Week 1: The first week is over...I was extremely nervous about taking the pill, but knew this was something I had to do so that I could feel better about myself. I'm 130lbs, 5'9" and I started out at 40mg for the first four days then took 60mg and will be on that for 2 weeks. The first few days I had a slight headache, itchy scalp but I couldn't see any changes with my face. On the third day, I felt awful. I woke up with a sore throat, my face was redder--very sensitive--The entire day I didn't feel much like eating, instead my stomach felt achy. At days end on the third day I noticed 2 more pimples (whiteheads)not including those that looked like they were coming or the red spots. The next day I decided to wear oil-free make up, something I haven't done in over a year. It helped my confidence, but only to a certain extent. I don't want to wear any. . but I don't want the red to show. I noticed my face was getting very dry. Lips are doing okay so far, headaches and itchy scalp have let up. I came home thinking the worst that when I'd take off the make-up...it would look awful. Instead I was surprised to see how dried up the pimples got and those that were coming to the surface dried up. I'm thinking about applying a moisturizer, but haven't found the right kind. I don't use any cleanser yet...don't know if I want to. Only wash twice daily water and a cloth. The rest of the week was dry! Lips okay until the Sunday (June 6'99) Using soft lips and Vaseline. I've worn make-up for four days in a row and I'm not sure if next week will end up worse because of what I did. I can't believe how quickly the pores dry up. Hoping my face will go back to the normal color. . Last summer I burnt badly while on Tetracycline, and it's still slightly red. Hoping for the best!! Until next week...
Week 2: This week was okay. I had a few whiteheads the beginning of the week, but they dried up quickly. My lips are getting very dry. I put Vaseline on them and pile it on at night. My scalp is itchy and my nose will bleed. I'm still only using a cloth and water to wash my face. My face is getting drier though. Smiling hurts. . and it's so flaky. Time for the moisturizer. I'm still touching my face...only to apply make-up, but I use a sponge for that...I've been eating some more foods I'd ignored. By the end of the week I noticed the one side of my face get very red and had a few pimples or spots form. I hope I won't have to wear the make-up. Went out drinking this past weekend and felt fine the next day. But until next week...hoping and being strong.
Week 3: Another week, and I must say that this was a very difficult week for me. The first part of the week I noticed my left cheek get very red. The rest of the week I was dealing with blemishes and pimples. I haven't used any cleanser yet, and still wash with a cloth and water. My face was so dry I couldn't smile without it flaking. It was so dry, I decided to use a moisturizer. I'm using Vaseline moisturizer and it's working great. Only applied it to my chin and upper lip area so far. My lips are chapping badly in the corners, but I am using so much chap stick. I haven't experienced any side effects this week. I went out drinking this weekend, but didn't drink very much. I did notice the last time that my face would stay dry, but would take longer to heal. I'm not sure if I'm just thinking this or if it's because of the alcohol. I'm still wearing make-up although it was hard with such dry skin, but the next day my skin was soft! and the make-up is easier to put on. Trying to get through the week was hard. . I didn't like looking at my face. . it made me so upset. I had a doctor's appointment and things went fine with my blood tests and he's keeping me on 60mg a day. I had a compliment from one of the nurses on how my skin looks great. That makes me feel so good although I was wearing make-up.
The last day of the week and things are looking better. . my left cheek looks like it's healing, but is still very red. I haven't been in the sun very much yet, and don't plan on being in it much. Thanks to Stacy for being such a great friend through all of this, Keeping my fingers crossed:)
Week 4: The beginning of this week was fine. I had a few pimples, but the make-up covered it up. Mid-week it stared to get worse. I had red spots on my cheek from the weeks prior, a few pimples coming on my chin and the corners of my lips are painful. I'm still hoping I won't have to wear make-up, but for now I have to. I wish the redness would go away. I've been putting on so much lotion, and it helps, but the corners of my mouth aren't healing. When I open my mouth they crack causing it to flake. I'm still washing with a cloth and water, eating the foods I avoided still and I had someone touch my face by accident the other day. I used to be to touchy about my face being touched, I'd have to go and wash it if it were touched. I don't touch it to often though. I went out to a few parties this weekend, but watched how much I drank. Just a couple of beers. . next time. . maybe it will be I didn't have any beers. Had a few side effects this week. . minor nose bleeds. . the nose feels dry and plugged at times. I've had a sore throat and dried out legs and arms. I've made it through the first month, crossing my fingers for the next months.
