Since my last update, my acne situation has been in remission. Only this morning I was reminded of acne when I woke up to find a single pimple on my right cheek. It was sort of a let down, but let's face it, one zit in three or four weeks is better than three or four zits every day!
I'm taking one 40mg Accutane each day. I am going to take two Accutane today, a 10mg Prednisone, and a topical application of Topicort directly to the zit. If it doesn't go down in swelling by tonight, I will step up from Topicort to Vanos.
I feel like a dermatologist!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Healthcare
See if you've heard this joke.
A man walks into a bank and hands the teller a note demanding $1 and healthcare. He waits patiently for the police to respond to the robbery and take him into custody. As a ward of the state, he is now receiving the healthcare he couldn't afford on his own.
The only thing is that this really happened. It isn't a joke. It was a reality, recently, for a 59-year-old North Carolina man. As Republicans and Democrats wage a war on the cost of national healthcare--whether you want to call it "Obamacare" or "Obamneycare"--there are people who cannot afford to receive life saving health care. They can't afford medications, medical procedures, or long-term life extending care, whether in public or private facilities.
Our country has the money and medical resources to guarantee each American top-notch medical care for those who cannot afford it through no fault of their own, whether or not they are homeless, laid off from work, injured, and the list can continue.
As American taxpayers foot the bill for two wars, which cost ten-of-billions of dollars annually, we allow our own citizens to suffer and die needlessly. Besides these two wars, we are set to fight another one in Libya. It's time for President Obama to live up to his promise of ending the Bush wars. Thus, bringing home those billions of dollars dumped into a bottomless blackhole located on the other side of the globe. There is no hope that these wars will ever end satisfactorily. My suggestion is to stop Libya before it begins in earnestness. It's not our fight. We weren't there when it began in 1969, why do we insist on being there at the end in 2011? Yes, innocent people are dying there, but the same is true about the United States. In the final analysis, who deserves our money most?
A man walks into a bank and hands the teller a note demanding $1 and healthcare. He waits patiently for the police to respond to the robbery and take him into custody. As a ward of the state, he is now receiving the healthcare he couldn't afford on his own.
The only thing is that this really happened. It isn't a joke. It was a reality, recently, for a 59-year-old North Carolina man. As Republicans and Democrats wage a war on the cost of national healthcare--whether you want to call it "Obamacare" or "Obamneycare"--there are people who cannot afford to receive life saving health care. They can't afford medications, medical procedures, or long-term life extending care, whether in public or private facilities.
Our country has the money and medical resources to guarantee each American top-notch medical care for those who cannot afford it through no fault of their own, whether or not they are homeless, laid off from work, injured, and the list can continue.
As American taxpayers foot the bill for two wars, which cost ten-of-billions of dollars annually, we allow our own citizens to suffer and die needlessly. Besides these two wars, we are set to fight another one in Libya. It's time for President Obama to live up to his promise of ending the Bush wars. Thus, bringing home those billions of dollars dumped into a bottomless blackhole located on the other side of the globe. There is no hope that these wars will ever end satisfactorily. My suggestion is to stop Libya before it begins in earnestness. It's not our fight. We weren't there when it began in 1969, why do we insist on being there at the end in 2011? Yes, innocent people are dying there, but the same is true about the United States. In the final analysis, who deserves our money most?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Republican Debate
The first Republican presidential debate of the 2012 primary season was held last night in Manchester, New Hampshire. I have to say it was probably a waste of time. I watched bits and pieces of it, but it was mostly attack Barack Obama and high praise of Ronald Reagan, who was president in a different time and climate.
Surprisingly, I didn't hear another Republican hero lauded. I am speaking, of course, of George W. Bush.
Surprisingly, I didn't hear another Republican hero lauded. I am speaking, of course, of George W. Bush.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Weinergate
Who wants to see the pics that Congressman Anthony Weiner tweeted to me? Not to mention the inappropriate banter he forced me to read!
Oh Lordy! When will these politicians learn?
Oh Lordy! When will these politicians learn?
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Accutane & Acne (Days 94-115)
Eureka!
I can report that for the past week I have been completely breakout free for the first time in about 19 years!
I first started getting spotty acne when I was 12 years old. For me, it is hard to believe that most people move beyond this skin ailment by the end of their teens and certainly by the beginning of their twenties; however, for me, I have been living with it for the majority of my life. The twenties were no relief, and my thirties certainly showed no sign of recovery. As I move into the end of my treatment, I am now concerned that once I stop taking isotretinoin that my acne may return. My dermatologist said in that case we'd simply start another regimen of isotretinoin, because it is possible for it to return in a mild form. I suppose I can live with that. Although the new acne is gone, I still have the visual remains of a decades long war on my face. I see fading hyperpigmentation and a very few scars along my right jawline. My scars are nothing compared to the discoloration. They are not even noticeable. If you looked really close you may see two or three. Of course, I've never seen my face completely acne free since I was 11 years old, so I may find more as time goes on.
