Mom's Accutane Journal

Lowering Cholesterol & Triglycerides / Post Accutane Regimen

2004-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Lowering Cholesterol & Triglycerides-

Another common side effect of Accutane is the increased ldl (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Monthly blood test are taken during the course of the treatment to monitor these levels. I have done some research looking for sites with helpful information to help reduce these levels through a change in diet. Although Vegan diets are the best in reducing these levels, other nutritional values seem to be missing. Some recommended diets for lowering cholesterol would include; Nuts, olive oil, oats & barley (in limited quantities since high quantities increase triglycerides), fruits and leafy greens . While, diets lowering triglycerides would consist of lowering starches (white rice & pastas), alcohol, sodas, candy, chocolate, and fatty meats. A typical diet would include ; using brown rice, wheat pastas, soy milk, soy coffee, and fish. I have found several wonderful sites on these subjects and hope to have permission to add some of the pages to my web-site soon.

One is a virtual site where you buy groceries and make a menu for the day. It then calculates the intake based on each individuals weight, activity level, age and gender. It's a fun site, and I never realized just how poorly I feed my family.

In all cases: Exercise is a big factor!! Start slow and work up. Walking is #1, work up to 1 mile/day.

Post Accutane Info-

The lack of Vitamin A intake is mentioned to Vegans since their diet doesn't consist of dairy or meats. Since Accutane consist of a high dosage of Vitamin A (active ingredient to dry the over active oil producing glands that cause acne), while using Accutane this is not an issue. It is my opinion supplements of Vitamin A should be used after the treatment is over for most patients that don't intake the RDA of Vitamin A (I've read between 4000-10,000IU depending on weight, age, and activeness). It is my opinion that a Post Accutane regimen should include provitamin A to keep the oil glands from producing too much oil (serum), which is known to cause of acne, IF they are not intaking the RDA amount with their daily diet. My thoughts are: could the lack of vitamin A in our daily diet be a partial cause to our acne? Since it is Vitamin A used to clear up the acne by drying out the oils, maybe a lack of it in our normal diet is part of the problem. Although this is not supported by doctors, it has some logic to me. Just some food for thought.

Many Post Accutane Patients are also using retin-A gel as part of their daily regimen as a preventive maintenance program along with the same (no oil and fragrance) cleansers they were using while on the Accutane 4-6 month treatment program.

Just some research on these topics. Take what you like. I'm not a nutritionist nor a doctor. Just a Mom trying to get some facts on these subjects, and passing them on.

Good wishes to all- "Eat Healthy"
- Juliann

Bad Day at the Slopes

2004-12-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Good Evening All-

Last Thursday was my son's first day of snowboard practice. The slopes were a little icy. My son said he snowboarded poorly. He didn't have enough strength to cut thru the ice and fell. He didn't fall too hard, he said. But couldn't understand why he was hurting so bad. Well, I didn't want to tell him at that time, but some of the Accutane symptoms is fatigue and body aches and slow healing. I'm told the body will adjust to the Accutane in about the 3rd month, and some of the side effects will reduce down.

In the mean time, I am very concerned about him snowboarding. It's a dangerous enough sport even in the best shape. How do you tell your teen who lives for boarding he shouldn't compete right now? I'm watching to see how he's feeling. It's been several days, and he's not limping right now. He is having trouble getting up in the mornings for school.

I gave him some Advil for the pain, and am told MSM if very good for body aches. I am trying him on the MSM for a while to see if he feels any improvement for the next week or so, until his body starts adjusting to the medication. Another advid body builder on Accutane mentioned a high carb. diet, and energy drinks before practice and competitions. I will try that as well.

Thank you Support Group, you're all wonderful!
I'd be a mess without you!

Juliann

PS- My son's acne is really starting to show some terrific results. The larger cyst have shrunk down to just some red marks now. His face looks sunburned, especially on the nose. I hope he's using that sunblock!!! The Derma-Smooth/FS shampoo treatment did wonders for his itchy flakey scalp. He's thrilled about that.

