

Yes! bingo, mystery solved!!

-- or so my Docs & I had believed...

Yes, since 2001 the testosterone treatments have given me energy, more facial hair, and zest for life....but testosterone therapy has NOT cured my Sexual Anhedonia.

The days, the months, the years passed, during which I visited countless Endos, Urologists, Phychiatrists, Neurologists...when I articulated my condition, most patiently listened and thoughtfully jotted notes, but many either changed the subject or were dismissive because they didn't have an answer. I always arrived at a doctor's office with hope, but often I left with emptiness and tears.

November 2005:

Hired a personal trainer (a former Navy Seal).

After 6 months of rigorous workouts, I never gained muscle, never sore, never sweated, and never lost visceral fat...the trainers in the gym were stunned and really confused...they insisted that I have a thorough bloodwork run...

Bloodwork/Bone density scan Results:

the out of range results...

IGF-1 = 67ng/ml

HDL = 19

Albium = 5.5

B-12 = 415

osteopina

Body Fat = 24%

Diagnosis: Growth Hormone (GH) deficient.

I thought, oh man, now I have to take this expensive stuff that has been demonized and villified in the media, and insurance companies run away from it like a bat out of hell...

Well, Growth hormone (Norditropin) treatments for the last 2 years have yielded DRAMATIC results in raising my HDL into the 60s, elevating IGF-1 to the 300s, generating bone density, decreasing body fat to 17%, quickly lost 20 lbs and an amelioration of my quality of life.....

However, GH treatments have had NO effect on my Sexual Anhedonia or my muscle building.

What are my thoughts on Accutane?

I believe that those who are suffering from endocrine dysfunctions as a consequence of Accutane usuage are those whose individual biochemistry was the most susceptible to "Accutanes" strong DNA influence.

In my case, I believe, "X" was my 2nd cycle of Accutane which flipped off my "orgasm switches." altered my "testosterone switch," altered my "IGF-1 switch"

The bad thing about Accutane and in general, many pharmaceuticals, is that there is a huge amount of individual variability when it comes to the side effects. Different people get different combinations of side effects and they are very unpredictable.

Instead of my orgasms being pleasant, my sexual sensations are markedly unpleasant -- I'd agree with those, like Dr. Pezzi, who characterize sexual anhedonia as "a feeling similar to the sensation that people perceive when they lightly strike their funny bone."

Essentially, since 1999 on a scale of 1-10, my sexual sensations have always been a 1.

My intuition/instinct felt my Accutane usage impacted my testosterone and growth hormone levels.

I hope Dr. Abrishamian can offer advice/guidance to Jordan and all of us. And, in turn, others can benefit from his wisdom.

Thank you,

Mike

P.S. Anyone is welcome to email OR PM me if you have questions or comments

Here is an interesting study by investiagtive research scientists studying acne...

Elevation of IGF-1 in patients with acne is well

documented. IGFBP-3 binds IGF-1 thereby blocking

its action. That IGF-1 is higher and IGFBP-3 is

lower in patients with acne in this study should not

surprise us. Although we do not fully understand the

roles these molecules play in acne, we do have a few

hints. Free IGF-1 directly stimulates basal keratinocyte

proliferation, thereby contributing to the follicular

hyperkeratosis that is considered the initial step

in acne lesion formation, whereas IGFBP-3 inhibits

it. In addition, IGFBP-3 and tretinoin bind the same

retinoid X nuclear receptor (alpha).

 

Diet clearly affects IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. Insulin

increases IGF-1 levels. IGFBP-3, on the other hand,

decreases after ingestion of high GI foods and

increases after eating low GI foods. Lower levels

of IGF-1 and higher levels of IGFBP-3 are associated

with greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids, tomatoes,

vegetables, and dietary fiber. In contrast, higher

levels of IGF-1 are associated with dietary saturated

fat, vegetable oils, milk, and dairy products.

Ingestion of a tomato extract decreases plasma

IGF-1 levels by 25% in patients with colon cancer.

Could it be that retinoids, the darlings of the acne

armamentarium, act by restoring the retinoid X

receptor signal that decreases with a diet-induced

decline in IGFBP-3?

