35 days left-blood test-absorption

I went for my blood test at the end of my 5th month today. I am going to take an additional month of accutane, 6 months total. I feel pretty down in the dumps about it. Although I know its what I should do since I've continued to get some cysts, but I'm not optimistic that this additional month will cure me so that I don't need a second treatment. I guess I just hope that it delays a second treatment.

For the past couple weeks, I've been taking my accutane with oil, which helps with its absorption, which I just learned. I am having a resurgence of side effects. I feel so tired, achy, and kinda down in the dumps. I am going to take a nap today, which I haven't needed for over a month.

Looking back on my treatment, this has been really hard. I think while it was happening, I didn't really appreciate how bad it was making me feel, especially emotionally. Looking back at the winter, I'm surprised it went as well as it did. I guess I'm lucky.

It feels really hard to generate the energy and motivation to get through this last month.

Yoga and Rhodiola

I did yoga today! Hurray! Not like really hard workout or anything, but I actually moved my body around and stretched it out! I'm going to try it everyday! I can't wait until this over and I can really workout again and ride my bike everywhere!

Just when I think everything is awful, something changes, it could be the rhodiola.

Don't call it a come back! (please) end of month 3

In the past two weeks I've been getting some pimples, one cyst, and it seems like the blackheads are budding. Whats going on?! Are they figuring out how to survive in this harsh accutane tundra, or is this the last of the stuff hiding deep below?

I have been feeling somewhat better in the past couple weeks too. Not like I am going to ride my bike to work, like I so desperately want, but not like I feel like I'm falling apart. Maybe I had an actual cold before.

4th Blood Test

I had my 4th blood test today, without a hitch.

I feel more tired then ever. Am I actually sick, or is this just a side effect? I have congestion in my ears and nose, but not too much, and of course my body feels achy, but it has for over a month.

My doctor said I could reduce my dose, 2 one day, 1 the next day, etc., but that will add more time to my treatment. Hopefully this is actually a cold, and I will feel better soon.

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

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.

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.

Joint Pain, Acne, and Cuts: 1 1/2 months

Today I felt like and old woman. I feel this is probably what arthritis feels like. I feel like my bones are grinding together. This joint pain is a recognized side effect so I looked on line to see if I could find any recommended relief. I am shy to take any pain relievers because I really don't want to tax my liver anymore.

I found a helpful question and answer site covering this topic at MedHelp.org. Unfortunately it costs $19 to ask a question, but the posted questions and answers are helpful.

I also found this wikihealth site over all very helpful. It lays out typical side effects and experiences by month of treatment. I will add this to my links column.

The last entry in this forum recommends Glucosamine Sulphate which is used by arthritic people. Go figure. I will call my doctor or pharmacist to find out if its ok to take.

This forum recommends more water! That sounds like a good idea too. I try to drink as much as I can, but sometimes I forget, and sometimes I don't want to have to pee all the time.

At 1/2 way through my second month my skin looks better, but the pimples are still putting up a fight. I've had a few small cysts break through this week.

Also cuts are happening more easily and taking longer to heal. I've had some mystery cuts on my face. Did I do that when I was sleeping?