So, I joined this site a long long time ago and it’s changed quite a bit!!!
Well my story is that I tried EVERYTHING under the sun for my terrible acne, which made my self esteem hit an all time low and I avoided social situations like the plague. I couldn’t go on like this. I HATED my picture being taken and i envied those friends I had with ‘flawless’ skin and got angry and those pathetic people who made such a drama out of getting a tiny tiny spot.
I put off going to see the Derm. I don’t know why, I just didn’t want it to be confirmed to me that I didn’t have acne, I wanted to believe it wasn’t there but the truth is IT WAS!! So i went to the derm and they did all these test things, put me on the pill for 4 weeks (Dianette) it was called. Then after that I was put on a low dose of Roaccutane and then eventually in the end i was on 60mg a day (around 3 tablets i day i think)??
I hated having blood tests every few weeks but i knew in the end it will be all worth it. I noticed improvements early on. The red face and dry skin got on my nerves a bit. Wearing foundation became useless after a few weeks, with it just flaking off and making things look worse so i stopped wearing it – something i never thought i’d do. This helps alot!!!!!
I moisturised a lot and I will never forget my lips being the worse and going scabby and horrible but vaseline worked a treat – i went through tins of the stuff! and also simple moisturiser, e45 creme and palmers body butter were all so helpful.
I came off Roaccutane last year around May/June time and I had started the drug in January.
I just wanted to share you my story and tell you that it all will be okay. I am left with a few tiny tiny scars i think the derm said they’re known as “ice pick” scars or soemthing like that :S nothing a bit of foundation won’t cover.
My skin started to look healthy again, i can remember nearly crying my eyes out when the derm called me in and said “i think we’re going to stop your treatment now, see how you get on” She showed me the pictures I had when I first started and I could not believe that was me, I could NOT believe it!
So guys, keep going, honestly it will be all worth it. It any of you ever want to privately talk to me about anything your worried about message or e-mail me or comment this post, i’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
I met my boyfriend I’ve been with for a year now, around 2/3 weeks after I came off the drug, it’s given me a new life and I can finally look at myself in the mirror.
Good luck to you all, keep smiling xx
Tags: Roaccutane, scars, side effects
Hi Robynne,
It’s really good to hear the success stories, thank you for putting this post on, I’m hopefully half way through and can’t wait for the end now. Hope my skin responds like yours
TTFN
FM
- fanniemarie on July 19, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Hi Robynne,
its really nice of you to come back and post such a positive story like yours – I’m pleased it worked out for you. I imagine you feel like a new person; especially it terms of self-esteem and confidence. I’m only on day 4 and think I might have to come off roacc already cos’ of servere stomach pains I had yesterday. I’ve put details on my own post which I left this morning – any advice or comments you may have on this would be gratefully received.
Take care,
Scarlett x
- scarlettpimple on July 19, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Hi Scarlettpimple,
I’ve posted on your page, but it’s awating your approval, you need to go into your profile and approve it, no idea why it does this with some posts and not others? Think I’ve posted on a previous one of your and it’s still not come up.
TTFN
FM
- fanniemarie on July 19, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Hi FM (sorry to just borrow your post for a minute Bobby!)
FM thank you for telling me about ‘approving’ messages – I didn’t know about this and had missed others besides yours. I’m just going to flick across and read them now….
Cheers x
- scarlettpimple on July 19, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Hi Robynne
Many thanks for such an encouraging post. I’ve got my first derm appointment in just over a month and its reading stories like yours that really keep me going. Thanks again xx
- Sarah on July 20, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Great to hear a positive story. My last day of Roaccutane is tomorrow, and even with the lips, the dry skin, and over the past month, the sheer physical exhaustion, it has been completely and utterly worth it. I am looking forward to a few weeks time and crossing my fingers that I shall have neither dry skin nor spots!
- Nineveh_uk on July 21, 2009 at 3:46 pm
reading you story has really helped. reminds yoou that at the end, it will all be ok
x my derm said the side effects will carry on after the treament for a little while. Did yours? if so, how long for?? xxx
- kiri on July 22, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Thanks for the feedback guys, am glad my post can be of use to you all and show you that in the end it will all be worth it.
In reply to your comment Kiri my side effects did continue you for a few more weeks after treatment but they were not as severe, my derm have me this lotion called dermol or something like that in a massive tub which i put on my face, making it smooth and stopping the itching and the side effects all disappeared!
hope this helps xxx
- robynne on July 22, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Hi, has anyone experienced depression after coming OFF the drug? I didnt have it whilst on it but ive been off it about a month now( i took myself off it as i seemed to be putting on weight, whether related i dont know) and i seem to have hit rock bottom for no apparant reason! my skin is still clear at the mo though my hair has become more oily again. its just this depression thing, so low and the only thing i can think of is a reaction to coming off the tablets?
- jen on August 25, 2009 at 10:45 pm