 

In this study, the dietary GI of patients with longterm

acne was significantly higher than that of the

healthy control subjects. These data force us to

disagree with the authorsa conclusion that aaresults

of this study do not reveal a relationship between

high glycemic index diets and acne.aa On the contrary,

the correlation between high GI diet and acne

of greater than 2 yearsa duration appears to be very

real and deserves further rigorous study.

 

The pubertal transition from Tanner stage I to Tanner

stage III was associated with a 32% reduction in

insulin sensitivity and increases in fasting glucose

and insulin. This insulin resistance resolves as teens

progress through Tanner stage V, normalizing about

the time that acne tends to remit. We suspect that

insulin (and the diet that stimulates it) may turn out to

be one of the more profound influences in acne.

Jordan,

 

I appreciate and thank you for spotlighting the nexus between Endocrine dysfunction and Accutane usage. I thank each and everyone of you for sharing your experiences and wisdom. I particularly applaud those scientists and doctors, like former Accutane drug designer, Dr. Abrishamian who actively conduct research on the behalf of their patients who suffer post Accutane ailments.

 

Here is my profile:

 

-Male

-32 years old

-Caucasian

-took Accutane in 1994 and in 1999 (40mg for 6 months)

-self-employed

-160lbs

-single (never married)

-athletic

-never taken illegal drugs, never smoked

-never used antidepressants for depression

-consume low-glycemic/anti-inflammation foods

-no allergies

 

- idiopathic hypogonadism (low testosterone)

- idiopathic GH deficiency

- Sexual Anhedonia

- osteopina

-Even after 90 minutes on a treadmill, I hardly sweat,

-I NEVER get sore after intense workouts with trainers.

-It is very difficult to build muscle, even after 6 months hardcore training with trainers, eating 5 times a day, and consuming lots of protein!

My story:

 

Upon graduating from college in December 1998, a severe case of nodular acne blindsided me. In turn, I proceeded to a dermatologist who prescribed Accutane -- this was my 2nd cycle of Accutane -- previously took it during my Senior year of highschool (1993/1994). During this 2nd Accutane cycle, my ability to orgasm vanished -- all sexual pleasure gone!!! I became horrified, mystified, saddened, confused, angry and embarrassed.

 

Wicked thoughts ran wildly thru my mind while trying to recollect and pinpoint the exact cause of this ongoing, chronic sexual sensory dysfunction...had i been poisoned?, attacked by a virus?...

 

February 2001

 

A year had passed and my sexual sensory dysfunction remained. Seeking answers I decided to visit my Family Physician and an Endocrinologist in Ft. Lauderdale with respect to my mysterious lack of sexual sensation --

 

Diagnosis: hypogonadism (low testosterone)203ng/dl

 

Remedy: Take Androgel.

 

Yes! bingo, mystery solved!!

 

-- or so my Docs & I had believed...

 

Yes, since 2001 the testosterone treatments have given me energy, more facial hair, and zest for life....but testosterone therapy has NOT cured my Sexual Anhedonia.

 

The days, the months, the years passed, during which I visited countless Endos, Urologists, Phychiatrists, Neurologists...when I articulated my condition, most patiently listened and thoughtfully jotted notes, but many either changed the subject or were dismissive because they didn't have an answer. I always arrived at a doctor's office with hope, but often I left with emptiness and tears.

 

November 2005:

Hired a personal trainer (a former Navy Seal).

 

After 6 months of rigorous workouts, I never gained muscle, never sore, never sweated, and never lost visceral fat...the trainers in the gym were stunned and really confused...they insisted that I have a thorough bloodwork run...

 

Bloodwork/Bone density scan Results:

 

the out of range results...

 

IGF-1 = 67ng/ml

HDL = 19

Albium = 5.5

B-12 = 415

osteopina

Body Fat = 24%

 

Diagnosis: Growth Hormone (GH) deficient.

 

I thought, oh man, now I have to take this expensive stuff that has been demonized and villified in the media, and insurance companies run away from it like a bat out of hell...

 

Well, Growth hormone (Norditropin) treatments for the last 2 years have yielded DRAMATIC results in raising my HDL into the 60s, elevating IGF-1 to the 300s, generating bone density, decreasing body fat to 17%, quickly lost 20 lbs and an amelioration of my quality of life.....

