So I promised I'd write after seeing my derm last week.
She walked into the room and asked if I was any better....NO!!! The night before I was at a meeting and actually MESSED UP the Pledge.....that's a good indicator that I'm not better yet!
We talked about how well my face looked and she asked if I though I was done. I was orignally planning to go the 6 months regardless of the side effects. But, now....I told her yes, I was done. She reduced my dosage to 40mg every other day for two weeks and that would be it.
By Wednesday of this week I noticed a HUGE difference. I'm able to remember numbers, concentrate and comprehend things I read while listening to the others in the office. Everyday it's better and better.
Hopefully the two months that I'm not going to be taking the Tane won't cause it to come back. I'm already noticing little pimples - these I can handle.
Again - if you are going to take this stuff stay aware!!!!! Notice ANY changes that you are going through.
I'll post again once I'm completely Accutane Free!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
4th Month
I've gone through a lot since the last post. My sister had emergency surgery on October 2 and the entire family went to Austin to be with her and her family. All is great, but it put everything on hold for a few weeks after.
For the first few days I was with my sis I drank nothing but diet coke to keep the caffeine flowing. The dryness hit me hard and after about 5 days, I a really weird bumpy rash on my hands and forearms. I finally had to make myself start drinking Gatorade and water. It took a while to get back to normal.
Mid October I came home for a week and had a derm appointment. My triglycerides were still high, but hadn't gotten any worse. She increased my dosage to 40mg 2xs a day M-F and once a day for Sat & Sun.
I went back to TX and while I was there was looking at pictures. I was trying to figure out how old my mother was in one picture. It was a simple subtraction (74-47=??) that should have been a no brainer for me. I couldn't figure it out!! Now, I deal with numbers all day long, this was a HUGE red flag!! I started really paying attention to my memory and concentration and realized that I had not read a book since I got to TX...I love to read, but it seemed like too much of a hassle. This had snuck up on me very quickly.
I did some research online and read that memory and concentration issues are both possible side effects of the Accutane.
I called my derm and she agreed that it was most likely a side effect - we decided that I would reduce my dosage to one a day until I see her next week. If things haven't returned to normal, we will reduce it again or take me off completely.
I promise to post again in a week or so to update everyone on my progress. Please make sure that you pay attention to what's going on with your own progress - I'd thought I was tired and stressed from everything going on with my sister - until I looked at that picture.
**Pay attention to your body and LISTEN to what it tells you!!
For the first few days I was with my sis I drank nothing but diet coke to keep the caffeine flowing. The dryness hit me hard and after about 5 days, I a really weird bumpy rash on my hands and forearms. I finally had to make myself start drinking Gatorade and water. It took a while to get back to normal.
Mid October I came home for a week and had a derm appointment. My triglycerides were still high, but hadn't gotten any worse. She increased my dosage to 40mg 2xs a day M-F and once a day for Sat & Sun.
I went back to TX and while I was there was looking at pictures. I was trying to figure out how old my mother was in one picture. It was a simple subtraction (74-47=??) that should have been a no brainer for me. I couldn't figure it out!! Now, I deal with numbers all day long, this was a HUGE red flag!! I started really paying attention to my memory and concentration and realized that I had not read a book since I got to TX...I love to read, but it seemed like too much of a hassle. This had snuck up on me very quickly.
I did some research online and read that memory and concentration issues are both possible side effects of the Accutane.
I called my derm and she agreed that it was most likely a side effect - we decided that I would reduce my dosage to one a day until I see her next week. If things haven't returned to normal, we will reduce it again or take me off completely.
I promise to post again in a week or so to update everyone on my progress. Please make sure that you pay attention to what's going on with your own progress - I'd thought I was tired and stressed from everything going on with my sister - until I looked at that picture.
**Pay attention to your body and LISTEN to what it tells you!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Day 60 Something
I had my two month appointment at the Derm's office. NEGATIVE PREG TEST this time!! Whew!! She was very pleased with the way my face looked. We talked about a couple spots that I'd had before that now the craters seem deeper. She thought that it might have been the steriod shots she'd done when they were pimples. She said that they should fill back out over time. I have no spots on my face now - even my husband is amazed by the way it looks! It's pretty pale without makeup since I've not been in the sun for a few months, but I'll take that over the growths ANYDAY!!
The derm was a bit concerned about my Tryglycerides (sp?) - they had gone up considerably over the last month. I blame that on the fast food we've been eating during the move. She said that the liver has a tougher time helping with the greasy stuff . I'm being more careful on the greasy food now and hopefully next month will look better.
My mood seems to be better, not sure if it was actually the Tane or just everything that's been happening around me. I've switched my "happy pill" to taking it in the am rather than the pm and I seem to be sleeping better.
