Yet another useless derm!

Claire A
 

Claire A

Monday 11 February, 2008

Posted in Acne

Saw another derm on Saturday. I was so looking forward to it as well. I thought I’d finally be getting roaccutane.

Instead I saw this useless old git, who had the annoying habit of repeating every word I said like he had some hearing problem.He was wearing one of those old man jackets with the leather pads on the elbows, you know the sort. He told me my acne wasn’t severe enough for roaccutane.

I tried to point out that I’m 29 and that I think it is pretty severe, but he just said that was my opinion. I got really upset and started crying. He didn’t even offer me a tissue.

He said he was going to prescribe me Spironolactone, and was saying you have to constantly keep trying different anti-biotics and then go back to them after a while. I asked what was the point in that when roacc is a cure.

Then came the big one. The most ridiculous, most stupidist thing I have heard. It still makes me swell up with tears when I think about it.

He told me, a 29 year old, that I would, ‘Grow out of acne.!!!!’ Can you believe it?? I stormed out in tears, and felt like waiting for him in the car park so I could run him down.

I went home and got really drunk and spent the whole of Sat night in tears, wondering what was the point of living.

So I guess I’ll have to try this Spironolactone. Can’t find much about it. Even if it does work, it’s only a stop gap, not a cure.

21 Responses to “Yet another useless derm!”

#1 Abi says...

I’m so sorry that you’re having such a bad experience Claire :-(

It’s awful when you don’t feel like dermatologists are listening to you and that they are fobbing you off with various useless treatments.

Is this a derm you’ve seen through the NHS or privately? I was told by my GP that a dermatologist wouldn’t touch me with a barge pole because my acne wasn’t severe enough but when I decided to go private it was a different story.

xxxxxxxxxx

February 11th, 2008 at 10:11 pm

#2 Caroline says...

I’ve got the total opposite of a dermatologist, he’s so laid back and doesn’t seem to care about any of my concerns!

My brother took roaccutane about 10 years ago and consequently suffered clinical depression and attempted suicide. On discussing this and other serious side-effects, he waved all my concerns away with a flick of his hand (didn’t even give a response) and when I said to him “you just think I’m being a worrier, don’t you?” he simply replied “yes”.

I’ve been on roaccutane over 3 months now and I’ve never once had a blood test, he says I don’t need one. I’m on 40mg now, which he says is really low, but looking at the messages on this site, it is mid-to high!

He really wanted me to opt out of the pregnancy testing too, and was visibly annoyed with me when I said no, I want the tests, I think it’s better to be safe than sorry.

He’s never once given me any advice, although I’ve asked for it, and said its fine to drink alcohol as normal. Which we know isn’t exactly accurate.

I think its better to have an over-cautious derm, than a derm that blatently doesn’t give a sh!t about your welfare!!!

February 11th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

#3 Clare says...

I’m sorry to hear about your bad experience. I have been in the same situation too, with male doctors, who have probably never had a spot in their lives. I am 33 and have recently started Roaccutane. I was taking antibiotics and using topicals for about two years before now.

I was also told that lots of people have bad skin in their 30’s and I should just keep taking antibiotics, rather than look for a more long term cure. It wasn’t until I saw a different GP, who also has acne, that I even got a referral to a dermatologist.

Sorry, I don’t know your history, but was this a specifallist dermatologist or someone at your GP?

There may be someone else who could see you, never be embarrassed to ask for a second opinion!

February 11th, 2008 at 10:33 pm

#4 Claire A says...

It was NHS at Stepping Hill Hospital. I’d previously been to another NHS derm who said I could have roaccutane but had to see a psychiatrist first because I’d been on anti-depressants over 2 years ago, and I didn’t want to do that. I guess I’ll have to try this spironolactone stuff. It’s for hormonal acne, which I don’t think I have, and for PCOS which I definately don’t have. It’s also for people with heart and liver failure, which is nice.

February 12th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

#5 James says...

Roaccutane is the ultimate cure!
Do not accept anything less.
Only a dermatologist can prescribe it, so see one asap.
They only let you have the cure, after they have tried a whole load of rubbish stuff that doesn’t work, and just causes scars in the meantime, but eventually they give in and cure you.
This doesn’t cause suicide, the people who take the drug are already suicidal from deppresion and bullying.