Over all, I am happy!
I can report that for the past week I have been completely breakout free for the first time in about 19 years!
I first started getting spotty acne when I was 12 years old. For me, it is hard to believe that most people move beyond this skin ailment by the end of their teens and certainly by the beginning of their twenties; however, for me, I have been living with it for the majority of my life. The twenties were no relief, and my thirties certainly showed no sign of recovery. As I move into the end of my treatment, I am now concerned that once I stop taking isotretinoin that my acne may return. My dermatologist said in that case we'd simply start another regimen of isotretinoin, because it is possible for it to return in a mild form. I suppose I can live with that. Although the new acne is gone, I still have the visual remains of a decades long war on my face. I see fading hyperpigmentation and a very few scars along my right jawline. My scars are nothing compared to the discoloration. They are not even noticeable. If you looked really close you may see two or three. Of course, I've never seen my face completely acne free since I was 11 years old, so I may find more as time goes on.
Over all, I am happy!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Judgement Day!
As the end of the world draws near (only two hours remain), I am left with a few parting words for those of you who will be raptured: GET REAL!
History is full of people calling for the "Lord's return" for over 2,000 years. God almighty!
History is full of people calling for the "Lord's return" for over 2,000 years. God almighty!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Accutane & Acne (Days 77-93)
With the exception of two zits, I am pretty much acne free at the moment. I still suffer from the discoloration of previous outbreaks, but my dermatologist insists that it will all fade away once I stop taking the isotretinoin. I will trust her on that.
Thursday, marked another visit to the dermatologist. She said that she thinks next month will be my last prescription for isotretinoin. I will continue to take it for several months to come, because I have been taking one pill per day while the prescription says twice a day. Also, that is doctor's orders. She says that it doesn't matter how quickly you receive the dose as long as you do complete the regimen. My lab work shows normal liver function and my triglycerides are holding steady in the mid-200s. She said I can live with that, because more than likely they will drop once I stop taking the isotretinoin.
I picked up a new prescription of Amnesteem and Prednisone today at the pharmacy. I had to convince the pharm tech that I did have a prescription for Prednisone on my script, because she said it looked like the doctor had drawn a line through the quantity, which was 30. I read the script to her over the phone to convince her that the doctor wanted me to take it. I also told her to look at my prescription history to see she does prescribe the medication with the same quantity and instructions. My dermatologist loves to draw lines over things and circle things to make a point. In the case of the marked out quantity, I think she was attempting to emphasis for the pharmacy that there was a prescription at the end of the prescription paper.
Thursday, marked another visit to the dermatologist. She said that she thinks next month will be my last prescription for isotretinoin. I will continue to take it for several months to come, because I have been taking one pill per day while the prescription says twice a day. Also, that is doctor's orders. She says that it doesn't matter how quickly you receive the dose as long as you do complete the regimen. My lab work shows normal liver function and my triglycerides are holding steady in the mid-200s. She said I can live with that, because more than likely they will drop once I stop taking the isotretinoin.
I picked up a new prescription of Amnesteem and Prednisone today at the pharmacy. I had to convince the pharm tech that I did have a prescription for Prednisone on my script, because she said it looked like the doctor had drawn a line through the quantity, which was 30. I read the script to her over the phone to convince her that the doctor wanted me to take it. I also told her to look at my prescription history to see she does prescribe the medication with the same quantity and instructions. My dermatologist loves to draw lines over things and circle things to make a point. In the case of the marked out quantity, I think she was attempting to emphasis for the pharmacy that there was a prescription at the end of the prescription paper.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Osama bin Laden dead
Osama bin Laden, after a nine year manhunt since the anniversary of 9/11, is dead.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Accutane & Acne (Days 66-76)
I am still plugging along. It seems that my acne is now wanting to play hide-and-seek with me. For a few days it is on my cheek and then it is suddenly on my forehead. I'm still taking Prednisone as a stop-gap measure. I have also moved the time I take my isotretinoin from the morning to the afternoon/evening. It is easier on my stomach, because I am able to eat a decent snack/meal before swallowing the pill. I have fudged a little bit on the number of pills I take each day. Most days I take one, but on others I may take 2.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Accutane & Acne (Days 52-65)
Better ways.