 

However, GH treatments have had NO effect on my Sexual Anhedonia or my muscle building.

 

What are my thoughts on Accutane?

 

I believe that those who are suffering from endocrine dysfunctions as a consequence of Accutane usuage are those whose individual biochemistry was the most susceptible to "Accutanes" strong DNA influence.

 

In my case, I believe, "X" was my 2nd cycle of Accutane which flipped off my "orgasm switches." altered my "testosterone switch," altered my "IGF-1 switch"

 

The bad thing about Accutane and in general, many pharmaceuticals, is that there is a huge amount of individual variability when it comes to the side effects. Different people get different combinations of side effects and they are very unpredictable.

 

Instead of my orgasms being pleasant, my sexual sensations are markedly unpleasant -- I'd agree with those who characterize sexual anhedonia as "a feeling similar to the sensation that people perceive when they lightly strike their funny bone."

 

Essentially, since 1999 on a scale of 1-10, my sexual sensations have always been a 1.

 

My intuition/instinct felt my Accutane usage impacted my testosterone and growth hormone levels.

 

I hope Dr. Abrishamian can offer advice/guidance to Jordan and all of us. And, in turn, others can benefit from his wisdom.

 

Thank you,

 

Mike

 

P.S. Anyone is welcome to email OR PM me if you have questions or comments

 

 

Here is an interesting study by investiagtive research scientists studying acne...

Elevation of IGF-1 in patients with acne is well

documented. IGFBP-3 binds IGF-1 thereby blocking

its action. That IGF-1 is higher and IGFBP-3 is

lower in patients with acne in this study should not

surprise us. Although we do not fully understand the

roles these molecules play in acne, we do have a few

hints. Free IGF-1 directly stimulates basal keratinocyte

proliferation, thereby contributing to the follicular

hyperkeratosis that is considered the initial step

in acne lesion formation, whereas IGFBP-3 inhibits

it. In addition, IGFBP-3 and tretinoin bind the same

retinoid X nuclear receptor (alpha).

 

Diet clearly affects IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. Insulin

increases IGF-1 levels. IGFBP-3, on the other hand,

decreases after ingestion of high GI foods and

increases after eating low GI foods. Lower levels

of IGF-1 and higher levels of IGFBP-3 are associated

with greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids, tomatoes,

vegetables, and dietary fiber. In contrast, higher

levels of IGF-1 are associated with dietary saturated

fat, vegetable oils, milk, and dairy products.

Ingestion of a tomato extract decreases plasma

IGF-1 levels by 25% in patients with colon cancer.

Could it be that retinoids, the darlings of the acne

armamentarium, act by restoring the retinoid X

receptor signal that decreases with a diet-induced

decline in IGFBP-3?

 

In this study, the dietary GI of patients with longterm

acne was significantly higher than that of the

healthy control subjects. These data force us to

disagree with the authorsa conclusion that aaresults

of this study do not reveal a relationship between

high glycemic index diets and acne.aa On the contrary,

the correlation between high GI diet and acne

of greater than 2 yearsa duration appears to be very

real and deserves further rigorous study.

 

The pubertal transition from Tanner stage I to Tanner

stage III was associated with a 32% reduction in

insulin sensitivity and increases in fasting glucose

and insulin. This insulin resistance resolves as teens

progress through Tanner stage V, normalizing about

the time that acne tends to remit. We suspect that

insulin (and the diet that stimulates it) may turn out to

be one of the more profound influences in acne.

 

Hey dude i wanna get in touch with you, what you've described above is one of the permanent conditions ive been trying to treat my self, ive seen urologists, endos etc, do you have any instant messengers? I have some information that you will probably find useful, let me know

I think the loss of sexual sensation has to do with the alterations in the dopaminerg system in the brain, or some kind of nerve damage

I must say PalmBeachMike, my heart goes out to you and any others who suffer from such a terrible consequence of accutane. I too experience many side effects to this day that the doctors still have no answer to. I keep getting tested, hoping to find something, but it seems that there may be no answer to this question.

Your story was very powerful, and I want to thank you for sharing it with us. I would love to have the opportunity to chat with you sometime. I do have a few questions that I hope you might be able to shed some light on.