February 12th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

#6 Rebecca says...

I spent 7 years on different topical solutions and antibiotics and enough was enough and demanded I get referred to a Dermatologist.
One doctor even told me that “not everyone has to be perfect” I was too shocked to do anything at the time but later went back and asked her how she would like it to be sore, embarassed and have to plaster make up on before even getting out of the door!!!!!

anyway definitely ask for a second or third opinion or change G.P’s

February 12th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

#7 Emma says...

Hi Claire,

I remember I responded to your message before - I’m so sorry you’ve had another bad experience. I really think it would be worth having an appointment with Dr Muston, private or otherwise. He really is great and although I was worried the extent of my moderate acne could be underestimated he didn’t do this at all. If you’re feeling as bad as you say it would really be worth giving him a try.

February 12th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

#8 James B says...

The only thing NHS doctors are worried about is money. They have to keep costs down which severely effects their judgement in what they proscribe you. A derm may well know that you 100% need roaccutane but because they have already hit their monthly allowance they will not let you have it. If you can, go private. These guys will tell you what they really think you should have because they have nothing restricting them from doing otherwise. And lets face it, us lot only need derm’s to sign the prescription papers - I guarantee from the amount of reading we’ve done on this subject we know more about acne and roaccutane than the quacks!

February 12th, 2008 at 8:15 pm

#9 sharon says...

Hi Claire
I had a trial of spironolactone after requesting it from my GP, I had read great reviews from people using it to treat acne in America. Check out Healthboards.com where loads of people are reporting success with it. Unfortunately it didnt suit me, ( i got a bad rash). I am now awaiting roaccutane on the nhs, got my outpatients appt on 17 march. Good luck I hope it works for you. sharon x

February 12th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

#10 Caroline says...

Has anyone else been on roaccutane for a while and not been offered any blood tests?

I’m concerned I’m not getting the level of care needed for such a strong drug…

February 15th, 2008 at 10:04 am

#11 AS says...

Yes me too!!
I am worried too but my derm is very complacent about everything…i think he thinks i am being paranoid when i try and discuss any side affects with him.
I am on 80mg and have been on since november…got 8 days to go and counting…
has this happened to anyone else??

February 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

#12 Samantha says...

80 mg per day? I have been on 40 for one month so far but my derm is gonna put me up to 60 next month. Can i ask how much you weigh? also how strong have the side effects been on this dosage? Did you gradually build up to 80? If so, did the side effects increase each time ur dose did or did your bdy build like an immunity to the tablets? Sorry about the twenty questions, it is just as i know i will be increasing too i am v interested. Cheers

February 15th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

#13 Caroline says...

My derm is also putting me on the course for 7 - 8 months, is that weird?

Everyone else on here seems like they’re on it for 3 - 4 months? I wouldn’t say my acne is disfiguring either!

February 16th, 2008 at 1:52 pm

#14 Leah says...

Hey Caroline, I’m going to be on it for about 6 months in total - I too thought I seemed to be on it longer than everyone else (i’ve just done about 4 months so far, and other people on here seemed to be finishing by then!) but glad to know I’m not the only one! Are you on a low dose though? Think if you’re on a low dose, they keep u on it for longer? Although I’m on 60mg now. X

February 16th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

#15 NG says...

HI GUYS

I am coming up to my four month marker, which is the length of time my derm originally said I would need to be on the tablets for, but when I went to see him this week, he decided to extend my pill popping days for another six weeks, totally five and half months- looks like those gin and tonics will have to wait just a bit longer.

It is weird the varying lengths of time people seem to be on the tablets. It doesn’t seem to be, the worse you are, the longer you need to be on them. I think it must be dependent on how each person fairs, with their lot.

My derm wants to see me again a month after I have finished my “extended period” so I have a question I was wondering if anyone can help me with. I know that Roaccutane remains in the body for a month or so after you have stopped taking it, so should you continue as if you were still on the tablets, i.e no drinking, using anything stuff containing vitamin A, or can you go back to normal?

Anyway, good luck everyone - however long you your treatment is. Hopefully we should all get the same result in the end.