(60mg, 135#'s, wk-7)

Week 6 - Accutane & Prednisone Results

2004-12-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

Hello All-
As I mentioned, my son had 6 steriod injections in the larger cyst during his last week's derm's appointment. Then instructed to take 10mg of prednisone per day for 10 days. The result's are quite impressive. The larger cysts did shrink down about 40% within just a few days. They are smoother and very red right now. These were the cysts that he received 2-1/2 weeks after using Accutane. They were huge! He still has many red marks to deal with, mostly on the right side of his face. It doesn't appear that he is breaking out at this time. I pray this stays the case. He is very chapped around the outer parts of his mouth, no cracking. So far, the rest of his face and body seem to be in good shape.

No other symptoms to report at this time, other than he does seem to be a bit short tempered. Most likely just teenage behavior combined with his Type-A character of his. He gets frustrated when interrupted while concentrating on other projects. He has mentioned to me that it bugs when I examine his face. I try not to, but how can you not take a look to see how things are going.

I currently am still happy with the progress and minor side-effects. I again pray this will stay the case. From all I am hearing from other patients, it seems the aggressive approach seems to be the better results for a longer period of time. I hope this proves true for my son.

Wishing all the best!
juliann

Oatmeal Baths & Facials

2004-11-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

I had my son stop using the oatmeal facials and baths that I had him on during the first 5 weeks. Although they were soothing and reduced the itchiness which prevented him from picking and scratching, I felt the downside might be breakouts. So many fear putting anything on their face. I remember my daughter who had eczema when she was younger, and her doctor said to give her oatmeal baths along with antibiotic creams. It helped alleviate the itchiness and reduced the rashes. Which is why I thought it would be helpful. So with all my second guessing myself, I've decided to have my son stop both the baths and facials, and see if he notices any change in either the progress of clearing up his acne or increased itchiness. He currently doesn't have a rash to deal with. So I hope none develops. If so, back to oatmeal baths, I'm just not sure about facials. I'll just see how all goes.

Other than that, I am still happy with his progress using accutane. He just might have to wait out the entire 5 months before he himself is happy with the results. I try not to look at his acne, or mention it too often. I just listen real close should he comment on anything that may sound concerning. I think it's true, that their minds should be busy elsewhere. Today I heard some wonderful advice from a patient in the support group. Holidays are here, and spirits seem to be down a bit. I'm sure this is not quoted word for word, but it went something like this:

"Try not to judge your face until the treatment is over. You'll see your results at that time."

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans!
juliann

A Day of Aggresive Treatment w/ the Dermatologist - 2nd Month's Visit

2004-11-20T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hello All-
Well, yesterday was quite an eventful day. My son had his 2nd month check up with the dermatologist. His blood test looked ok, however he is going to have to watch his cholesterol. It's gone up from 159 to 205 (the start of a borderline risk factor). All his other levels looked real good.

After waiting 45minutes to get in, his dermatologist walked in and asked him how he was doing. My son replied "Fine, except I don't think the accutane is working". She looked at the larger cysts on his cheeks, forehead, top of his nose and behind his ear, and asked if he wanted some steriod injections that it would start healing the larger cysts faster. My son asked if it would hurt, and she replied, "Yes". My son looked at me for approval, and I gave him the look that it's his call.( I knew from prior readings of journals & my support group that this is normal practice for those severe acne patients that need a more aggressive approach, I just never expected my son to be one of them). My son turned around and said "Go for it". I stood up and watched holding his hand and just wanted to cry. I could see the pain as he covered it up with a fake laugh here and there. 6 injections later and tears rolling down his eyes he said, " It feels like my cysts are moving around". I smiled and said, "It's probably the medication fighting with the puss". His dermatologist also put him on 10mg/day of prednisone for 10 days, and kept him at 60mg of accutane this month.

