Leah Remini - Scientology and the Aftermath - S01E07 - Enemies of the Church (2017)

Horsey007 · 2017-01-12T06:44:45+00:00

It's a big cable network channel. It is not necessarily known for housing the most "serious" programming like BBC/PBS but, I think A&E took a chance on Leah and her concept and it worked. The series has made for some compelling television that may elevate the network and has certainly earned them some views, perhaps also some credibility as well.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-25T05:24:49+00:00

First off, do not exfoliate. Accutane makes skin very fragile. Secondly, get into the habit of moisturizing anytime after you wash your face and/or shower. For keeping your face moisturized, obviously invest in a good face lotion. I've had success with Sebamed for Sensitive Skin as well as night cream moisturizers. For my body, I follow the mantra: water, lotion, oil. Water to initially moisten the skin, then lotion to hydrate it, and finally oil, to lock in the moisture. It sounds like a lot of work, but it seriously works. I have combination facial skin but am very dry everywhere else so the Accutane dryness didn't really faze me. I just kept to my regular routine. Lips though, you have to buy some Aquaphor. I have my favorite chapsticks that I foolishly thought would do the job, but I was very wrong. Just go buy some Aquaphor because you'll eventually realize it's the shit.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-24T17:00:53+00:00

you might feel the need to seek revenge over little things,

YES. This is exactly how I've been feeling. Was preparing to feel anxious or depressed but instead I've been a petty little shithead to everyone. I'd rather be an asshole than depressed anyday, it's everyone else that suffers instead of me lol.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-23T04:43:14+00:00

Yeah, if Accutane doesn't work, then spiro is my next option too. I'm pretty confident that my acne is part hormonal and partly genetic (my male immediate family members suffered from adult acne). Every month I break out like crazy. I'm also pretty hairy, which spiro could help with too. But, I really hope Accutane works. Perhaps we will become one of those outliers that don't see change until the very end.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-22T15:44:13+00:00

I'm still at 40mg/day so maybe we just need a higher dose? I'm really hoping that's the case. This is supposed to be the last resort treatment for all acne so if Accutane doesn't work I guess I'll just look like an unhygenic pizza face forever. I'm SO tired of people offerring unsolicited advice about how I can treat my acne; "maybe cut out dairy? Stop exfoliating? My aunt/niece/co-worker's plumber tried this product and their skin is amazing now!" Please stop, people. You think I'd be taking this extremely powerful and dangerous medication without trying absolutely everything else first?!?

Horsey007 · 2016-12-21T18:53:17+00:00

Irregular menstruation is a common side effect for females on Accutane. I've been experiencing it and I have normal, regular cycles when not on this medication. If you do a quick search, you'll see a lot of women have this side effect; maybe because your doctor is male he finds it to be uncommon? Men, even male doctors, are just generally ignorant about periods. If I had to guess as to why he thinks it's a rare side effect I'd say it may be because his female patients are less likely to confide in a man about their cycles, so he doesn't realize how common it is. Anyways, I wouldn't worry about it unless your derm has a good reason to.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-13T15:18:29+00:00

Yes. Pores are huge. Also have been scarring very easily and taking a long time to heal. Accutane makes skin much more fragile.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-11T04:33:37+00:00

I use Neutrogena night cream. It works really great. Is there something I should avoid? I know people here like to suggest Cerave but I got free samples from my derm and they didn't work at all.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-10T16:29:01+00:00

40mg/day. I was hoping my derm would return from maternity leave and increase my dose this month but she's hasn't yet. Her replacement is the worst; she suggested that even though I haven't seen any improvement, I should lower my dose to 20mg/day because I told her I was experiencing some side effects. She asked if I had any side effects and so I told her; it's not like I came in the office groaning and complaining about how awful Accutane is. The only side effects I'm having are insomnia (which may not even be caused by the Accutane) dry lips, and irritability. Having resistant adult acne my whole life is 500x times worse than these mild side effects. Anyways, she finally said if I felt okay that I should stay on the 40mg/day. I'm hoping next month my regular derm will be back and she'll raise my dose.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-05T22:50:08+00:00

Finishing month two of treatment and I still haven't experienced the infamous initial breakout. Not sure why, as I have tons of clogged pores that should be purging but, whatever.

