I know that it has been a long while since I have blogged, but tonight, I have an excellent reason. I am beginning treatment for my cystic nodular acne. I have decided to use Accutane, a form of Isotretinoin capsules whose purpose is to cure severe nodular acne that cannot be cured by antibiotics. I decided to use my blog as a personal update... pictures and journals of the coming months are sure to come. Drum roll, please....THE BEFORE....
For those of you who don't know about Accutane, it is NOT just a prescription that is going to change my acne. Accutane is a big deal. Many people have lots of side effects that are torturing during the treatment, but they say they wouldn't change it for anything because the results are so great. In other words, if I REALLY want clear skin NOW, I'm just going to have to deal with it.
For the next 4-5 months, I will be taking the Accutane pill daily.
Because the medication causes birth defects in virtually 90% of pregnancies that occur in women using Accutane, the company and my dermatologist both require that the patient (me) take a monthly pregnancy test before the prescription can be given. I was asked to sign a form promising either: a) complete abstinence, or b) to use two separate forms of birth control, in order to prevent pregnancy. Each month, I must go to the doctor for an update, take a pregnancy test, get online and take a short quiz with questions about my comprehension of the side effects, and then fill my prescription within 7 days of its issuance.
I took a pregnancy test a month ago, it was negative. I took a pregnancy test and blood test today. Once they are approved as negative (will be Monday), I will be approved to go online and answer my quiz questions. Then, I will have 7 days to fill my prescription and begin taking Accutane. Let the fun begin...
Many people say that the worst side effects are SEVERE dry skin; dry, chapped lips; dry eyes; sore joints; slow healing time; headaches; nosebleeds; dry hair; and the acne gets lots worse before it gets better for most patients.
If you see me within the next five months, I'm sure you might notice that my face is transforming: getting worse, better, worse, better....like a skin roller coaster. I don't think I'm going to want to talk too much about it, hoping the process will be as quick and painless as possible. If I am acting weird or looking strange in the next five months...don't worry about me. It's just the Accutane. I will try my best to keep you updated.
Wish me luck!!!