Week 5: I'm starting to feel more confident, but I'm still very nervous. The cracking around my lips was starting to heal mid-week, and my lips have been good. . as long as I use the chap stick. I had a few small pimples, I picked some...they would dry up quickly...then it would flake. . and possibly bleed after. The red spots are still plentiful, I'm wearing make-up. . towards the end of the week I was wearing smaller amounts of it. Still using only water and a cloth to wash my face, and I'm using the Vaseline lotion after my shower and before bed. I haven't noticed any side effects this week, I went out to golf and rollerblade, but didn't really have muscle aches. My body did feel achy, but nothing serious. Still drinking small amounts on the weekend, I want to slow that down. Towards the end of the week, I went to work feeling so much better...I could look people in the face without my hand over my face. I was actually happy in a way about myself. . I felt like a different person. To bad it was the make-up, but I know this is working...and I'm hoping it continues for the best. A huge thank you to everyone who has sent me mail. . and been there to help and support. It truly means everything to me, I am always here to talk, help and support. Going into the sixth week... *nervous and happy*
Week 6: This week wasn't the greatest. I had a few more pimples and one was extremely large on my forehead. I did pick it, only because it was itchy and very red. The day after I picked it, it was dry and flaky. I'm noticing that my skin is dry and not oily as it used to be. I used to put a finger on my nose and it would be greasy looking. I had a small breakout area beside my lips, on the lower cheek, that's lasted(ing) for a week now. I'm getting tired of the make-up all over my face, but it's helping my self confidence a bit more than what it used to be. My lips are dry and the lotion is still helping, the corners of my lips are healing, but occasionally I'll have to pick off some of the flakes. I know that sounds disgusting, but that's what I've been doing. The red spots are still unbelievable. I'll pick off dry and embarrassing skin, and it's so red underneath...it'll bleed sometimes. I can't tell you how much hair I've been pulling out, and my nose bleeds and can get plugged up at times. . The other day I had a minor headache, but it went away quickly. No other side effects, went out drinking. . didn't have much...trying to avoid it. The other day at work, I had someone comment on how different I was. . they said I looked up more! This disease has hurt me so much...I was ashamed and embarrassed. It's nice to hear that, just hope I can look up and feel 100% without the make-up. I'm still only washing with a cloth and water, putting lotion on my face after a shower and before bed. I have a doctors appointment this week, hopefully things will get better. Til next week... *S*
Week 7: This week wasn't to bad. Still getting some pimples, but I'd pick and they'd dry up quickly. I'd have to deal with the red marks and some bleeding afterwards. I noticed all my pimples are dry, and some would dry up without looking red or painful. For the first time this week I went out to lunch and dinner. I was afraid of eating some foods, and opening up my mouth wide because of the dryness. I was surprised that after lunch the corners of my mouth weren't bad at all. During the end of the week however I started to get a small itchy rash on my arm. I think it's the Accutane. I also started to come down with a cold. I felt awful. Other than that, I'm still wearing make-up, but it's not as much as would have put on in the beginning. I've continued to use only a cloth and water to wash my face. Went out drinking again this weekend, watching how much I have. I'm so happy with the results from Accutane. I can feel my face staying dry for the entire day. . I've been going out to dinner so much, eating pizza, taco bell, dairy products etc.... it's been years since I'd had fast foods!! I'm still nervous about Accutane...I guess I'm just worried about the results, I've dealing with the side effects, and I know that if I weren't on it my face would be oily, red, and I'd be picking at my face every night. The side effects aren't as bad as I expected or had heard. You get to the point where you want to be clear...you've tried all the products without success. Accutane sounds scary, and to me it was the blood tests, and side effects. I've had the best support from this site and everyone on the site. Nearing the half way point...still VERY nervous...til next week.