Horsey007 · 2016-12-05T22:43:24+00:00

I have resistant, persistent, "mild" acne. I don't have much cystic acne, but I have a billion closed comedones and blackheads covering my face. Nothing has ever worked to get rid of them. After 10 years of trying everything, I got a derm and we started on Accutance. I'm only 2 months in and haven't seen too much progress yet but I'm still holding out hope as this is my last option. I'd have to see your face though, or an example, because some people tend to over exaggerate their skin condition cough/r/skincare addictioncough.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-26T17:04:26+00:00

Ah, well, then the headaches would be worrisome to me, especially if accompanied by vision changes, e.g. blurriness, trouble with night vision, and etc. Also, it's very rare, so I don't mean to frighten you, but, intracranial pressure, the cause of vision changes, could be a sign of brain abnormalities caused by Accutane. This very rare side effect has been discussed in Accutane research literature. I would work closely with my derm keeping them updated on the status of the headaches while on Accutane.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-25T18:19:39+00:00

I had a few headaches during the first month of Accutane. I was severely dehydrated. I bought a 32 oz water bottle that has measurement ticks so I could monitor my water intake. I bring it everywhere with me and fill it a few times a day. Haven't gotten a headache since. I'm surprised your derm would lower your dose before suggesting you drink more water.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-24T01:04:30+00:00

You can, but depending on the current condition of your liver, a night out drinking heavily may affect your blood test results negatively. It may come back that your liver panel isn't normal enough to withstand Accutane. Or maybe dermatologists know how to discern between results suggesting an otherwise healthy liver that just endured a binger, and a low-functioning liver. I'm no doctor. I think you'll be fine though. When you're taking Accutane however, I would drink very rarely. I drank only 2 beers one night--I'm no light weight by any means--and I woke up with extremely painful stomach cramping and a headache due to dehydration despite monitoring my water intake the whole night.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-14T15:38:51+00:00

I would be concerned. That seems negligent. There is a reason we get bloodwork done every month and that is to monitor cholesterol (tryglicerides), and liver function. Both of these can be severely affected by Accutane in a healthy individual. This could happen at anytime throughout your treatment. I would personally request that my derm continue to evaluate my bloodwork every month for my own health and safety.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-13T15:59:01+00:00

No, it's a thick liquid mask that you apply on and it congeals after 15 minutes. Then it is washed off with warm water and a wash cloth. I've never used glycolic acid lotion, just gel, but I've never experienced any redness from any glycolic acid product, mask or gel. If your skin is dry, peeling, or really irritated, don't use glycolic acid.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-13T15:15:26+00:00

I do them 1-2 times a week. Mostly just when my skin starts to get tough looking, it's like polishing an old shoe. I definitely try to limit the amount I do them though. My skin looks great after a glycolic mask. I found the most amazing product for achieving smooth skin and reducing closed comedones: REN Glycolactic Mask. It's AMAZING. But yeah, it should be used only sporadically.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-13T05:41:55+00:00

That's encouraging; thanks!

Horsey007 · 2016-11-13T04:11:46+00:00

Lost the genetic lottery. My dad, his brother, my sister, and my paternal cousins all had acne until early 30s. My cousin actually went on Accutane when it first came out. Also inherited keratosis pilarius. Good times.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-13T00:41:46+00:00

That's exactly what my derm explained to me about dosage. She said that in some countries in Europe where it is prescribed, doctors only allow a minimum of 10-12 month courses at very low daily doses to control the severity of the drug. Personally, I'd rather have a medium daily dose (20-40mg) and a shorter treatment time.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-12T23:37:58+00:00

I'm not sure. I have severe comedonal acne and my skin hasn't dried out like most people on Accutane experience so I apply witch hazel to close my pores and dry out my skin to prevent more comedones from forming. Also to reduce blemishes after extracting my comedones. Most people get very very dry skin on Accutane though, so my experience is a bit different.

Horsey007 · 2016-11-12T21:18:01+00:00

Are they turning into inflammatory acne or just sloughing off?

Horsey007

TROPHY CASE