I will be sure to msg you in the near future.

Thanks again.

Chase

has anyone started to use an anti malarial besides lamarr?

And Lamarr,

I noticed you said you also have severe ocular rosacea, how is that these day? Has it improved any?

Also did you ever end up using Restasis?

take care everyone

Hey everyone I am back

I took a break from this thread due to just being fed up with life and whatnot..(just being hopeless on finally finding a cure)

But after all my struggles to get lammar's drug,from being to my family doctor countless times and being said no (he thought it was like other lupus pills) and I recently saw my useless derm and he said he would give me blood tests (i told him nothing would come back) but yet i took them..and he said he would send my family doctor the results and a email about me..saw my family doctor yesterday and I was just at the last point..like I have never been like this (I am not ashamed to say I was almost teary before he came in)

My face was just so red it was like crazy...my hands were dark red almost looking purple..my whole face feeling so hot..which leads to me sweating

The people in the waiting room were staring kind of..He walks in and I could tell he was really fed up with me but he walked in and said your derm sent me the results and a email and your results are fine and he even suggests you go to a phyciatrist for this obsession about flushing (I was shocked..Truly people will never understand until they experience it)

but my doctor looked at me and he could tell I was at a all time low like hes never before seen..I wasnt talkative like I am usually..I was just staring down looking really hopeless..

I said its not a matter of a little redness..my whole body feels the heat..my hands get so red/purple they dry up and the same with my face

we had a long time and he said your driving me crazy with this flushing talk..I said I know doctor but you have to realize where I am coming from and what this does to you..and how much of a better value of life I can gain if I cure this.

He said what if something happens to you with this drug and I get blamed and I say "well he asked for it"..I told him there are no eye side effects and I researched lots about it..

Finally I got a prescription after a long talk..

reallllyy happy right now,first time in a long time..I get it in 5-7 days

But I was really like at an end when I saw him..like it was my last chance (ive been to him like 5 times about this drug)..If I didnt get it this time..I dont know what I would do...

I dont know about you guys but my flushing gets worse with time..I was like dark red/dry/hands purple..reddish when he saw me

I mean its amazing..

will update

(and you can get this drug anywhere,just because you cant officially get it in america/canada does not mean give up..I researched and 2,000 american pharmacists compound this drug and that is what my pharmacy is doing)

DONT GIVE UP PEOPLE!

wish me luck ,if this cures me then you know you have to try it

what's up everybody I had to add a digit to my screen name because my old account was having issues. JT I am about to finally get the arginine infusion test. If all goes as planned I will start GH treatment soon. My adrenal glad completely failed a couple of weeks ago. I believe that it was due to my adrenal gland attempting to overcompensate for my lack to pituitary function. PalmBeachMike that is extremely interesting and I feel for ya man. Your problems that still have persisted can be fixed. Let me know if you want my help with any of this man and i will send you a personal message with my number. There are a few doctors who have committed a large amount of their time to helping me and they will do the same for you. Halfpipe its great to hear you're doin better bro, I just still don't think more drugs are the answer.

I feel you but I have had tons of tests from urine and blood on the spot to me bringing home a box to pee in for 3 days straight and hand in (and I could not eat certain foods like tomatoes and certain vitamins/pills,before i started)

and all came back like nothing was wrong

I really believe this is something that can't be shown in any test

Halfpipe, I had have every blood test and twenty-four hour urinalysis performed. I have had a bone marrow biopsy done because my triptase level was elevated. It is not a matter of this illness being undetectable, it is because doctors do not know what to test for. When the body is damaged it leaves a paper trail so to speak. For instance as I said in my previous post, my adrenal glad has completely failed. Now combine that with a low growth hormone serum and an IGF-1 that is in range but low, you have reason to believe that there is a GHD present. I agree with Lamarr to an extent, but the body can not just produce systemic inflammation, there has to be a provocation. It could be hormonal, autoimmune, or neurological. Something is causing this and even if it is auto-immune and there is not a specific test for it, there are still ways to confirm autoimmune. By taking the mepacrine you will probably alleviate your symptoms, but there is still something causing this that can be fixed. I know you're at the end of your rope and if that is the case then I hope the drug works for you. I just cannot take another drug man and I'm telling you the progress that I have made with my doctors is inspiring. To everyone, there is a neurological component to this and because of that I have been receiving methocobalamin shots, which are a B12 derivative that help repair neurological damage. Needless to say this has helped my flushing, I flush a lot less and some days I do not even flush.