Since my last post, my skin has gotten better. The previous outbreaks have went down, leaving only discoloration behind to remind of its former presence. I went to the dermatologist for another month's follow-up on Thursday. My triglycerides were up a few points, but she said wasn't anything to get alarmed about. (I have cut back on red meats.) I did tell her that I was disappointed with the fact parts of my face were breaking out again, but she reassured me that it was common. Of course, I will continue the treatment. I did mention that I did not have Prednisone to take during the previous month, which did help tremendously with inflammation from the occasional outbreaks. She went ahead and gave me another supply of Prednisone 10mg to take each day. The doctor also gave me samples of Tazorac to spot treat any future outbreaks. I hadn't tried this product in my pre-isotretinoin days, but I like it. It has a drying effect on my skin. The cysts also responded with a decrease in swelling.
The pharmacy filled my isotretinoin prescription with another company's brand. It is Claravis by Barr Labs. I prefer Barr's packaging. It is much more user friendly than Mylan's packaging for Amnesteem. Of course, it still costs my insurer more than $600 for a month's therapy!
Since my last post, my skin has gotten better. The previous outbreaks have went down, leaving only discoloration behind to remind of its former presence. I went to the dermatologist for another month's follow-up on Thursday. My triglycerides were up a few points, but she said wasn't anything to get alarmed about. (I have cut back on red meats.) I did tell her that I was disappointed with the fact parts of my face were breaking out again, but she reassured me that it was common. Of course, I will continue the treatment. I did mention that I did not have Prednisone to take during the previous month, which did help tremendously with inflammation from the occasional outbreaks. She went ahead and gave me another supply of Prednisone 10mg to take each day. The doctor also gave me samples of Tazorac to spot treat any future outbreaks. I hadn't tried this product in my pre-isotretinoin days, but I like it. It has a drying effect on my skin. The cysts also responded with a decrease in swelling.
The pharmacy filled my isotretinoin prescription with another company's brand. It is Claravis by Barr Labs. I prefer Barr's packaging. It is much more user friendly than Mylan's packaging for Amnesteem. Of course, it still costs my insurer more than $600 for a month's therapy!
Saturday, April 02, 2011
America's Middle East
With the burning of a Qu'ran by a Florida church, America is now faced with its own outrage at the hands of the Afghans.
Last year, the church in Gainesville, Florida, was set to host the "International Burn a Quran Day" on 9/11. Instead, Terry Jones, who is the church's pastor (cult leader), decided to postpone the hateful act after much domestic and international pressure. The event was resurrected (I can't help myself), in the form of the "International Judge the Koran Day." This event took place recently.
Sufficed-to-say, Muslims did not take kindly to the video burning of a single Qu'ran on the church's website. Now, I am not a religious fanatic. Actually, I am not religious at all. But you know what you get when you pit two groups of ignorant people against each other. That's right, people get hurt, and some even die, which is the case in Afghanistan.
Even though the act showed poor taste and utter ignorance, I am a firm believer in First Amendment rights. I believe every American has the right to protest and support his/her beliefs in a non-violent way. Although, I believe you may burn any book you wish, the fact remains that the people who participated in this act of protest understood the ramifications of their act. It wasn't simply speaking out against a governmental policy, but a slap-in-the-face of over a billion people, who are easily pissed off when it comes to their faith.
Now, the American government and military must bear the burden of the burning of a single Qu'ran. Americans and Afghans have died in what has become a cauldron of hate and retaliation in Afghanistan. As someone who teaches American National Government, I am puzzled by what should be the outcome of what has happened. I teach my students that their rights end where another individual's rights begin. (I often cite Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes' opinion, in re: Schenck v. United States, of the figurative man shouting "fire" in a crowded theater, as a caveat.) As such, I believe the people who knowingly participated in this act should be expatriated to Afghanistan. Sometimes you must freely sacrifice a lamb to the wolf in order to save your flock. How's that for atonement?
Last year, the church in Gainesville, Florida, was set to host the "International Burn a Quran Day" on 9/11. Instead, Terry Jones, who is the church's pastor (cult leader), decided to postpone the hateful act after much domestic and international pressure. The event was resurrected (I can't help myself), in the form of the "International Judge the Koran Day." This event took place recently.
Sufficed-to-say, Muslims did not take kindly to the video burning of a single Qu'ran on the church's website. Now, I am not a religious fanatic. Actually, I am not religious at all. But you know what you get when you pit two groups of ignorant people against each other. That's right, people get hurt, and some even die, which is the case in Afghanistan.
