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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Libya

After revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, Libya has turned out to be a much more bloody revolt against the government of Colonel Muammar Ghadaffi, who has held power for 42 years.

This northern African country, that was once a colony of Italy, has been in upheaval for almost two weeks. With the fall of Benghazi, Libya's second largest city, to anti-Ghadaffi forces, the future of Ghadaffi and his hold on the some of Africa's largest oil reserves, seems rather precarious. Rebel forces are waging an assault on Tripoli, which is Libya's capital. Ghadaffi is stating that the revolution is the result of al-Qaeda and other international forces. He has called in armed mercenaries to help maintain his hold on the government.

Many of Ghadaffi's major political supporters have defected and now support the revolution. In addition, military forces are also reversing their support of Ghaddafi and supporting the rebels.

Some see civil war on the horizon, as the United Nations imposes financial sanctions against Ghadaffi's regime.

Muammar Ghadaffi's days are numbered.

Accutane & Acne (Days 12-16)

Starting my third full week of treatment, I am still seeing results, even though they are a bit slow. Acne is still rearing its ugly head, but it is much less intense. It is not painful, nor does it create hyperpigmentation. It seems that the hyperpigmentation that did exist has begun to lighten. My face is less red and irritated, which is always a good thing!

Accutane & Acne (Days 7-11)

It's hard to believe it has been more than ten days since I started taking isotretinoin for my acne. Now on day eleven, I am still chugging along with many of the same symptoms I discussed in my previous blog.

I am still experiencing acne; although, in a milder form. I have developed acne on my lower and upper lips, but it isn't too bad. I didn't have acne there before. The areas that were formerly inhabited by cystic acne are still in retreat with no sign of return. I just wish the hyperpigmentation would fade more quickly, though.

In other news, I took two pills on Friday. I thought I would see how I reacted. I did not notice any difference in physical side-effects to the 80mg of isotretinoin. I debated on whether or not to take a double dose tonight, but I decided not to do it, since I am feeling a bit sickly. Maybe tomorrow.

Accutane & Acne (Days 4, 5 & 6)

I am still marching forward in my combat against acne! I have taken almost seven doses of isotretinoin, since last Friday.

Over these three days, I have experienced what I consider to be typical side-effects from this drug. I have noticed my face has a reddish color to it (like when you're in the sun for 10 minutes in noon sun during summer), my shoulders and upper arms feel achy and weak, and tiredness (but that could just be work).

On day 3, I was excited because I woke up with any new acne. During these last three days, however, I have broken out slightly. On the bright side, though, this acne reminds me of those small little pimples I used to get. I haven't experienced anything remotely like the cystic acne of recent months.

It's still a good thing. After my fourteenth dose--or so--I am thinking about trying a double dose day.

Baby steps!

Accutane & Acne (Day 3)

Today marks the third dose of isotretinoin I have taken. It is still in the early days, but I am starting to get into it. Again, I am seeing results this early from taking the medication.

• I woke after a few hours of sleep and felt restless for a while, but went back to sleep. I did not experience any anxiety, like last night, though.
• I woke up with another mild headache.
• This morning I noticed that my face is not as oily as it usually is.
• It's too weird to explain, but my face smells different (take my word on it, I know).
• The taste that was in my mouth on days 1 & 2 has become almost non-existent.
• My hands and feet no longer have the bruised feeling, but I do still feel some muscle rigidity and discomfort; however, it has become less annoying and noticeable.
• My lips have begun to flake slightly.
• And for the first time in a very long time, I woke up with NO NEW outbreaks on my face! YES!!

Accutane and Acne (Days 1 & 2)

Yesterday, I received my first prescription of Amnesteem (isotretinoin), which I will refer to as isotretinoin or Accutane, because that is how I know it best. Isotretinoin is a treatment for severe acne. Over the last 4-6 months, I have developed eruptions of antibiotic-resistant cystic acne along my jawline and forehead, that any teenager would be proud to call his/her own; however, I haven't been a teenager in over 12 years.

