31 years, Accutane. Weekly updates.

Hello! My name is Jesika and I will begin Accutane next month (March 2016). I just started the protocol to prepare ( taking birth control pills). It's a ton of information to take in all at once thats for sure! That book they gave me to read is the real deal man. haha. I'm 31 and didn't have acne until I had my daughter 8 years ago. As fellow sufferers you know what I mean when I say " I tried EVERYTHING!!"- over the counter, prescription meds and even weird holistic treatments I found on the internet. Anyways, its has only gotten worse lately. Nothing seems to help so my Derm finally decided it was time. I'm nervous but excited. Looking forward to sharing this journey with people who understand what it's like and feel similarly. Would love any tips people have as far as favorite lip balms, face washes, moisturizers and etc for during the process.

Ok so after what seems like FOREVER, I had my 2nd negative pregnancy test and blood tests last Thursday and will get my prescription this afternoon! Derm has started me out at 40mg/daily. After looking around online it looks like that is an average starting dosage. With my insurance ( BCBSTX) my script is only $10, Blood test was $50 and Derm appt was $40. So on average $100/month which lets be honest with all the crap I've tried over the years to rid myself of acne, that is nothing new expense-wise.

Ok so after doing exhaustive online research I have prepared by:
- stocking up on moisturizer ( starting with my go-to pre-Accutane fav Coconut Oil but also purchased on Cetaphil Moisturizing Creme since that seems to be everyones go to)

- Dr. Dan's Cortisone Lip Balm ( husband took Accutance back in the 90's and has had dry lips ever since. This is the only thing that has ever made a huge difference for him so i figured I'd just start there) as well as Aquaphor and vaseline.

- Drinking a ton of water. I already drink a lot of water, but I have been making sure that I am hitting at least 120 oz a day. Dehydration seems to be a really common theme in everyone's posts so I thought, it couldn't hurt right?

-Fish Oil. I have taken fish oil on and off for years but decided a month ago when I started my protocol that I would go ahead and get back on the wagon. I've heard it helps with joint pain and dryness associated with Accutane.

Can you tell I'm trying to cut off the extremeness of any bad side effects before they begin? Only time will tell if any of this will help.

Posting before pictures below. I will say a month and a week on birth control ( Ortho Tri-cyclen) has helped curve my hormonal monthly breakouts quite a bit. Still a ton of scarring and about 5 current zits ( this includes three cystic ones that are hiding slightly under the edge of my jaw line and hurt like crap!!)

P.S. Prescription was delivered while writing this. Excited/nervous and all the in-between emotions. Wish me luck!

I'll update next week.

Ok so today is my 6th pill and so far, not a lot of side effects. From all the research it did seems like people either get symptoms right off the back or weeks later. First few days, my skin seemed to itch pretty badly at night to the point of me taking oatmeal baths and Benadryl. Luckily, I found a great face wash that soothed any itchiness on my face( Boots Simply Sensitive with Aloe- Target). No dry skin so far.. just the itch. Lips are starting to wrinkle and dry a bit but nothing bad yet.

I do seem to be getting a bit of a breakout on my jawline only one side of my face. Birth control had really been keeping the new pimples to a minimum but I suddenly have like 7 in one spot. I have kept using my Epiduo, lightly, at night after washing. So far no burning or anything. Plan to slowly phase it out as my skin dries out.

So far so good. *fingers crossed*