Thursday 11 June 2009
Well I've been away for a while so forgot to take any photos last week, but did this week.
Today I went in for a blood test again, no bruise so far this time! :) My next appointment is next Wednesday; I'm not sure if that's my last one with the nurse or not before I see the dermatologist on 31st July.
Skin is really good atm, a bit red still but it hasn't been very sunny so no sunburn, just general redness I think. The dryness seems to have calmed down a bit as well, or I've just got into the routine of controlling it... not sure which
Today I went in for a blood test again, no bruise so far this time! :) My next appointment is next Wednesday; I'm not sure if that's my last one with the nurse or not before I see the dermatologist on 31st July.
Skin is really good atm, a bit red still but it hasn't been very sunny so no sunburn, just general redness I think. The dryness seems to have calmed down a bit as well, or I've just got into the routine of controlling it... not sure which
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Photos
I'm really happy with this week's pictures! There has been a really quick improvement in the few days since I increased to 80mg a day so here's hoping it carries on working so well. My lips have been a bit drier since my dose increased, but still not too bad.
It's my last exam tomorrow morning and omg I can't wait to be free! 23 hours and 9 minutes left to be precise :)
It's my last exam tomorrow morning and omg I can't wait to be free! 23 hours and 9 minutes left to be precise :)
Saturday 23 May 2009
Week 10
I had my 3rd appointment with the nurse on Thursday and she has increased my dose to 80mg a day now. The pharmacist for some reason decided I could take it as one daily dose instead of splitting it up like they made me do last month (but hadn't the first month...) - which had been annoying because it was 2x30mg so I had to take a 20mg and 2x5mg tablet twice a day. This should be a lot easier at least because it's just 4x20mg in one go. The nurse said my side effects will get worse on the higher dose but hopefully they'll still be manageable
Xx
Xx
Photos
Photos are a bit late this week... oh well
I had a little flare up because my prescription ran out last Friday then I didn't have an appointment to get another one til Thursday, so in the 6 Roaccutane-free days my skin did get worse... my next appointment should be early enough to avoid any gap next time though :)
I had a little flare up because my prescription ran out last Friday then I didn't have an appointment to get another one til Thursday, so in the 6 Roaccutane-free days my skin did get worse... my next appointment should be early enough to avoid any gap next time though :)
Thursday 14 May 2009
Week 9
Well this week I had another blood test in time for my appointment next week and I have a bruise again :(:( it must definitely be because of the Roaccutane making me bruise more easily, because the nurse I had this time was much more gentle but it still happened - MUCH smaller than last time though!
Have had quite bad dryness on my forearms in the last few days, with a couple of rough patches which are a bit itchy so moisturising them as much as possible...
... other than that everything is pretty much normal!
Xxx
Have had quite bad dryness on my forearms in the last few days, with a couple of rough patches which are a bit itchy so moisturising them as much as possible...
... other than that everything is pretty much normal!
Xxx
Monday 11 May 2009
Monday 11th May
I took my photos earlier but haven't uploaded them, will do later though!
Skin is still much better, although I had to use a lot of suncream this weekend which has given me a couple of tiny new spots - not very noticeable though.
Lips are still really dry :( so bought 2 more tubes of lip balm to make sure I don't run out. Am still using aqueous cream on my hands quite often, and on my arms and legs every couple of days.
Anyway, back to revision!
Xxx
Skin is still much better, although I had to use a lot of suncream this weekend which has given me a couple of tiny new spots - not very noticeable though.
Lips are still really dry :( so bought 2 more tubes of lip balm to make sure I don't run out. Am still using aqueous cream on my hands quite often, and on my arms and legs every couple of days.
Anyway, back to revision!
Xxx
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Monday 4 May 2009
4th May
Hello!
Well it's now the start of week 8 on my Roaccutane course and I'm still definitely seeing improvements which is great! I've got over the initial breakout I had, but because I'm so pale it has always taken ages for the red marks to fade so I can still see where it was. I've noticed a few patches of peeling recently, so I think this is good as it's clear skin that's being reveled underneath. I've been using almond oil after OCM and it seems to be working well - not too greasy but keeps my skin comfortable.