Even though the act showed poor taste and utter ignorance, I am a firm believer in First Amendment rights. I believe every American has the right to protest and support his/her beliefs in a non-violent way. Although, I believe you may burn any book you wish, the fact remains that the people who participated in this act of protest understood the ramifications of their act. It wasn't simply speaking out against a governmental policy, but a slap-in-the-face of over a billion people, who are easily pissed off when it comes to their faith.
Now, the American government and military must bear the burden of the burning of a single Qu'ran. Americans and Afghans have died in what has become a cauldron of hate and retaliation in Afghanistan. As someone who teaches American National Government, I am puzzled by what should be the outcome of what has happened. I teach my students that their rights end where another individual's rights begin. (I often cite Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes' opinion, in re: Schenck v. United States, of the figurative man shouting "fire" in a crowded theater, as a caveat.) As such, I believe the people who knowingly participated in this act should be expatriated to Afghanistan. Sometimes you must freely sacrifice a lamb to the wolf in order to save your flock. How's that for atonement?
Accutane & Acne (Days 30-51)
Old ways.
That's the only way I can describe the right side of my face. While the left side of my face has cleared up considerably, the right side of my face is intent on returning to the ways of an acne-indulged lifestyle. With that said, I have to admit that the acne is not the same cystic nor nodule acne as I had before, but it is there nonetheless, doggonnit!
My skin is very dry. I rub my fingers over my cheeks and feel the dryness of my skin. Some skin even wafts off like dust into a gentle breeze. (How's poetic is that?) I do not wash my face at night anymore, in fear of aggravating its dryness. I was using CeraVe, but now I am using Cetaphil, because I had some of it left over.
Also, the eczema/dermatitis on the back of my hands has become quite painful and obvious. The back of my hands look like lobster claws sometimes. My left hand looks like a massive red island in a white sea, while my right hand looks like an archipelago of red dots strewn in the whiteness. They are incredibly dry, as well. I am using a homemade concoction of Cetaphil moisturizer of triamcinolone acetonide that I have mixed together. I only started using it last night and my skin is less red.
The only major difference in all of this is the fact I am not taking Prednisone anymore. I only had it for one month to go along with the Accutane. I am not sure if the dermatologist forgot to prescribe it last time or she doesn't want me to take it anymore. Nevertheless, I will be requesting a refill of it the next time I am there in about a week-and-a-half. I think it went a long way in helping me combat acne flare-ups.
That's the only way I can describe the right side of my face. While the left side of my face has cleared up considerably, the right side of my face is intent on returning to the ways of an acne-indulged lifestyle. With that said, I have to admit that the acne is not the same cystic nor nodule acne as I had before, but it is there nonetheless, doggonnit!
My skin is very dry. I rub my fingers over my cheeks and feel the dryness of my skin. Some skin even wafts off like dust into a gentle breeze. (How's poetic is that?) I do not wash my face at night anymore, in fear of aggravating its dryness. I was using CeraVe, but now I am using Cetaphil, because I had some of it left over.
Also, the eczema/dermatitis on the back of my hands has become quite painful and obvious. The back of my hands look like lobster claws sometimes. My left hand looks like a massive red island in a white sea, while my right hand looks like an archipelago of red dots strewn in the whiteness. They are incredibly dry, as well. I am using a homemade concoction of Cetaphil moisturizer of triamcinolone acetonide that I have mixed together. I only started using it last night and my skin is less red.
The only major difference in all of this is the fact I am not taking Prednisone anymore. I only had it for one month to go along with the Accutane. I am not sure if the dermatologist forgot to prescribe it last time or she doesn't want me to take it anymore. Nevertheless, I will be requesting a refill of it the next time I am there in about a week-and-a-half. I think it went a long way in helping me combat acne flare-ups.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Japan
On Friday, Japan was devastated by an earthquake that registered at 8.9-9.1 on the Richter Scale. In fact, it is the largest earthquake in Japan's recorded history. The earthquake created a tsunami wave that was thirty feet high and swept six miles inland. The tsunami traveled as far as California and Australia. Entire cities and towns, in Japan, were wiped from the face of the earth. Japanese authorities state that more than 9,000 people are missing.
The earthquake was so powerful that it shifted Japan's largest island, Honshu, by more than eight feet. It also increased the earth's rotation by 1.6 microseconds, and increased the planet's tilt on its axis by four inches! That is some serious energy release!
The earthquake was so powerful that it shifted Japan's largest island, Honshu, by more than eight feet. It also increased the earth's rotation by 1.6 microseconds, and increased the planet's tilt on its axis by four inches! That is some serious energy release!
