Special Occasion-beginning of month 5

I had two beers tonight, right in a row with dinner. Its wonderful. I've had so little to drink through out this ordeal. I want to sorta celebrate and have a lovely evening with my husband on our back porch. It was the first beautiful evening and we could eat outside. It was worth it and I loved it.

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

Day 9, Month 1

I still don't have any side effects. And of course I hope that I never get a depression side effect, but I did associate the expected dryness with the medicine working. I am breaking out a little, and taking that as a good sign, but if I don't get other side effects, like dryness by the time this month is over, I will ask the doctor for the higher dose of 40mg twice a day. I'm not doing all this birth control stuff and not drinking, to get anything less then the best results possible.

Although, I have had a couple glasses of wine over the holidays, but very little.

Day 2

I feel very tired and some what disconnected, but I think that has nothing to do with accutane and everything to do with the semester being over. I think I need to be more busy, and exercise more. Its just been so cold and snowy. All I want to do is sleep.

I am beginning to feel relief. There was so much effort and worry about getting the medicine, but now that I have it, and know everything will work just fine the next times, I am beginning to feel relaxed, and looking forward. Although all the processes seem so over whelming, that has a lot to do with my personality, not being able to switch gears very well. I am really optimistic about the out come of this treatment.

However, I forgot mention another very important restriction.

NO DRINKING! for the whole 5 months! The reports on the internet vary, but basically, accutane is bad for the liver and so is alcohol, so you don't want to give your body a double dose of work!

Keeping this journal feels really helpful.