I asked his dermatologist about my son's dry scalp. She prescribed "Derma-Smoothe/FS". He's to rub it into his damp hair before bedtime and ware a shower cap over it, them wash it out the next morning with non-medicated shampoo. My son said he liked the idea of waring a shower cap to bed. That way he can keep his hair off his face. (Before the acne, my son never would have been caught dead in a shower cap). My guess is he figures the oils in his hair are causing the new breakouts on his forehead and behind his ears. The things their willing to tolerate to look beautiful.

After making the next 30 day appointment, and this time making sure it was less than 30 days, I wasn't going to make the mistake of assuming this time (see prior post). We left for Target to go get the prescription filled. Target didn't have any in stock. I almost yelled. I explained that I called 7 days ago and expressed my concern that my son was out of medication. You knew he would be on accutane for the next 5 months. I don't understand why you don't have any in stock for my son. They said it's too expensive to carry in stock, and could order it. I told him a once more, MY SON HAS BEEN OFF ACCUTANE FOR 5 DAYS NOW. I am not letting him go without any longer. Can you call around and please find someone that might have it in stock? So the poor kid did, and found a Savon's close by. I let him know I was very thankful & off to Savon's we went.

Stuck in traffic........carnival happening.......roads blocked.......turn around......park a 1/2 mile away from Savon's.......hike to Savon's.......prescription's filled.....smile on my son's face......off to home we go.

28 days left, and we get to do it all over again. The pains of being a parent. But, my son's happiness and security is worth it!

Good Day,
juliann

Mind at Ease

2004-11-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

After posting my concerns on the message board regarding my son going without accutane for several days, many wonderful people responded back. They reminded me that accutane stays in your system for up to 60 days. Many let me know for various reasons they too needed to stop accutane for several days up to over a week, either due to appointment scheduling errors to needing surgery. When I gave this information to my son, I saw a grin on his face. I could see the relief and felt fantastic that this support group was able to help me find the right thing to say to put his mind at ease. I hadn't seen a smile on his face since the day I decided to let him go on the accutane treatment. The emotional desperation of something that will work is a top priority at all odds for him. I was glad I could relay the info to him, and tried again to talk him into joining the group. I feel it would be very beneficial for him. I know he is holding back questions and concerns. This support group is fantastic at giving help info. and support!

The things these patients have to worry about. It's just heart breaking. If only the derm's and their front desk could learn of their emotional state, maybe they would be a bit more compationate in the necessary information they should provide to put one's mind at ease. It would have saved my son days of worry and fear.

Well, his appointment is Thurs., I hope all the blood work is in order. My son did mention concern that he hopes his blood results are OK. What can you say to that? I just said, " If not we'll find a way to bring everything back in order". More fear and worries, and I've heard it from all these patients.

That's about it for now. Next concerns are hair loss.

juliann

A Day of Panic

2004-11-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

Today is was brought to my attention that the news in Maryland gave out Warnings about taking too much Vitamin "E" could be harmful. There seems to be some controversy over this with dermatologists. Many Accutane patients have and are using Vitamin "E" supplements. I've heard in very high doses of up to 1200IU's. (Don't take over 400IU's unless with your dermatologists approval!). I'm not informed is this was due to their dermatologist's recommendation, or their hopes of "the more I take the faster this acne will go away".

I believe in the case of Accutane patients, Vitamin "E" supplements are recommended to some to help aid in the healing. I spoke with my son's dermatologist after hearing this today and she suggested 400IU's would be a safe dose, and feels David should continue taking it. So I will be having my son reduce down to 400IU's as she suggested. Possibly the use of Vitamin E along with Accutane is on a case by case basis. Either way, my feelings are talk with your dermatologist before adding any supplements or med's to your routine !!

Next, I would like to add. Never assume anything!

