Starting this week!

Caroline

Sunday 20 April, 2008

Hey, just found this website on google! Been reading through people’s diaries and it’s nice to see the treatment is working quite well for everyone!

I am going to be starting on Roaccutane sometime this week and although I was chuffed to be put on something stronger than the antibiotics I’ve been using since about the age of 13, I am really scared about all the side effects that come with this medicine!! Is the drynesss and redness really bad? My spots are probably moderate rather than severe but I have terrible blackheads on my nose, just wondering if anyone else has the same problem and whether this treatment will get rid of them once and for all?!

And does it help with acne scarring as well as I have some on my cheeks and shoulders.My other concern is I’m going abroad in the summer and i’m worried about my skin will cope with the sun! I’ll make sure I keep out of the sun as much as possible though!

Any advice for my first week would be great thanks!!

3 Responses to “Starting this week!”

#1 Leanne says...

Hi Caroline,
I am going into week 8 of the treatment and can’t believe how quickly time if flying.
Im 25 and have suffered since I was 11 with spots!!! At the moment I am doing well I am on 40mg a day (two capsules with my evening meal). I have had some new spots but they disappear as quickly as they came up.
My only side affects at this stage have been: dry lips and skin (espcially round my mouth), tiredness, aches and pains in neck and most recently ribs, which is managable.
I have been using E45 cream on my face and body and vaseline (like its going out of fashion). Blistex is very good too.
Dont worry too much about the side affects as they are barable and its only for a few months so its worth all the hassel.
I am getting married in August so need to be finished for then as we are going on our 2 weeks honeymoon. I love sunbathing as well, just need to be sensible I guess.
I dont think Roaccutane helps with scarring but I maybe wrong, write a list of questions to ask your dermotologist?

All I will say is take each day as it comes and you will find this website really helpful.

Good Luck and let us know how your first week goes,

TTFN, Leanne x

April 20th, 2008 at 10:46 pm

#2 caroline says...

Thanx Leanne for your reply! I’ll try using them products for when I begin! Don’t know whether aqueous cream as a face wash might help with the drynesss as well?! I was given this by my Dr a while ago because soap seem to dry me out a bit!
It’s my 18th soon, so watch my initial flare up hit me that weekend!!
Yep, I’ll definitely be using this site! It’s brilliant! People who know I’m going on the stuff don’t understand why as my acne isn’t severe, but nothing seems to be clearing it up or getting rid of these blackheads so i’m willing to try anything!! It’s nice to talk to people who are going through exactly the same!!
I’ll keep a diary like everyone else!
xxx

April 21st, 2008 at 9:42 am

#3 Gemma says...

Hi Caroline,

I found this site before starting Roacc too and although it was very helpful and made me feel better about taking it, it’s also scary to hear how people are actually coping with the side effects, everyone is different so it gets you wondering how bad it is going to be for you.

I am nearly 2 weeks in and the side effects have been more annoying that anything but definately manageable. I am on 30mg a day and will be going up to 60mg in a few weeks so I expect the side effects will get a bit worse again then.

After suffering acne for 15 years I am willing to put up with a few months of torture for a good end result!

Keep your chin up and just try to think about how lovely your skin will be at the end of the course!

Looking forward to reading your progress!
xxx