Levulan Kerastick Blue Light Treatment for AKs from Sun Exposure - Charlotte, NC

I had the PDT treatment on my face yesterday morning for AKs on my face. I am 45 yrs-old and sustained a good bit of sun damage for the first 30 years of my life. I have had three Mohs surgeries on my face since age 40 and I am trying to avoid any more surgeries going forward. I know everyone's experience is different, but I had read some very alarming patient reviews so I wanted to write a positive review to encourage those considering PDT. After all the reviews I'd read, I was extremely anxious going into my dermatologist's office yesterday. The process was just like it was described...my face was cleaned with alcohol, the Kerastick solution was applied, and I waited one hour before sitting in the blue light. I expected the worst, even though the nurse reassured me that I would likely not have a strong reaction. She was very kind and helpful which put me at ease. While under the light, she checked in on me a few times. Even though the burning was mild for me (maybe a 2 on a scale of 1-10), they had a cool fan blowing up into my face which felt great. The lights were not particularly hot and though I can be claustrophobic, I wasn't bothered by the semi-circle of lights because I knew I could back up at any time and be in a wide-open room. I never needed to do this, but the nurse told me I could if things got too intense. When the PDT treatment ended my face was slightly pink in areas but the mild stinging stopped almost immediately. I stayed out of sunlight all day yesterday and I will today as well. I am in my house with the blinds closed. As far as how I felt yesterday, my face was slightly pink and felt somewhat tight/dry and mildly itchy. I kept waiting for it to get worse (as per some of the reviews) - even this morning I was concerned I might wake up with a burning red face, but this was not the case. Today, my face is much the same as yesterday - slightly pink, mildly itchy and tight/dry feeling. I am confident that my recovery will continue this way with some peeling and flaking to come. I am supposed to go back in a month for my second treatment and I now know not to work myself up over this treatment. I know everyone is different, but I hope this will encourage those of you who are considering PDT.