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December 2010 Moms
GrayGhost13
member
Feeling kind of down after dermatologist appointment (long vent)
GrayGhost13
member
I've struggled with severe cystic acne for several years and have tried pretty much every major medication both topicals and pills (with the exception of Accutane) with very little success. Getting on BCP and spironolactone helped clear me up to an acceptable level, but as soon as I got off them, my skin was a disaster again and it's the worst in my life now that I'm pregnant. It is both embarrassing and painful.
After seeing the same dermatologist for years, I decided to see a different doctor today and get a second opinion. I'm not surprised, but maybe a little sad, that she told me the same thing. I can only take erythromycin (which I'm already on) while I'm pregnant (nothing else is safe), and based on my history with other medications, my only shot at really clear skin will be to take Accutane after I'm no longer pregnant or breast-feeding.
Since I plan to BF for a few months, then probably TTC my second later next year, we're looking at possibly two or three years of severe acne, and I'm really feeling kind of down about that prospect.
I know in the scheme of life looks aren't everything and I'm very happy to be pregnant, but I feel like having my face looking so terrible for so long is really going to impact my image and my relationships, especially at work. I've already had quite a few colleagues comment on it and react to it very negatively, and I'm sure for every person that's said something, there's a dozen who have thought it but are too polite to say anything. Also, since I've been through years of dermatologists' visits, I know my acne isn't my fault and I'm doing the best I can, but to someone who doesn't know anything about it, I worry that people might think I'm just not taking good care of myself or believe the myths about acne and think my face is dirty or that I eat greasy, fatty foods (neither of which could be further from the truth!). I try to keep my hair and clothes neat and profession, but I just really fear that this will distract people and/or make them think less of me, and it sucks because there's nothing I can do.
If you've made it this far, congrats! LOL Has anyone been through anything like this that changed your appearance in a major way for the worse? How do you still feel attractive and confident when you can't stand looking in the mirror?
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Re: Feeling kind of down after dermatologist appointment (long vent)
=( I'm sorry!! The closest thing I've dealt with appearance-wise is being overweight at certain points in my life (although that IS my fault, unlike your situation,) and I have struggled with self-esteem over it for sure. I guess the only thing to do is act confident and try to focus on your personality and other physical qualities that you do like. Easier said than done, I still have a hard time.
What I really can't get over is that anyone would have the gall to comment on it. Seriously? Were they raised in a barn? Unbelievably rude.
I was shocked the first time someone said something .... then about half a dozen other people made comments, so apparently it's not as outrageous as I thought it was.
Thanks, ladies, for the support and encouragement.
My boss is great and supports everything I do, so I know I'm not in danger of losing my job or anything like that, it's just frustrating putting up with the comments and judgments of other people. I work in kind of a technical industry so a lot of the people I work with were hired more for their smarts than for their people skills, KWIM, so I try to be tolerant but it can be a little trying when you're sensitive about something.
I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up and try to focus on the positives until I'm through this phase. Thanks for the good thoughts everyone!
I'm so sorry you're struggling with this.
I haven't had my appearance altered in a negative way so I have no advice in that area.
I do have a friend that has really severe acne and she gets a laser/photo treatment thing done every 3 months. Given how long you've delt with your condition, I'm sure you've heard of these types of therapies. Just in case you haven't, here is a link to the Mayo Clinic's info Info.
It makes her acne worse for a 3 day period but then it nearly clears up entirely. She schedules it on a Thursday afternoon and takes Friday off and doesn't leave the house Saturday and Sunday. By Monday, when it's done right, her face is 95% better.
Is this an option while you're pregnant?
I'm not sure. The doctor today mentioned I could consider seeing their office's esthetician about light therapy or facials. She didn't mention the laser. My OB's been great about answering questions, so I'm sure I could ask. I'm a little scared to ask how much it costs though, since it's not covered by insurance.
I would ask. You may have a heart attack after you find out but it could be worth it to ask.
And you could look for other places in your area that do them. My MD's office was offering the service and it was a little less than an esthetician's because it wasn't a "regular" service.
It would be worth it not to suffer the embarrassment and possible scaring.
Ugh I am so sorry that you are going through this. I can relate, to a degree. Since I stopped my BCP my face was a disaster, I thought it would never stop breaking out!!! After almost 2 years (ugh again), its calmed down some. I was also frustrated b/c we were TTC and I couldn't really use anything that was really effective. I have some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and am trying to get rid of that...
I called a med spa, and asked what I could have done while pg. I was told basically the only thing would be microdermabrasion. I've had that before but I'm not crazy enough about it to do it again. What I'm planning to do after BF'ing (so of course not any time soon sigh) is get a series of peels, either glycolic or this one called the Vi Peel (google before and after pics...amazing...and its a ONE time thing although you could have them done in a series).
I also have an rx for Azelex (azelaic acid) that was approved by my OB to use during pg. I do like that stuff. I also suggest getting a Clarisonic...its a gentle exfoliation that you can do every day and gets your pores clean, more so than manual cleansing (seriously I never realized how much make-up was still on my face after I washed it). There is a small version called the Mia, cheaper and works just as well as the full-size one.
Whew, that was a book! Just wanted you to know u aren't alone, and if you have any ?s about anything let me know! Chin up mama!! Hang in there!
Virtual hugs to you too! Sorry you're going through this as well.
And to everyone, thanks again for the support and suggestions.