First of all, I had to sign a document, called iPledge, stating that I understand there are copious amounts of risks involved in this systemic treatment. I can have anything from a stroke to a child born with severe mental and/or physical deformities (more on that later), even though, I am a guy. In addition, I am to be subjected to monthly lab work to measure my cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

This particular brand of isotretinoin comes in a cute little pack of ten pills with a silhouette of a pregnant woman and a big red circle with a slash through it on the back of each individual pill container. It includes a warning, in case the picture was too ambiguous, that states in bright red, capital type: "WARNING TO FEMALE PATIENTS: DO NOT GET PREGNANT." That is really charming to say the least. Of course, the effects to an unborn child are anything but cute. In a side note, my mother was looking at the packaging, which shows crude graphics of what can happen to an unborn child if the mother takes isotretinoin during her pregnancy. Mom thought those were things that could happen to my head and organs while taking the medicine. I had to laugh out loud over that. I'm a bit bigger than a zygote.

Five p.m. yesterday marks the anniversary of my first dose of 40mg. Since I am not a teenager, I am starting out by taking one pill a day, instead of the usual two pills per day.

So, what have I experienced thus far?

Day 1

1. In mere hours after my first dose, I noticed a curious taste in my mouth. I can't describe it really, other than to say it is a combination of bitter, sweet, and sour. It is like my taste buds are tasting things that aren't present. It got better as the I got closer to my next dose. I haven't really noticed it interfering with how I taste my food as I eat. It is just poignantly present between meals.
2. During the night, I was subjected to a period of intense fear and paranoia. I woke up feeling like I was being crushed by the world and that maybe my acne wasn't so bad. Perhaps, that was me in a semi-sleeping state of delusion.
3. I had some wildly vivid dreams that I do not care to share, after I settled down from my state of panic.

Day 2

This morning, call me a liar if you must, I noticed that many of the cysts on my face had shrunk and were no longer painful to touch. It is as if the swelling has reduced. Of course, the hyperpigmentation is still obvious, but hopefully that will fade, too. If not, thank the gods for concealer.

I took my second dose of isotretinoin around noon today, in an attempt to get it into my breakfast/lunch schedule. (It is best taken with food.)

1. I woke up with a nagging headache, which is unusual for me.
2. As the day has gone on, I have noticed that my muscles feel a bit more stiff. The palms of my hands and the soles of my feet feel bruised and are slightly sensitive to touch. Of course, they look perfectly normal to the naked eye.
3. I have noticed my sinuses, via my nose, are starting to feel dry and irritated.

Hopefully, I can continue the treatment. My dermatologist told me to experiment with how often I take the pills, not to exceed two a day. She recommended that I may take one a day, skip a day or two, and eventually try two per day, once I feel more confident. Of course, I need to see what the long-term side-effects of this treatment may be.

Hosni Mubarak & Egypt

In a follow-up to an earlier post today, it had been announced--through an unofficial capacity--that President Hosni Mubarak would resign his position in a nationally televised address. Instead, he offered six amendments to the constitution of Egypt.

He further stated that he would remain the country's president until September, when a new election can be conducted, in which a new president will be elected by the people. I admire him for such courage. The people of Egypt have lived with him for over thirty years. Why can't they stand him for six more months? (He states that he has served Egypt for over sixty years, both as a soldier and politician.)

I think Egyptians believed President Mubarak would flee for his life, like the former president of Tunisia did in earlier weeks. There is no blueprint for such sweeping change. Now, the people will look to the Egyptian military to see where it stands.

Egypt

In its third week of open revolt, the press is speculating that President Hosni Mubarak will resign as president of Egypt at any moment.