Libya
Libyan leader, Muammar Ghaddafi, is still pounding rebel strongholds throughout the eastern region of his country. France became the first country to recognize Libya's transitional government as its legitimate government. The world is still working on what sanctions to impose on Ghaddafi. It would seem that he is turning the tide on this weeks' old rebellion. Ghadaffi is using his seemingly superior firepower, and trained soldiers, to deter rebel forces and reclaim lost territory.
Accutane & Acne (Days 24-29)
Thursday, I went in for my one month check-up with my dermatologist. My triglycerides were a little high (she said), but I think I can live with 237, even if 150 is normal. She said that it would probably be okay and she didn't have a real problem with it being at the number, but she wouldn't like it to get closer to 300 anytime soon. (But, in the meantime, I'm supposed to be cutting down on my cholesterol intake. Uh-huh!)
My face is continuing to progress. The doctor was very pleased with my result. She said that it won't be long before I am acne-free. I told her that I probably hadn't been acne-free in over 18 years. I wish someone had told me about Accutane about 18 years ago!
In other news, I went the pharmacy today to fill my new prescription for isotretinoin, but the pharmacy guy told me that the iPledge people wouldn't allow it to be filled. He really didn't know why, even though, he said he called them. He thought maybe I am too old to be taking it. I called the iPledge people, and the lady I talked to, who was very nice about it, told me that the prescription wasn't filled through any fault of mine, but because my dermatologist hadn't verified that I had went in for my follow-up office visit this month. She said it was incredibly rude for the pharmacy guy (who I think is a technician) to tell me that, because there isn't an age limit on who can take isotretinoin. That's exactly what I thought. If you think about it, if there were an age limit, why would the doctor put me on a regimen that will last for months, when she knew exactly how old I am?
I will call the doctor's office on Monday, and tell them to go ahead and take care of this issue.
My face is continuing to progress. The doctor was very pleased with my result. She said that it won't be long before I am acne-free. I told her that I probably hadn't been acne-free in over 18 years. I wish someone had told me about Accutane about 18 years ago!
In other news, I went the pharmacy today to fill my new prescription for isotretinoin, but the pharmacy guy told me that the iPledge people wouldn't allow it to be filled. He really didn't know why, even though, he said he called them. He thought maybe I am too old to be taking it. I called the iPledge people, and the lady I talked to, who was very nice about it, told me that the prescription wasn't filled through any fault of mine, but because my dermatologist hadn't verified that I had went in for my follow-up office visit this month. She said it was incredibly rude for the pharmacy guy (who I think is a technician) to tell me that, because there isn't an age limit on who can take isotretinoin. That's exactly what I thought. If you think about it, if there were an age limit, why would the doctor put me on a regimen that will last for months, when she knew exactly how old I am?
I will call the doctor's office on Monday, and tell them to go ahead and take care of this issue.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Libya No Fly Zone
The United States is pushing for a No Fly Zone over Libya. Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council, such as China, France, and Russia, are not as keen on this idea.
I think that the United States is moving much too quickly on this No Fly Zone idea. We are too invested in Afghanistan and Iraq (yes) to move unilaterally on a Libya No Fly Zone. The United States needs the backing of the Security Council to make any No Fly Zone successful.
This problem will be solved through diplomacy not strong-armed, George W. Bush tactics.
I think that the United States is moving much too quickly on this No Fly Zone idea. We are too invested in Afghanistan and Iraq (yes) to move unilaterally on a Libya No Fly Zone. The United States needs the backing of the Security Council to make any No Fly Zone successful.
This problem will be solved through diplomacy not strong-armed, George W. Bush tactics.
Accutane & Acne (Days 17-23)
My face is flaking skin, like after a sunburn. My lips were cracking quite a bit on Friday and yesterday, but they seem to be healing today. They are not painful this morning, but they are peeling. I have been using Aquaphor and Blistex like mad!
I go back to the dermatologist on Thursday to see how things are going. I think my dermy will be happy with the results. I am! The only thing I am worried about is the blood test I had done on Wednesday to test my lipids level. The last time my LDL was up! Yikes.
I go back to the dermatologist on Thursday to see how things are going. I think my dermy will be happy with the results. I am! The only thing I am worried about is the blood test I had done on Wednesday to test my lipids level. The last time my LDL was up! Yikes.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Happy Birthday
Today marks another year of life for me. It's hard to believe that I am turning 26 again! I haven't got any plans really. It will be marked like most other days with work. I'm happy to have the opportunity to work and contribute to society. I'm attempting to stay positive, because I am one year closer to the Grim Reaper.
Talk News Shows
Why do people call into news broadcasts and think they can talk for as long as they want? It always amuses me!
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