The aqueous cream I got is working really well on dry patches on my hands and arms so they're under control now too. My eyes have been quite bad the last week or so, but I've got into the habit of using eye drops so they're okay.
This week's pictures will be up in my next post :)
Xxx
Well it's now the start of week 8 on my Roaccutane course and I'm still definitely seeing improvements which is great! I've got over the initial breakout I had, but because I'm so pale it has always taken ages for the red marks to fade so I can still see where it was. I've noticed a few patches of peeling recently, so I think this is good as it's clear skin that's being reveled underneath. I've been using almond oil after OCM and it seems to be working well - not too greasy but keeps my skin comfortable.
The aqueous cream I got is working really well on dry patches on my hands and arms so they're under control now too. My eyes have been quite bad the last week or so, but I've got into the habit of using eye drops so they're okay.
This week's pictures will be up in my next post :)
Xxx
Saturday 2 May 2009
2nd May
Back again!
I've really noticed my skin being more sensitive over the last week or so (as in on my body not my face). Last week I got this weird red mark from the strap of my bag across my shoulder so had to calm it down with plenty of Sudocreme. I've been trying to be careful about bags since then and not have them touching my bare skin just in case. I also have got a rash on my hands (probably from handwashing) and a few dry patches on my arms. Today I bought a big tub of aqueous cream (89p bargain!) so I'm going to use that from now on.
Anyway, my face is still a bit red but I've been using No7 green make up base thing which does help tone it down, and have been remembering to wear suncream everyday so it's fine really
Here are my latest photos:
I've really noticed my skin being more sensitive over the last week or so (as in on my body not my face). Last week I got this weird red mark from the strap of my bag across my shoulder so had to calm it down with plenty of Sudocreme. I've been trying to be careful about bags since then and not have them touching my bare skin just in case. I also have got a rash on my hands (probably from handwashing) and a few dry patches on my arms. Today I bought a big tub of aqueous cream (89p bargain!) so I'm going to use that from now on.
Anyway, my face is still a bit red but I've been using No7 green make up base thing which does help tone it down, and have been remembering to wear suncream everyday so it's fine really
Here are my latest photos:
Tuesday 14 April 2009
Tuesday 14th April
Haven't posted for a long time!
Tomorrow is my first monthly check up so I have to go down to London for the day as I'm at home at the moment. I went last week to get my blood test so the results will be ready for tomorrow and I got the worst bruise ever! I know Roacc makes me bruise more easily but this must have been a bad blood test anyway because it hurt at the time (which never usually happens) and was sore all day after that. It looks so ugly!
Anyway, my skin is definitely getting better after its flare up when I started. My nose and forehead are pretty much clear, and not too dry. My chin and cheeks are still the worst, but I'm just about managing to keep the dryness under control using coconut oil and Body Shop Vitamin E moisturiser. The redness doesn't seem too bad atm, but maybe it will get worse when I go up to a higher dose tomorrow, oh well.
I have been taking photos even though I haven't been blogging, so I will upload a few to keep track still
Xxx
Tomorrow is my first monthly check up so I have to go down to London for the day as I'm at home at the moment. I went last week to get my blood test so the results will be ready for tomorrow and I got the worst bruise ever! I know Roacc makes me bruise more easily but this must have been a bad blood test anyway because it hurt at the time (which never usually happens) and was sore all day after that. It looks so ugly!
Anyway, my skin is definitely getting better after its flare up when I started. My nose and forehead are pretty much clear, and not too dry. My chin and cheeks are still the worst, but I'm just about managing to keep the dryness under control using coconut oil and Body Shop Vitamin E moisturiser. The redness doesn't seem too bad atm, but maybe it will get worse when I go up to a higher dose tomorrow, oh well.
I have been taking photos even though I haven't been blogging, so I will upload a few to keep track still
Xxx
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Wednesday Day 17
Hello!