The protesters, who have been in Egypt's Tahrir Square for the duration, have seemingly broken the will of the 30-year-old, pro-Western regime. They want reform and freedom. Those are all noble sentiments, but we have found that those sentiments do not play well in the Middle East. (I didn't write their story.) Let's think of Iraq and Afghanistan; even though, those are cases of forced democratic reforms, I concede.

On this auspicious occasion, I am reminded of a line from the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka tells Charlie, "Don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted." In the case of Egypt, instead of living happily ever after, it may have to make do with Islamic sharia law and an Ayatollah.

Good luck Egypt!

Republican House

I thought the past was the past. I was wrong, so it would seem. Republicans in the House of Representative want to rehash the past by attempting to overturn what they have to endearingly called "Obamacare."

Do Republicans really think they have a chance? Sure, they have the majority in the House, but they don't have a prayer in the Democratic-controlled Senate, nor with the President.

So why waste time?

Gates tells troops "don't ask, don't tell" is still in effect

Mr. Secretary, the last time I checked our country is not a military dictatorship. The Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws and the president the power to enforce them. It does not say anything about gaining the approval of the military before a law can be enacted.

No, I haven't read the law. Yes, there probably is a clause in the law that provides for the military (i.e., Pentagon) to phase in the changes over a period of time. The Secretary of Defense, however, is behaving as if he is the little dictator. I'm surprised he didn't shake his fists into the air during his news conference.

Get over yourself.

Male Breast Cancer

I went for a visit to the dermatologist today. Pretty routine stuff. The face that is forever 15 and acne-prone, and now an old person dousing of eczema for my hands, upper arms, and back. (My body doesn't know if it is young or aging.)

Anyhow, the little old lady nurse was asking me some questions from a list she had. It was pretty routine stuff, such as, "Do you smoke?" "Only for my glaucoma." "How about drink?" "Yes, I'd like a cup of coffee with a shot of Knob Creek in it, please. Thank you." And so on. She then shattered my world by asking me when I had my last breast exam. First of all, I was visibly taken aback by this question. You know, I've been mistaken for a woman in many regards, but never in looks. (In other words, my boobs aren't that big, or so I had thought up to this moment.)

I used my arms and hands to unconsciously cover my upper chest as I sort of laughed it off. She said it turns out that six men had discovered they had breast cancer, since they started asking that question. Yes, I know that men can develop breast cancer, but I had never really thought about it in terms of myself. The really disturbing part was when she began to demonstrate how to do it on herself. If I wasn't emotionally scarred enough before, I am now. She went further to tell me the doctor would perform one on me. (By the way, I thought this was the dermatologist!) In the end, the exam did not take place. I got off into a sob story about my poor blotchy skin and how no one can ever love me because of it.

I dashed out!

Her words, however, did not fall on deaf ears. My personal nature is to be paranoid, which is to act on every compulsively obsessive neurotic thought that crosses my brain. I added a new thought: breast cancer. Yes, I felt myself. Thankfully, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. Even though, my lymph nodes did feel a little sensitive. What's that all about?

Jon Kyl is a bigot

After the Senate voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) declared the repealing of the law would "cost lives."

I wonder exactly how being homosexual would cost heterosexuals their lives. Is that what he meant? He went further to qualify his comments by saying the discrimination found in "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was not characteristic of the racial integration of the armed forces over fifty years ago. His attitude was that all lawmakers were 100% behind racial integration of the armed forces.

Let's face it, there were lawmakers who felt that anything that brough the races together was a catastrophe waiting to happen. This is similiar to what Senator Kyl is expressing through is comments now. Senator, it is 2010, not 1960! I wonder if fifty years from now, someone will look back and wonder how anyone could say such comments about a group of people? You would never hear a lawmaker today say that the racial integration of yesteryear was a bad policy. The same will be said about allowing gays to serve openly in the United States military.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

With a vote by the United States Senate, which followed an earlier vote by the House, Congress has repealed another area of discrimination, which was the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of the 1990s.

It now lacks only the President's signature to become a law.