Week 8: The beginning of the week I had a few pimples which left some red marks. My skin is dry and the lips get dry after awhile too. I've been using Vaseline lotion still, can't complain about it. I've been washing with only a cloth and water still, and the make-up is getting lighter. I'm finally eating the foods I've wanted to eat. Taco Bell after the bar, or a tomato and cheese sandwich with some chips for lunch. . etc. . The only side effects I noticed this week was a minor headache, and the dryness. The hair loss hasn't been as bad, and the dryness on the feet hasn't been peeling as much as it was. The end of the week was good, I had still a few pimples, the power went out so I couldn't wash up or see exactly how I looked. Went to bed and didn't pick anything. Just a few small pimples which dried up. The lips are still dry and the corners can get bad if I don't take care of the problem immediately. Feeling more confident, but the make-up is helping with that. Hopefully I won't need the make-up for long. I'm planning on spending nights at friends houses and don't want to have make-up on, because it takes me long enough to put it on and then off again. The redness is still there, but hopefully the lotion will help decrease that. Hoping for the best...time is going fast and I'm happy. For once in such a long time...but still nervous.
Week 9: The side effects aren't as bad this week. The lips are still dry, but bother me when I don't have chap stick on then. I've got to make sure to you the chap stick often or the corners of my lips will crack. I've had a few pimples this week, and three have lasted for a few days. They dry up quickly, but the red marks just won't leave. The other day I was eating dinner at Pizza Hut, and as I was taking a bite of the crust the cheese inside had dripped on my chin. I thought the worst!! I was always so paranoid of things on my face. So far it's been okay. I'm still washing with a cloth and water, had my blood work done and my doctor's appointment. He's keeping me at 60mg a day. I'm wearing the make-up still.... have to. I'm still nervous about the results. Things will be happening in a month...spending nights elsewhere, and I just want the clear and non red face. Until next week.
Week 10: Time is going by quickly. This was a good week, but the only thing that is bothering me is the dryness. The lips get dry, and I can control it, but the corners of my lips will crack if I don't put lotion on them they will flake and it's awful. I try not to open my mouth to wide, or eat something other than in bits. Just a few pimples, but nothing to obvious. I've still got a few spots that are healing from previous breakouts. My skin looks normal color again, but there is definitely red spots, so I'm still using make-up lightly to cover. I tried a Spectro-Jel, the derm gave me to help with the make-up, the water and cloth thing wasn't helping to much. I can tell a difference already. Went out drinking this weekend, not to much...and eating things I was so nervous to eat before. To anyone who is unsure or scared to try this, I must re-assure you that I was just as doubtful. I was afraid of the effects, the "major breakouts", blood tests, and would it actually work? That would mean that I've been trying other products for months, and it would have all been a waste...what if they started to work, but Accutane didn't? It was a chance, I told myself that I've been so unhappy for so long, I hated so much. . why not give it a try. Besides that this site convinced me more than anything. In December I told myself I couldn't do it, come March I was considering it...told some people on the site I was making an appointment, but I delayed. I realized it wasn't getting any better, so I meant someone who was starting this around the same time I was, and that's helped me so much. This isn't as bad as you've read or heard, I feel so much better right now about myself then I have in the last four years. Don't get me wrong, it's normal to be nervous, and I still am nervous.
It's the last day of the week 8/9/99, and things are good. . just the corners of my lips and a few dry spots on the cheeks that have been healing for a few weeks now. *S* nervous and happy. . til next time
Week 11: This week was okay. Had a few pimples, some small ones, and the others were just small bumps. The red marks are awful. I have to pick the dry flakes off, and when I do it makes my face look bad. Still wearing make-up, and washing with Spectro-Jel to get the make-up off. Vaseline lotion seems to be working for the face, but the lips can be very dry. Blistex works well. The corners of my mouth are the worst. I hate worrying about them all the time. Afraid to smile because it might flake. This coming week I'm going to Cedar Point, so hopefully everything will be okay. I'm going to put on some sun screen and try to avoid the sun as much as possible. Had a doctor's appointment, he's keeping me on 60mg a day, and told me that was the last time he needed to see me. Another month and I'll be finished. I'm so scared, not sure what will happen once I'm off this. Hoping for a good week...birthday on Friday. . what should I wish for?
Week 12: No major difference this week. Still getting some pimples, and the red spots are awful. If I pick at the dry spots because they are flaky, it only makes them worse. I'm putting Vaseline lotion on my face and still using blistex on my lips. My lips are fine, and the corners of my lips are better. I still use plenty of lotion on the corners. The Spectro-Jel seems to work fine to get the make-up off that I'm still wearing!! The cheeks seem to be the worst because of the dry red spots. Eating the good foods still, but finding it nervous to do it because I purposely avoided it before. Went to Cedar Point for the day and put some non-oily sun screen on. My b-day was the 20th so I ended up going out with some friends and drinking. I slept that night without washing my face!!