February 16th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

#16 DANIELLE says...

hi. i havent started taking roaccutane yet, im just about to. im just a bit worried reading your blog as i didnt know that you werent allowed to drink whilst taking roaccutane?

February 16th, 2008 at 7:15 pm

#17 AS says...

Hi Samantha
This is how my 16 week course worked out…
I weigh 70kg and my derm very kindly saved me some money (as I went private) and told me its cheaper to buy the capsules in 20mg rather than 10 mg.
So I started in October with 20mg for 6 weeks…side effects were minimal at this stage.
Then for the next 6 weeks went on to 60mg - side effect pretty much the same..
Another 6 weeks later went up to 80mg - side effects marginally worse but def under control…i guess i was well used to it by now.
Then for my last dose another 80mg for 4 weeks…
This then gives me an average of 70mg over 16 weeks which is right for me weighing 70kg..
I am so happy i have done it this way…it def gave me chance to get used to the tabs and dry skin etc. and the results are fantastic!!
Good luck
Abbi x

February 18th, 2008 at 12:29 pm

#18 vicky says...

Hello

Can any of you guys help?

The lady I go and see at the dermatolgy clinic is really annoying me now..ahhhhh she doesnt give me any advice and to be honest I dont think she knows what shes talking about when i ask her questions…I just found out that she’s the practice nurse so im thinking becuase there so busy ive been left with her??

Ive got private insurance through my work and am thinking of using that to go speak to someone there. What use think? Im at the 10 week stage though?? But know I should be on a higher does etc.. and to be honest just want support :(

xxx

February 18th, 2008 at 2:19 pm

#19 AS says...

Hi Vicky
I have had the same experiences with the NHS and basically gave up in favour of private treatment.
I assume you are currently on Roacutane??
I have BUPA healthcare at work but the only thing they cover is the consultations/blood tests etc…they do not cover the tablets themselves!! In fact no insurers pay for this drug as its too expensive. My 16 week course has cost me somewhere between £600-£750 so thats worth bearing in mind before you decide.
x

February 18th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

#20 Kelly says...

hi all

i am on week 7, was started off on 35mg a day for the first 4 weeks and then went back, had to have fasting blood test and pregnancy test, then they upped it to 70 mg a day, i have got to go back again after 4 weeks, and again i have been given slips to go for various fasting blood tests and pregnany test before the appointment.

i have a good derm, but i have seen the nursing practitioner for her clinic the last time and she is great, she gave me her direct dial phone and email address and said if i had any probs or was not sure about ANYTHING about side effects or probs then i was to ring her or mail her and she would speak to me about it.

you must insist on blood tests while you are on this medication as it says in all the info if you do not keep a check on your diet then you could be left with long term liver damage if not monitored properly, this stuff increases your blood sugar levels and fats and raises your cholesterol, these are all damaging to your organs if not kept a check on. your GP can arrange for blood tests as well for you and they can check your levels of everything which will be accessable by your derm as well.

claire, you may want to consider going private, this will prob cost you in the region of £90 - £150 a month for each course but it is normally only a 4 month course so if you cannot get joy from your derm or cannot get a second opinion then this may be your only way to go, i know it is a lot of money but this is your state of mind we are talking about.

i also am not sure about all the talk of being depressed and suicidal on them, i have to say in the first month i actually felt better mentally than i had for a long time, i am not sure if that was because i had started this treatment and it was eventually going to give me better skin, which meant i didnt have to look at the floor when i walked down the street.

NG,

i would say to ease off the beer and vitamin A for at least 4 weeks after you have finished your course, this gives your liver time to sort itself out a bit, i know from a few things i have read on here that some people have had a drink and regretted it afterwards as it makes you quite ill.

hope everyone’s problems get sorted out.

kelly

xx

March 11th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

#21 amy smith says...

i have just started on roacc (yesterday) i am on 60mg a day and i am 22 years old.
my derm was really good- no messing. as soon as i went in there she said she wanted me on them and as high dosage as poss for my weight. i have had all the relevant tests and stuff, i am anxiously awaiting all these horrible side effects!!

i am GUTTED i am not allowed to drink. its going to be weird!! but i hope for clear skin at the end of it all!

hope everyone is doing ok

amy x

March 11th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

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