My son just realized after opening his last card of Accutane today he will be out of it before his next appt. which is scheduled for Thur. Nov., 18th. He is scheduled to take his blood work tomarrow, and it takes 3-4 days to get the results in. Since the pharmacy can not release a new prescription until the dermatologist checks his blood results and authorizes a yellow stickered prescription, my son is going to run out of his medication. He is in a major state of panic. I made the mistake of thinking the receptionist could count 30days on her calendar knowing David is an Accutane patient. I did not check the appointment date, and now he will be without Accutane for 5 days. He's taking 60mg/day (3 pills), so I asked if I should taper him down to 40mg (2 pills) to stretch out the medication. They thought that made since, and now he will be without anything for 2 full days instead of 5 full days. Maybe the blood work will come in early and I can get him in earlier. Such carelessness is devistating for an acne sufferer. As it is they are concerned if it is going to work, or not working fast enough, and to find out they will be without there normal dose for a week causes trama & stress. Due to a clerical error, and my assumption that they can count!!!!

Mom's Accutane Journal

2004-11-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

Hello-

I am a parent of a young teenager who recently has been under going Accutane treatment for his acne. I've decided to use this blog for my daily diary on his progress using Accutane & other information I can share with you as I receive it. There has been so many wonderful messages of advice & support it's over-whelming & wonderful! I thought if I updated here as I receive information, &/or see any changes in my son's progress this blog site would allow me to update immediately, and publish my updates on the spot. This will also be the means were I can recap my thoughts and information to later add to my web-site.

To Bring Readers up to Speed:

I started posting my journals on my web-site, and there is a 3 week gap from when my son started taking the accutane till now. He has been on Accutane, a 5 month acne treatment, for 3 full weeks now at 60mg/day. Over the course of the 3 weeks he has become very dry all over. He has noticed dandruff, chapped lips and chapping on his elbows and face, and in the first two weeks has aquired two very large cyst on each cheek of his face. We're told break outs are normal using accutane, and to expect it to get worse before it gets better.

Many recommendations have been made for products to help bring him some comfort with these side effects. My web-site also includes his daily routines.

From this point foward, I will be including that information as well as new information to my blog, and only post weekly recaps on my web-site.

My primary focus is from a parent's perspective which I hope will benefit those parents looking for answers while they decide if accutane is the right choice for there teen. This is a very powerful treatment for acne, and only moderate to severe cases should think about using it under the supervision of a dermatologist. Montly blood test are required before the next 30 day prescription can be filled in order to monitor cholesterol and the triglicerin blood levels. For women, pregnancy test are required to avoid birth defects. Depression may be linked to this drug, yet I have found no evidence either linked or not linked. It is my opinion, depression is linked to severe acne ! Do to the potential severe side effects, this medication is strongly regulated by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration).

As a parent of a minor teen, it is my responsiblity to make decisions in the best interest of my child. So with that, I am writting, and collecting information to put together and share with all who find themselves in the same position. My goal is to organize a web-site which will benefit all acne sufferers with facts about acne, and offer a one stop web-site for those looking for answers and support while contemplating or using Accutane to fight the battle of acne.

Today's entry:

Nov. 8- 9th, 2004 - My son mentions being discouraged that the accutane isn’t working fast enough. Tells me he hates going in public, and is being teased by his pier’s. Advice came from all over. Keep his mind busy. Try going to the gym and build up those muscles, the chicks love muscles. Be patient it will work. Find ways to focus on other things rather than the acne. All advice worth mentioning. Good advice for me as well. I’ve been so busy worrying about results & side effects, I never even thought about keeping his mind on other things. This is a very emotional time for him and myself included. Just not knowing what the outcome will be is troubling. Watching my son get frustrated and discouraged is a very sad position to be in as a parent. I just wish I could make it all better right now, so he doesn’t need to go on this up and down roller coaster ride.

I find myself trying to find all the answers for the entire support group. Listening to their stories can be both heart breaking and joyful. I suppose the same is true for them. Heart breaking when they break out becomes worse than before using accutane, and joyful when it’s all over and they have a beautiful clear complexion.

But what about those who didn’t get the results they were hoping for? Or those that can’t use accutane for medical reasons? This bothers me, and I am determined to pursue this question and get some answers. There has to be hope for all. I hope I'm sucessful in finding that hope !

Well, that’s it from this parent’s perspective. Any thoughts or information Is always greatly appreciated!

E-mail me:

I’d love to hear from you!

Best of wishes to you all,

juliann