Had my blood tests for the last time, and my doctor told me he didn't need to see me again. He kept me at 60mg, for the last month. The end of the week is getting me nervous...noticed reddish skin, hope it's not a breakout like before. I deciding if I should go back on the pill, I went off it because I thought it made the skin worse, but it's that extra protection, and would the accutane still help? Anyhow, hoping for a promising week ahead.
Week 13: What I thought was going to be a breakout seemed to disappear the next day. I worked most of the week and went out afterwards. I'm still wearing make-up, unfortunately. I notice that the one side of my cheek is still bad. It will flake, and it's red under the make-up. It seems like it's been like that for months. I'm wearing my hair up more often and eating the foods I've wanted to. I'm thinking about asking my doctor for more pills, because I'm so nervous of what will happen once I'm done. Will I need antibiotics? The end of the week wasn't any better, I noticed 2 more pimples and the red marks are so annoying. The lips are getting better, but I still pile the lotion on which looks weird to some people I'm sure. I think I'm going to start taking the pill again...September 1st. So nervous.....I still look and feel uncomfortable without make-up. More next week.....
Week 14: The past week was okay, but stressful and irritating. I'm slowly putting on less and less make-up, but my skin is still peeling or flaking in some areas on my one cheek. If I pick at it, it becomes worse. Red, hard to cover with make-up and eventually will flake and look awful. Was going to stay overnight someplace, but couldn't because of that reason. The corners of my mouth do still flake, but if I keep up with the lotion they seem to be okay. I'm going on two weeks of the pill. This I am very nervous about, not to mention what is going to happen once this is over. The end of the week I started to get a sore throat, so that means I've got a cold coming...I figured I'd catch it since being on Accutane gives you the better chance of catching it. Not much time left....Week 15: This week wasn't a good week. The right side of my face is awful---still. It's red, and I'll still get a few pimples. If I do try and pick the dryness off my skin, it'll look very red and sometimes bleed. This is very difficult to hide and it's embarrassing. It's been like that for 12 weeks now. Other than that everything is good. My lips are still coated with lotion and so is my face. I had a rash on both of my arms the other day, it went away after a few days. Ended up with a cold mid-week, lost my voice and I tried to avoid getting it. I'm still eating things I wouldn't have months ago, which is good news, but I'm going on a few weeks of the pill now and I'm nervous about that. Will it make things worse again or not?? Anyhow a few weeks left now...staying hopeful....Week 16: This was another difficult week. The one side of my face is dry, flaky and red. I'm still wearing make-up on that side, unfortunately. I've been asked to spend the night at some friends houses, but I can't do it.not now.They'd shriek at the site of my face without the make-up on that one side.I've had this annoying cold for over a week now, my voice was gone for a few days and I noticed a rash on my arms..sometimes they'll get really red looking like a poison ivy rash, but it'll go away after a day.I'm washing my face with the Spectro-Jel, and I'm eating the things I haven't in so long, but what bothers me is the dryness on the cheeks. Anyhow, hoping things start to improve to where I won't have to wear any make-up at all. It's hard to see others with clear faces fall asleep and wake up the next day with clear skin and soft, not dry and flaky skin. Only a few more weeks to go.had my last set of blood tests done, and everything's normal. Fingers are crossedWeek 17: After my doctors appointment on Monday, he decided to finish me up doing 40mg one day, and then two 40mg's another day. It's almost over and I'm so nervous about what's going to happen once this is finished.The past week was okay, the one side of my cheek still bothers me. It's dry and flaky. After I wash my face, the make-up on that side comes off and makes my cheek look awful with the red spots. The other side of my cheek is make-up free and wonderful. The lips still are dry, but the blistex still helps and I've also noticed it helps with the corners of my mouth when they seem like there going to crack. Just getting over the cold from the previous week other than that no other side effects except my eyes were somewhat dry the other day. I'm still on the pill, but I hope it doesn't cause anything serious to happen. I definitely feel better than I did months ago, I'm so happy I decided to do this. I can actually look at people and not feel like hiding. My self confidence is coming back, but it'll take sometime to feel 100% about myself again. This disease has effected me in so many ways.Week 18: My 18th week and it was a good week. The right side of my cheek is slowly healing, and I didn't have to pick the flaky skin. The red marks are still noticeable, but I use a small amount of cover-up. I'm using less and less of