My dosage has now been increased. I take two 40 mg M/W/F and one T/Th/S/S. Next month I'm to go to two a day. I got scolded on the nose and eye drops, but my eyes have not been dry yet! I asked about my sinuses as they seem to get dry right before my period. She said that I'm probably dry all the time, but just notice it more then - that I should be using the saline drops....my body really seems to have adjusted to being dry well.
My hair has been GREAT! Before, I hated when I couldn't wash my hair everyday, it got so oily and gross. Now I can go three and four days and it looks better with every day!!!
Today is my first day taking the double dose.....I'm write again soon!
The derm was a bit concerned about my Tryglycerides (sp?) - they had gone up considerably over the last month. I blame that on the fast food we've been eating during the move. She said that the liver has a tougher time helping with the greasy stuff . I'm being more careful on the greasy food now and hopefully next month will look better.
My mood seems to be better, not sure if it was actually the Tane or just everything that's been happening around me. I've switched my "happy pill" to taking it in the am rather than the pm and I seem to be sleeping better.
My dosage has now been increased. I take two 40 mg M/W/F and one T/Th/S/S. Next month I'm to go to two a day. I got scolded on the nose and eye drops, but my eyes have not been dry yet! I asked about my sinuses as they seem to get dry right before my period. She said that I'm probably dry all the time, but just notice it more then - that I should be using the saline drops....my body really seems to have adjusted to being dry well.
My hair has been GREAT! Before, I hated when I couldn't wash my hair everyday, it got so oily and gross. Now I can go three and four days and it looks better with every day!!!
Today is my first day taking the double dose.....I'm write again soon!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Day 40 Something!
Well, I've fallen behind on blogging - we finally moved and I've been a little preoccupied.
I went to the dermatologist last week for my one month checkup. I had a little scare when my lab tests showed I was PREGNANT!!! It was a mistake - I had to go have new blood drawn before I could have my new prescription. Talk about being stressed!!
Anyway, my derm said I was doing fine on the other labs and asked if I wanted to keep going - DUH!!! Of course - I absolutely love the way my face is looking. She says "I told you so!!" She didn't up the dosage yet - probably in another couple of months she said.
I'm having a hard time with drinking the electrolytes...The smart water is expensive and the gatorade gets boring, but I'm trying to keep up.
My lips are still super dry - I have chapsticks all over the house - my favorite right now is Lypsyl. It doesn't get the waxy / chunky buildup at all.
I haven't had any breakouts on my face. A couple that feel like they are coming up, but then never do!?! Weird. The derm shot a couple of the stubborn ones last week and they all seem to be gone!! My scalp has gotten super dry - any suggestions on that would be great!
I seem to be sleeping a lot - and feel a little depressed. Since life is really good right now, I can only blame it on the Accutane. Since I'm on antidepressants already, I figure I'm just going to have to deal with it, but I'm getting tired of sleeping!! I'm also having focus issues with my brain that I never had before....side effect of sleeping??
Have any of you ventured out into the sun yet? I've been in the sun bits here and there, and don't seem to have reactions. I'd love to get a little color before fall - living in FL and all!?!?!
Welcome Rachel - I'd love to hear from all of you how things are going!! I'll try to make the next post without waiting another 30 days!! HAPPY TANING!!!
I went to the dermatologist last week for my one month checkup. I had a little scare when my lab tests showed I was PREGNANT!!! It was a mistake - I had to go have new blood drawn before I could have my new prescription. Talk about being stressed!!
Anyway, my derm said I was doing fine on the other labs and asked if I wanted to keep going - DUH!!! Of course - I absolutely love the way my face is looking. She says "I told you so!!" She didn't up the dosage yet - probably in another couple of months she said.
I'm having a hard time with drinking the electrolytes...The smart water is expensive and the gatorade gets boring, but I'm trying to keep up.
My lips are still super dry - I have chapsticks all over the house - my favorite right now is Lypsyl. It doesn't get the waxy / chunky buildup at all.
I haven't had any breakouts on my face. A couple that feel like they are coming up, but then never do!?! Weird. The derm shot a couple of the stubborn ones last week and they all seem to be gone!! My scalp has gotten super dry - any suggestions on that would be great!
I seem to be sleeping a lot - and feel a little depressed. Since life is really good right now, I can only blame it on the Accutane. Since I'm on antidepressants already, I figure I'm just going to have to deal with it, but I'm getting tired of sleeping!! I'm also having focus issues with my brain that I never had before....side effect of sleeping??
Have any of you ventured out into the sun yet? I've been in the sun bits here and there, and don't seem to have reactions. I'd love to get a little color before fall - living in FL and all!?!?!
