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Dermatology
Sep. 15th, 2004 07:51 pmSo I went to a dermatologist, as my deductible is paid up and my face is a constant underlying bother to my psychological health. Anyway, he says, 'rosacea'... whoopee. Not a big deal, but it could disfigure my nose worse than gin blossoms as I get older. Big, puffy, distorted red nose - what a thing to look forward to. So I'll be starting some antibiotics soon & maybe there will be some laser surgery in my future to lessen the broken blood vessels. Then he mentions 'Accutane' for the break-outs. After about 5 or 6 months on Accutane, I might never have another blackhead or pimple again. However, the price I'd have to pay for the stuff:
Monthly pregnancy tests - apparently, the stuff is worse than thalidomide when it comes to causing birth defects. It's 'teratogenic'. Not that pregnancy is ever going to be an issue in my future, but it leads me to wonder exactly what Accutane might do to my existing cells & DNA.
Possible side effects: Depression, suicidal ideation, possible suicide attempts/successes, aggression, psychosis & violent tendencies. Hmmm, are we having fun yet?
A list about 2 pages long of other side effects, none of which are very pleasant. All for clear skin, a peaches & cream complexion... if I'd heard about this stuff when I was 12, I might have gone for it. Now, I don't know. I've already got an ongoing battle w/depression, do I need something in my life that will possibly make it worse? But then again - no more pimples. Ever.
Heh, Rob says no. Maybe that's justification enough. It's weird - PCP is illegal but doesn't seem quite as dangerous as this Vitamin A derivative... Of course, my insurance probably doesn't even cover the cost of a prescription. Half of what the derm guy gave me isn't covered as it is - some combo of benzoyl peroxide (which never did anything for me) & clindamycin (which only worked partially for me).
Monthly pregnancy tests - apparently, the stuff is worse than thalidomide when it comes to causing birth defects. It's 'teratogenic'. Not that pregnancy is ever going to be an issue in my future, but it leads me to wonder exactly what Accutane might do to my existing cells & DNA.
Possible side effects: Depression, suicidal ideation, possible suicide attempts/successes, aggression, psychosis & violent tendencies. Hmmm, are we having fun yet?
A list about 2 pages long of other side effects, none of which are very pleasant. All for clear skin, a peaches & cream complexion... if I'd heard about this stuff when I was 12, I might have gone for it. Now, I don't know. I've already got an ongoing battle w/depression, do I need something in my life that will possibly make it worse? But then again - no more pimples. Ever.
Heh, Rob says no. Maybe that's justification enough. It's weird - PCP is illegal but doesn't seem quite as dangerous as this Vitamin A derivative... Of course, my insurance probably doesn't even cover the cost of a prescription. Half of what the derm guy gave me isn't covered as it is - some combo of benzoyl peroxide (which never did anything for me) & clindamycin (which only worked partially for me).