Not much new to report - skin is getting a bit drier, especially round my chin but on the plus side my forehead is almost completely clear already :)
Still have dry hair and lips but I've got used to dealing with it so it's no bother really. I've just started to notice my eyes and nose are a bit drier too, and I had a small nosebleed earlier so I'll have to take care of that too... maybe use vaseline or something. Eye drops are working fine on making my eyes more comfortable though.
I did remember to take photos on Monday but haven't uploaded them yet so will do that asap.
While I remember - for anyone reading this who is dealing with Roaccutane/acne in general: check out Reclaim Your Skin for loads of support, advice and discussion :)
Xxx
Not much new to report - skin is getting a bit drier, especially round my chin but on the plus side my forehead is almost completely clear already :)
Still have dry hair and lips but I've got used to dealing with it so it's no bother really. I've just started to notice my eyes and nose are a bit drier too, and I had a small nosebleed earlier so I'll have to take care of that too... maybe use vaseline or something. Eye drops are working fine on making my eyes more comfortable though.
I did remember to take photos on Monday but haven't uploaded them yet so will do that asap.
While I remember - for anyone reading this who is dealing with Roaccutane/acne in general: check out Reclaim Your Skin for loads of support, advice and discussion :)
Xxx
Saturday 28 March 2009
Bruises :(
I forgot how easily I bruised last time I had Roaccutane, and it looks like it's going to be the same this time. I have quite a few on my legs already... not a good side effect to have when you're as clumsy as me!
Friday 27 March 2009
Friday 27th
I'm still seeing the same rate of progress in my skin, and I think I've found a good routine of keeping the dryness and redness at a minimum.
The main side effect I'm noticing at the moment is my hair - it isn't getting greasy AT ALL! I'm not usually one to wash my hair that often anyway, but I used to have to rely on dry shampoo. However this week I had washed it last Saturday night, and didn't need to dry shampoo it at all. I washed it yesterday but with just conditioner because I'm a bit worried it will get horrible and straw-like. I'll make sure to take extra care with it from now on.
I've also been feeling really tired, and I think this must be a side effect too. I read the booklet that came with the tablets again but that lists almost every side effect under the sun so it's hard to tell from that, but I did some googling and it seems like a lot of other people had the same experience. I had an afternoon nap today and feel much better so think I'd better make them a regular thing.
Anyway, last day of term today - no lectures here for aaaaaaaaaages seeing as I'll be in Sweden for Autumn term!
Xxx
The main side effect I'm noticing at the moment is my hair - it isn't getting greasy AT ALL! I'm not usually one to wash my hair that often anyway, but I used to have to rely on dry shampoo. However this week I had washed it last Saturday night, and didn't need to dry shampoo it at all. I washed it yesterday but with just conditioner because I'm a bit worried it will get horrible and straw-like. I'll make sure to take extra care with it from now on.
I've also been feeling really tired, and I think this must be a side effect too. I read the booklet that came with the tablets again but that lists almost every side effect under the sun so it's hard to tell from that, but I did some googling and it seems like a lot of other people had the same experience. I had an afternoon nap today and feel much better so think I'd better make them a regular thing.
Anyway, last day of term today - no lectures here for aaaaaaaaaages seeing as I'll be in Sweden for Autumn term!
Xxx
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Wednesday (Day 10)
Still have a bit of redness, but I've got a lot of the dryness under control by moisturising a lot and only using oil to wash my face (I switched to cool water instead of hot as it's more gentle). My lips are a bit sore, but Blistex is really helping. One big plus side is that my hair hasn't been getting at all greasy - I last washed it on Saturday and it still looks completely fine!
Monday 23 March 2009
Week 2 Photos
Here are this week's photos - skin definitely looks worse than last week, and the redness shows on my cheeks especially. My forehead doesn't look much different though.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Day 7 - Week 1 Progress
Well it's now been 7 days and I'm definitely started to see/feel the side effects... my lips have been getting really dry so I've been using the Blistex cream I bought the other day a lot. It's better than the other lip balms I have and isn't too greasy so I'll keep using it and hope it will stop any peeling too.