Hi there Jordan,

My name is Julio and I am new to this forum. I just came across this thread after I started searching for a possible connection between low testosterone levels and accutane. Some recent bloodwork revealed low LH levels, so my endocrinologist ordered more tests. Since I have facial and body hair, normal voice and height, the doctor said that "something" must have happened after puberty. Well, the only thing that I can imagine was me taking accutane when I was 16-17 and then again when I was 18. I usually feel fatigued during the day, have skinny arms/legs, and while I can build muscle, it is not comparable to what it should be after months of workout and eating 4-5 times/day. Fortunately, I have not had any sexual dysfunction, although my doctor ordered a fertility test to see whether the "hypogonadism" is in the tyroids, hypothalamus or the testes. As I find out more from these test results I would like to find out about any connection between hypogonadism and accutane. I am 23 years old by the way.

Do you also feel tired during the day?

Jordan,

 

I appreciate and thank you for spotlighting the nexus between Endocrine dysfunction and Accutane usage. I thank each and everyone of you for sharing your experiences and wisdom. I particularly applaud those scientists and doctors, like former Accutane drug designer, Dr. Abrishamian who actively conduct research on the behalf of their patients who suffer post Accutane ailments.

 

Here is my profile:

 

-Male

-32 years old

-Caucasian

-took Accutane in 1994 and in 1999 (40mg for 6 months)

-self-employed

-160lbs

-single (never married)

-athletic

-never taken illegal drugs, never smoked

-never used antidepressants for depression

-consume low-glycemic/anti-inflammation foods

-no allergies

 

- idiopathic hypogonadism (low testosterone)

- idiopathic GH deficiency

- Sexual Anhedonia

- osteopina

-Even after 90 minutes on a treadmill, I hardly sweat,

-I NEVER get sore after intense workouts with trainers.

-It is very difficult to build muscle, even after 6 months hardcore training with trainers, eating 5 times a day, and consuming lots of protein!

My story:

 

Upon graduating from college in December 1998, a severe case of nodular acne blindsided me. In turn, I proceeded to a dermatologist who prescribed Accutane -- this was my 2nd cycle of Accutane -- previously took it during my Senior year of highschool (1993/1994). During this 2nd Accutane cycle, my ability to orgasm vanished -- all sexual pleasure gone!!! I became horrified, mystified, saddened, confused, angry and embarrassed.

 

Wicked thoughts ran wildly thru my mind while trying to recollect and pinpoint the exact cause of this ongoing, chronic sexual sensory dysfunction...had i been poisoned?, attacked by a virus?...

 

February 2001

 

A year had passed and my sexual sensory dysfunction remained. Seeking answers I decided to visit my Family Physician and an Endocrinologist in Ft. Lauderdale with respect to my mysterious lack of sexual sensation --

 

Diagnosis: hypogonadism (low testosterone)203ng/dl

 

Remedy: Take Androgel.

 

Yes! bingo, mystery solved!!

 

-- or so my Docs & I had believed...

 

Yes, since 2001 the testosterone treatments have given me energy, more facial hair, and zest for life....but testosterone therapy has NOT cured my Sexual Anhedonia.

 

The days, the months, the years passed, during which I visited countless Endos, Urologists, Phychiatrists, Neurologists...when I articulated my condition, most patiently listened and thoughtfully jotted notes, but many either changed the subject or were dismissive because they didn't have an answer. I always arrived at a doctor's office with hope, but often I left with emptiness and tears.

 

November 2005:

Hired a personal trainer (a former Navy Seal).

 

After 6 months of rigorous workouts, I never gained muscle, never sore, never sweated, and never lost visceral fat...the trainers in the gym were stunned and really confused...they insisted that I have a thorough bloodwork run...

 

Bloodwork/Bone density scan Results:

 

the out of range results...

 

IGF-1 = 67ng/ml

HDL = 19

Albium = 5.5

B-12 = 415

osteopina

Body Fat = 24%

 

Diagnosis: Growth Hormone (GH) deficient.