Welcome Rachel - I'd love to hear from all of you how things are going!! I'll try to make the next post without waiting another 30 days!! HAPPY TANING!!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Day 16
My face is doing so well! I almost don't want to goto the derm in a couple weeks - afraid she is going to up the dosage and reall mess me up!!
My lips are really, really dry! I'm trying everything but they just keep absorbing - chapstick, lip serum, lip gloss, lotion. I seem to have an area around my mouth that is drier than the rest of my face as well. In the evenings if starts to flake. It's the area from my nose to my chin and about as wide. The derm had told me that she had about the same thing happen to her - it would dry out when she ate (napkins and such) and that she would have to moisterize to make it through the day.
Monday I got a little laxed on drinking fluids and I really noticed a difference - definately won't do that again! My body got more achey and my little fingers started to shrivel - JUST KIDDING! But I got back into drinking the electrolytes and the aches are gone.
If there are others of you watching the blog let us know about you - whether you're on the TANE or just thinking about it! It's great to have support and know that I'm not the only one!
My lips are really, really dry! I'm trying everything but they just keep absorbing - chapstick, lip serum, lip gloss, lotion. I seem to have an area around my mouth that is drier than the rest of my face as well. In the evenings if starts to flake. It's the area from my nose to my chin and about as wide. The derm had told me that she had about the same thing happen to her - it would dry out when she ate (napkins and such) and that she would have to moisterize to make it through the day.
Monday I got a little laxed on drinking fluids and I really noticed a difference - definately won't do that again! My body got more achey and my little fingers started to shrivel - JUST KIDDING! But I got back into drinking the electrolytes and the aches are gone.
If there are others of you watching the blog let us know about you - whether you're on the TANE or just thinking about it! It's great to have support and know that I'm not the only one!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Day 10
I've made it through the first 10 pack of pills!!!!!!
I'm feeling good - my energy is up thanks to Herbalife and I've started making time to exercise! I've lost a little weight - thanks to Herbalife, not drinking alcohol and the massive amounts of water that runs through me. AND I'M STILL THIRSTY!
I was drinking Gatorade, but the sugar made me more thirsty so I've changed to Smartwater. One liter a day plus another liter or so of regular water or Herbalife tea.
My lips are super dry now - not painful, but I'm keeping chapstick stuff with me all the time. My face has started changing over the past couple of days. Only around my mouth and nose. It's not dry yet, but I can tell it will be if I don't moisturize. I actually cannot believe that I'm getting lotion anywhere near my face - trying to get over that fear!!
I've had a couple of bloody noses - nothing dripping out just kinda crusty(sorry if that was gross) - so I started using a saline spray. It doesn't seem to make a difference yet - this will definitely be one of the questions I ask at my one month mark.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
I'm feeling good - my energy is up thanks to Herbalife and I've started making time to exercise! I've lost a little weight - thanks to Herbalife, not drinking alcohol and the massive amounts of water that runs through me. AND I'M STILL THIRSTY!
I was drinking Gatorade, but the sugar made me more thirsty so I've changed to Smartwater. One liter a day plus another liter or so of regular water or Herbalife tea.
My lips are super dry now - not painful, but I'm keeping chapstick stuff with me all the time. My face has started changing over the past couple of days. Only around my mouth and nose. It's not dry yet, but I can tell it will be if I don't moisturize. I actually cannot believe that I'm getting lotion anywhere near my face - trying to get over that fear!!
I've had a couple of bloody noses - nothing dripping out just kinda crusty(sorry if that was gross) - so I started using a saline spray. It doesn't seem to make a difference yet - this will definitely be one of the questions I ask at my one month mark.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 6 - Accutane
Day Six,
I'm starting to notice that my lips are drier. I started with the lip moisturizer on day one, so they aren't cracking or hurting. I had a tiny pimple along my hairline (weird place), but haven't had any other problems. My skin seems to look healthier - for whatever reason (water, Accutane, diet).
I'm using a couple of things from the esthetician at my derm's office...I really love the stuff. The cleanser I use morning and night - Glycolix (has 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid). I use Diacneal (by Avene) once a day - usually in the morning and Cetaphil once or twice a day.
So far so good!
I'm starting to notice that my lips are drier. I started with the lip moisturizer on day one, so they aren't cracking or hurting. I had a tiny pimple along my hairline (weird place), but haven't had any other problems. My skin seems to look healthier - for whatever reason (water, Accutane, diet).
I'm using a couple of things from the esthetician at my derm's office...I really love the stuff. The cleanser I use morning and night - Glycolix (has 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid). I use Diacneal (by Avene) once a day - usually in the morning and Cetaphil once or twice a day.
So far so good!
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