it. No major side effects except my eyes were dry and minor headaches.Only a few weeks left now.and I'm nervous..STILL...Still using Spectro-Jel, no problems with it, and I'm on the pill going into my second month. During the end of the week however I noticed a painful sore coming from the side of my mouth. Tried picking it, but didn't do much except make it worse.and now it'll scab and take time to heal after I have to deal with the flaky part. So I noticed two pimples, the other one gone within the same day.Also noticed my face get red in one spot for a bit then disappear..not sure what that's all about.Anyhow.hope the scab clears up...perhaps no make-up soon?? Week 19: A good week, except one morning I woke up and had a small pimple on my cheek. It went away quickly, but now I have the red marks to deal with. The pimple or what seemed likeit in the corner of my lip went away, but came back again during the end of the week.The make-up is getting lighter, but I'm still wearing it. I'm so nervous once I'm finished, I've heard a few different after affects. I'm taking one 40mg a day, and two 40mg's the next day, so 60mg a day. My lips get dry so fast..and my skin seems softer, but I'm putting lotion on it.I must admit my confidence is coming back, but not 100% yet. Still on the pill..and the other day I was examining my face and it seemed like it was trying to get bumpy or oily..that makes me nervous. I hopethe Accutane works for me. Nothing more than that, 'til next weekWeek 20: An okay week, started off good.the lips and corners were still dry and would crack without the blistex. Still on the pill, and washing my face with Spectro-Jel. No other side effects. Later in the week I had another pimple on my left cheek. I've been having a hard time with it. Still wearing the cover up, the red marks are still there, and worse now since the pimple. Everything else seems to be going okay..and looking good. Still worried, soon I'll be finished taking the pills and not sure of what to expect. I've heard different stories about what happens after Accutane. Some will break-out again, or not. So many questions to ask myself. Will I breakout, do I need to take antibiotics? I do hope things go well.I can't take anymore pimples that's for sure. Hoping I won't have to wear any make-up soon, I was hopeful at one point, but ended up having a pimple. Another week to go by.Week 21: Another week's over and I can't complain at all. I did however end up with a blemish on my cheek but it seems to be coming back every so often. I don't understand. The redness is fading now, but what bothers me is the flakiness that I have to pick at. It seems like I've been doing that for months now. Anyhow the make-up is going on good and only a small amount. Still wouldn't be able to go out without it on. At least not on the one side of my face. It's so wonderful to go out and eat at a restaurant, and actually have a hard time deciding what to eat. Before I wouldn't go out, and wouldn't eat hardly anything in fear it would make me break out. When I do go out to eat though, I make sure I have my blistex, without it if my lips were to get dry and I'd open my mouth to eat, the corners of my lips would crack. That's basically my only side effect. My skin's normal color is back again, that's good news, my eyes are still dry. I went out drinking once this week, didn't notice anything different while drinking or the next day. Had a migraine one day for a few hours..don't think it has anything to do with the medication. Another week left and I have absolutely no regrets about this treatment, it may have taken some convincing for me to go on it, but I'm much happier now that I've done it. It's amazing how a person can change from being depressed and hating themselves, to finding some happiness and facing people and the outside world again. Week 22: Yet another week and things were basically the same as the last. The red blemish on the one cheek is bothering me. I'm not sure if it's staying or going. When I do pick at it, it'll flake and it's awful.Later in the week things looked promising and the flakiness is less and less. Hopefully it's going away.Still wearing the make-up, so much less than ever. Not much longer, I've been taking a lesser dose as I'm finishing. Rather than 60mg a day it's 40mg. I hope that everything will be okay, and that my face will remain clear. It's so amazing having my self-assurance and confidence back again.I'm a different person now, but I know how the disease affected me.Next week will be the last..
September 18, 2000 Things have been wonderful. I am so happy that I decided to give Accutane a try, I can go out, talk to people, eat food (some greasy) wake up in the morning without being afraid to look in the mirror. Sure there were those darn side effects, but it was worth it. They slowly go away..my face isn't as sensitve in the sun, I don't get sick as much as I used to. Of course you might get the occasional pimple, but they tend to go away quickly, the only thing that bothered me was a red rash that would appear on my cheek..it would feel warm, and after 1/2 hour it would go away...not sure what this is all about. Good luck to you, stay positive. -- Kim
