Blah- Blah..... mid month 3

Blah blah achy day.


I had to sand and paint the new walls in my studio the past two days, and I think that is why I feel yucky. But that project is done...

It seems like the achy is directly related to physical effort, which sucks. I like to work out, and soon the ice will melt and I can start riding my bike again, but that may all have to wait until May.

Once I am done with this I will have to seriously work out!

Blame it on the vitamins and Aleve

I've been feeling better. Who really knows why. I've been diligently taking my vitamins and pain reliever:

• multi vitamin
• omega 3 fatty acid
• vitamin E
• glucosamine

• 2 Aleves twice a day

and

• Tonglen- on the spot and on the cushion.
  

Is your doctor competent? A comment and response.

Below is a comment I just received and my response, which I wanted to republish for the benefit of others. Not all doctors are the same. Find one that you think serves you well, and do your own research and ask lots of questions.

Hi Renee,

I just started my fourth month of accutane last week. This is my second month of the 80mg. I completely understand everything you're going through. I went to the Dr. on Friday, and he said I may need to stay on it for an excess of 6 months. My acne isn't as good as it should look for how long I've been on the medicine. I'm experiencing the acing joints today more than ever. I've been sleeping a lot and I have no desire to get up for my morning classes. I'm upset that I skipped my business class this morning. I just found out last night that I'm not supposed to drink while on accutane. Until now, I've been drinking several times per week. Do you know if this could affect how my acne responds to the medicine? I'm hoping now that I know not to drink, my acne will improve. I'm quite upset that my Dr. never told me not to drink. The iPledge booklet doesn't mention anything, either. I love your blog, I just found it tonight. It's great to have someone who is going through the same stuff I am.


Andy,

Your doctor made a grave error in not informing you about drinking. Drinking, or any substance use, while on accutane is very bad for your liver because accutane is very bad for your liver. So your liver is doing double duty. Not drinking might help your fatigue for obvious reasons, but I have no idea about your acne.

I hope that your acne clears up with accutane, but it is also important that you protect yourself from injuries that accutane could cause (like liver damage). Are you getting a monthly blood test? My doctor won't keep me on it for more then 5 months, I asked, because I want to make sure it works, but she said dosage is based on body weight. Some people end up taking it twice. Don't be discouraged, but read as much as you can, and maybe consider a different doctor.

Best Wishes,

-Renee

the battle of the fatigue, month 3

I am still battling the fatigue, the aches, the feeling down.

Everything is a chore, which is sad, because I've been doing such fun things.

Accutane Survival Kit

Stuff

1. Aquaphor- for lips and nostrils, don't leave home without it
2. Thick fragrance free moisturizer- for body and face
3. Sunblock
4. Aleve (naproxen sodium)- for body aches
5. Vitamin E
6. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
7. 1/2 Muti Vitamin (careful of vitamin A)
   
8. Rhodiola Rosea for energy and mood
9. Fiber supplement
10. Glucosamine for joint pain
    

Behavior

1. Drink lots of water
2. Don't drink alcohol- not only because its bad for your liver, but it dehydrates, and causes poor mood.
3. Have the safest sex of your life.
4. Sleep a lot.
5. Don't pursue strenuous activities, but continue with gentle exercises like yoga
6. Careful of fragile skin and cuts
7. Drink more water.
8. Be optimistic, accutane sucks, but so does disfiguring acne, and only one of them is permanent.

Defeated Day, Month 3 Begins

Wow what a day. I can not shake this feeling of defeat both emotionally and physically. It seems to radiate out from my lungs then sticks in my thighs and knees. It feels like saddness and tiredness intermixed. I need to get it together for class. I wish I didn't have to work today.

I've been drinking more coffee then I usually do in an effort to cope with the fatigue, I wonder if it is back firing. I should drink more water, especially if drinking more coffee.

Hopefully the Lojong class I am taking will help. We will be practicing Tonglen tonight, which is something I should practice everday, especially during these hard days. The refresher instruction will be helpful to get that back into gear for me.

exhausted

I am exhausted which is making me feel down in the dumps. Sometimes I feel like I am atrophying.

Waiting game at the pharmacy.

Waiting game at the pharmacy. They only have a half order again! I will be back again tomorrow

3rd Blood Test, Injection and Sunblock

My third blood sample was taken without incident, lets hope it doesn't get lost between the office and the lab!

Julia (the physician's aide who supervises my treatment) is really nice. She saw the big pimple on my cheek and was like "Oh, do you want me to inject that?" and I'm like, "Inject it? With what?" She says, "I'll inject it and it will be gone by tomorrow!" And of course I'm like "Yeah!"

I get these dark patches on my skin, symmetrically sorta down from my near the inner corner of my eyes, and expanding outward onto my cheeks. It looks kinda weird, like symmetrical dirt or like a cat, but it is also on my forehead. I am not sure if it is skin damage from the acne or hormonal stuff like "the mask of pregnancy" that it resembles. It shows up from sun exposure.

I can treat it with bleaching cream, but haven't been since starting the accutane, but Julia said I totally can!

She also told me that the Neutrogena Helioplex stuff is not strong enough, and that I need something with zinc oxide in it. She gave me several samples, and I will look for make up with sunscreen that has zinc oxide it as well.

3rd Blood Test Today

Today I go for my third blood test. Hopefully there are no mix ups or screwups this time, I only have 3 days of medicine left.

My body aches have reduced significantly after taking the naproxen sodium twice a day for several days. I am not taking it now, but I will again, if I need to. It seems to sorta "build up" after taking it for several days.

I have one big red pimple/cycst on my cheek, and its been there for about a week. And a crack is forming in the corner of my mouth no matter how much I put Aquaphor on it.

Look for the texts from my phone and the ipledge/pharmacy circus tomorrow.

Naproxen Sodium

Taking 2 naproxen sodium (Aleve) twice a day has really helped! I only have slight discomfort in my right hand and in my knees.

And trying to drink the water....

Body Pain Management

I am taking Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) twice a day, and I started taking the Glucosamine. The Glucosamine takes at least a month to kick in and doesn't work for everyone, but it shouldn't hurt. I just started these, so I have no positive results to report, yet.