joelsgirl
Well-known member
I went to the dr a couple of weeks ago because I get these dry scaly patches around my scalp but shine like sun on the rest of my face. I have a few pimples, but most of it is just like bumpy on my forehead and chin.
Anyway, I didn't think it was that serious, so when she suggested Accutane I was a little shocked. My brother did accutane in high school, but he had crater-like acne, and I remember him crying because his joints ached, having nose bleeds and just overall thinking that all that trouble was only for severe acne. So when my doctor recommended it for me, I balked, internally.
But I have this thing about authority, and I couldnt say, NO, I dont want it, so here I am in my second week of medication. I'm taking it every other day and she said if the side effects get bad to just reduce the dosage to every three days.
All that to say, so far, I am amazed at the results. I forgot to wash my face last night; my skin looks as dry this morning as it did when I went to bed. That NEVER happens; normally in the mornings, Joel says, "You really should wash your face before you go to bed" because it is so shiny...even though I always washed it!
Second, my hair, which normally is oily by lunch, looks beautiful this morning, even though I haven't washed it yet. The blackheads around my nose are drying up,, and the scaly patches are healing. (She said it was actually caused by oil that forms yeast.)
UNfortunately, my nose and eyes painfully dry, and the worst part is that even though I am on BC, we have to use condoms, too, and I HATE those things.
So if you have made it this far, I was wondering if the side effects get worse the longer you take it and what other side effects I should be watching for. And did it help long term?
Anyway, I didn't think it was that serious, so when she suggested Accutane I was a little shocked. My brother did accutane in high school, but he had crater-like acne, and I remember him crying because his joints ached, having nose bleeds and just overall thinking that all that trouble was only for severe acne. So when my doctor recommended it for me, I balked, internally.
But I have this thing about authority, and I couldnt say, NO, I dont want it, so here I am in my second week of medication. I'm taking it every other day and she said if the side effects get bad to just reduce the dosage to every three days.
All that to say, so far, I am amazed at the results. I forgot to wash my face last night; my skin looks as dry this morning as it did when I went to bed. That NEVER happens; normally in the mornings, Joel says, "You really should wash your face before you go to bed" because it is so shiny...even though I always washed it!
Second, my hair, which normally is oily by lunch, looks beautiful this morning, even though I haven't washed it yet. The blackheads around my nose are drying up,, and the scaly patches are healing. (She said it was actually caused by oil that forms yeast.)
UNfortunately, my nose and eyes painfully dry, and the worst part is that even though I am on BC, we have to use condoms, too, and I HATE those things.
So if you have made it this far, I was wondering if the side effects get worse the longer you take it and what other side effects I should be watching for. And did it help long term?
Whaaaa! I never had ANY of those symptoms your brother had.
) and moodiness. I also came down with the flu 3 times while on it, which I'm convinced had to do with either a depressed immune system or the fact that I touched my eyes and lips so often due to the dryness. I did a lot of research about Accutane and most of what you find on the internet is negative (people with positive experiences don't normally post about them). I think the incidence of long term side effects is very low (less than 1%) and if you doctor is properly monitoring you, probably less. I could not tolerate a very high dose, so I went an extra month. It's actually suprising how many people have taken this medication. iPledge is a PITB, but I understand why they make you do it. I had to do monthly blood draws to check my kidneys, etc... Also, it's worth mentioning, your symptoms will improve as you adjust to the medication. Good luck!