 

I thought, oh man, now I have to take this expensive stuff that has been demonized and villified in the media, and insurance companies run away from it like a bat out of hell...

 

Well, Growth hormone (Norditropin) treatments for the last 2 years have yielded DRAMATIC results in raising my HDL into the 60s, elevating IGF-1 to the 300s, generating bone density, decreasing body fat to 17%, quickly lost 20 lbs and an amelioration of my quality of life.....

 

However, GH treatments have had NO effect on my Sexual Anhedonia or my muscle building.

 

What are my thoughts on Accutane?

 

I believe that those who are suffering from endocrine dysfunctions as a consequence of Accutane usuage are those whose individual biochemistry was the most susceptible to "Accutanes" strong DNA influence.

 

In my case, I believe, "X" was my 2nd cycle of Accutane which flipped off my "orgasm switches." altered my "testosterone switch," altered my "IGF-1 switch"

 

The bad thing about Accutane and in general, many pharmaceuticals, is that there is a huge amount of individual variability when it comes to the side effects. Different people get different combinations of side effects and they are very unpredictable.

 

Instead of my orgasms being pleasant, my sexual sensations are markedly unpleasant -- I'd agree with those, like Dr. Pezzi, who characterize sexual anhedonia as "a feeling similar to the sensation that people perceive when they lightly strike their funny bone."

 

Essentially, since 1999 on a scale of 1-10, my sexual sensations have always been a 1.

 

My intuition/instinct felt my Accutane usage impacted my testosterone and growth hormone levels.

 

I hope Dr. Abrishamian can offer advice/guidance to Jordan and all of us. And, in turn, others can benefit from his wisdom.

 

Thank you,

 

Mike

 

P.S. Anyone is welcome to email OR PM me if you have questions or comments

 

 

Here is an interesting study by investiagtive research scientists studying acne...

Elevation of IGF-1 in patients with acne is well

documented. IGFBP-3 binds IGF-1 thereby blocking

its action. That IGF-1 is higher and IGFBP-3 is

lower in patients with acne in this study should not

surprise us. Although we do not fully understand the

roles these molecules play in acne, we do have a few

hints. Free IGF-1 directly stimulates basal keratinocyte

proliferation, thereby contributing to the follicular

hyperkeratosis that is considered the initial step

in acne lesion formation, whereas IGFBP-3 inhibits

it. In addition, IGFBP-3 and tretinoin bind the same

retinoid X nuclear receptor (alpha).

 

Diet clearly affects IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. Insulin

increases IGF-1 levels. IGFBP-3, on the other hand,

decreases after ingestion of high GI foods and

increases after eating low GI foods. Lower levels

of IGF-1 and higher levels of IGFBP-3 are associated

with greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids, tomatoes,

vegetables, and dietary fiber. In contrast, higher

levels of IGF-1 are associated with dietary saturated

fat, vegetable oils, milk, and dairy products.

Ingestion of a tomato extract decreases plasma

IGF-1 levels by 25% in patients with colon cancer.

Could it be that retinoids, the darlings of the acne

armamentarium, act by restoring the retinoid X

receptor signal that decreases with a diet-induced

decline in IGFBP-3?

 

In this study, the dietary GI of patients with longterm

acne was significantly higher than that of the

healthy control subjects. These data force us to

disagree with the authorsa conclusion that aaresults

of this study do not reveal a relationship between

high glycemic index diets and acne.aa On the contrary,

the correlation between high GI diet and acne

of greater than 2 yearsa duration appears to be very

real and deserves further rigorous study.

 

The pubertal transition from Tanner stage I to Tanner

stage III was associated with a 32% reduction in

insulin sensitivity and increases in fasting glucose

and insulin. This insulin resistance resolves as teens

progress through Tanner stage V, normalizing about

the time that acne tends to remit. We suspect that

insulin (and the diet that stimulates it) may turn out to

be one of the more profound influences in acne.

 

Just got my mepacrine today,about to take first pill

will post back in a week

drink lots of water.

i told you to get on msn..

check your liver, it could be very toxic.

try taking milk thristle

good luck, and we hope to hear from your good results

I am on msn right now and ur in this thread but not online lol