As for my face, it is feeling a bit dry in places so I'm moisturising whenever I remember (just Simple so it shouldn't cause any problems). I have put the factor 50 I got on my face and chest the last couple of days, but I think it's a bit too greasy for my face as it hasn't really sunk in very well and has made me look really shiny, so I'm going to either try mixing some with my moisturiser or putting it on soon after I get up so it has longer to sink in... or maybe I should have bough some face-specific cream. Who knows.
The redness has also started, mostly across my nose and cheeks, but I think it looks a bit worse from being a bit burnt earlier in the week. Makeup is covering it fairly well though so it's fine at the moment. Haven't noticed any dryness on my arms or legs yet, and my eyes and nose seem fine too. I think my scalp might be slightly drier already but not a huge amount.
Going to take photos tomorrow for my visual progress, although I think at the moment I actually look worse than last week!
Xxx
As for my face, it is feeling a bit dry in places so I'm moisturising whenever I remember (just Simple so it shouldn't cause any problems). I have put the factor 50 I got on my face and chest the last couple of days, but I think it's a bit too greasy for my face as it hasn't really sunk in very well and has made me look really shiny, so I'm going to either try mixing some with my moisturiser or putting it on soon after I get up so it has longer to sink in... or maybe I should have bough some face-specific cream. Who knows.
The redness has also started, mostly across my nose and cheeks, but I think it looks a bit worse from being a bit burnt earlier in the week. Makeup is covering it fairly well though so it's fine at the moment. Haven't noticed any dryness on my arms or legs yet, and my eyes and nose seem fine too. I think my scalp might be slightly drier already but not a huge amount.
Going to take photos tomorrow for my visual progress, although I think at the moment I actually look worse than last week!
Xxx
Thursday 19 March 2009
Day 4
My lips are definitely drier today, seem to need lip balm all the time so might buy a medicated cream one tomorrow to see if that lasts longer. Hopefully that might stop any peeling too, because that was pretty bad last time.
Had a few new spots today but they aren't really that bad so still no major outbreak so far. Patches round my chin seem to be drying up already which is good, I wish it didn't take so long for the marks to fade though... but at least they're fairly easy to cover up.
I haven't felt as tired today so maybe that wasn't actually a side effect. Quite glad about that because I didn't want to feel really tired all through revision and exams. I remembered to buy some factor 50 sun cream today so I'll use that on my face (and maybe chest) from now on to make sure not to get sunburnt, double checked it's non pore-blocking so fingers crossed it won't cause any trouble.
Xxx
Week 1 Photos
I took these on Monday before taking my first dose, these are the two worst areas of my face but they don't look as red here as I think they do in real life but oh well. I'll try to remember to take photos every monday to keep track
Wednesday 18 March 2009
First entry...
I only just had the idea to keep a blog of how things are going, so here is this week so far...
Day 1 Monday 16th March
Had my appointment at the hospital, very annoying because of waiting ages and the nurse not really telling me what she was doing but at least I've had it before so know about what's going on... Collected my prescription and took first dose after lunch (2 x 20mg once a day)
Day 2 Tuesday 17th March
Nothing much to report yet, expect it will be a few days until I notice anything. Was quite sunny today and I think I might have a slight sunburn on my face, but not sure if this is normal or increased sun sensitivity already...
Day 3 Wednesday 18th March (today)
Have decided to take the medicine after breakfast each day because I'm always in then so won't have to carry it with me. Face seems a little sunburnt again so will definitely need to buy sun cream asap. I think my lips are a bit drier than usual already, although definitely not as bad as they got last time I took Roaccutane.
Got my follow up appointments in the post today: had to rearrange 2 (one clashed with an exam and the other had been booked way later than it should have), but it's good to know when they are and think about how good my skin should be by the time they come around!
Xxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)