Ah! It’s been 6 months since I went to get help for my skin. It means I have to let go of the azelaic acid cream and probably switch to benzoyl peroxide for now. When I last saw Marcia on the 11th of December, she told me to gradually reduce my Doxy as well – 100mg on alternate days (because the 50mg tablets are not subsidised and I still have leftover of the 100mg tablets). She also told me that there is about 30% chance that the acne may recur when I stop the antibiotics. It’s not TOO bad a number, right?

Still curious about the late acne onset, I asked Marcia if I should get tested for PCOS – she took the question as me wanting to get it done and handed over the blood test request form to me.

I was prepared to pay for the lab fee since I am not a resident (although I know with my work visa, I am entitled to healthcare here – I wasn’t too sure about lab tests) – but whee! Got my passport, got my work visa slapped on it – got my blood test done for free. I expected to wait for a bit because there were about 3 people in the waiting area but the next thing I know, my name was called! I was slightly nervous (if you know me, you know I don’t do needles+blood well), thinking to myself, “What have I done? Why did I decide this so suddenly? Why did I drive to the lab directly from the surgery??? Why didn’t I think it over before coming here?”

It was all good, albeit I was a bit giggly to hide my nervousness about the needles.

(Side note: Had my first McD’s breakfast that day to replenish my loss )

Skin comparison after the cut – I’ve included older photos from the first skin update. I didn’t imagine it to be that different but looking back, I thought to myself, “WHYYYY did I let myself go out of the house looking like THAT without covering it up?????”

(more…)

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For those I grew up with in school, they all had the same reaction when they saw pictures of me in Glasgow – “What happened to your skin??”

It was both frustrating and infuriating – I KNOW it’s horrible but I don’t know what’s going on!

Puberty was kind to my skin, but I think the reason why it was so is because my hormones decided that it would more fun to start torturing me from my 20s. That my skin would bring me grief once I’m no longer a “teen”.

I’ve tried all sorts to clear my skin – from switching face care products (going with what family/friends recommended that worked for them), changing diet, detox, sleep, water, etc. Nothing helped.
Funny observation – skin is (more) horrible out of Malaysia (which led me to my latest “theory” of hard/soft water).

Anyway, I couldn’t take it anymore.
I really didn’t want to go on medication but I had no choice. My acne problem involved cysts and nodules (the kind where it’s under your skin, never coming up to the surface and the very angry looking ones) – I had no choice but to resign to the fact I need professional help. I didn’t want to be left with scars (though at this point, I already have a few).

There is only one dermatologist serving the HawkesBay area (so I’ve read) and it’s a loooooooooong wait to see him. I didn’t know who else to turn to, so I thought I’d have to wait it out – I went online to get the clinic’s number (the one I found in the phone book seems to be engaged ALL THE TIME – so I wondered if I had the right number) and instead, I found a GPwSI (GP with a special interest or “gypsy”) who can see me the week I called up! I chose the week after, 9th July, because it was my day off.
Since I was willing to spend my money on a specialist’s consultation, the fact that her surgery is not under the HawkesBay PHO did not bother me – I’m sure the fees would be more affordable than a specialist.

Now, a side note.
It’s not that I don’t have faith in GPs but I have no idea who to go to. I understand most would do a trial-and-error (as each patient would be different) but I know I would want to go to someone who has seen more skin problems than your usual coughs&colds. I hope to get some answers (apart from what I could search for online) as to why am I inflicted with adult acne.
[I know it's hormonal - but why? Why now? Still no answer to that, unfortunately.]

I guessed she would give me Doxycycline 100mg – it’s the only funded tetracycline (and strength).
Azelaic acid apparently suits my skin type – not only it’s an antibacterial, it will help reduce pigmentation as well (judging from the residual brown marks from previous spots). I am to use this at night and Benzoyl Peroxide in the morning.

She did give me a few choices – doxycycline+topical preparations, the pill (Estelle – but I would have to be tested for polycystic ovarian syndrome first) or isotretinoin (it does work but she admits that she is reluctant to offer that as a first choice for my case).
I said I’d like to go with the antibiotics first.

Pictures of my skin is a click away – you have been warned.

(more…)

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It’s inevitable.
My worst fear (well, at this point of speaking lah) has happened!

I ATE INTO MY TROUSERS!

You may think that sentence does not make any sense.
It does, oh yes, it does!

When I got my new trousers (from work, part of my uniform), I showed it off to everyone how loose it was (that sentence making sense now?) – that I could fit a chicken into it…the crotch area of the trousers was hanging about 2 inches lower than where it should be…

Today…you guessed it!
No hanging crocth area, no fitting in chickens…

Oh dear.
Time for damage control!

…right after I finish my two portions of pasta carbonara.

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Last dose – tak cukup 5 mls also.

Didn’t feel anymore energetic. In fact, I came home and took a nap after work!

Would I start binging on junk tomorrow?
I don’t know. Seems like a waste to go healthy and start filling myself with junk again. I would be glad to have restrictions removed – I now have the option of getting a quick lunch out if I didn’t pack one (instead of going hungry or having vegetable sticks, that’s quite sad *haha*)

Maybe it’s psychological, maybe it’s a combination of diet+skincare (going into offence mode now instead of defence), maybe it’s lighting of where I’m standing from…I think I see a weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee bit of difference.

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Five days down, five more to go.

That digestive bitter thing is down to half a bottle…I almost gave up when I had my first dose – they don’t call it bitter for nothing! Ugh!

But I’m amazed at my compliance!
Seriously!
I thought I would convince myself after three days that that’s enough or something of the sort.

I don’t see or feel any difference, in fact, I feel tired!
How come?
I thought it’s more jing san because my body is getting rid of the toxins that are slugging me (?).

Anyway, to add to my detox (and route to the fit *ahem* bridesmaid’s role), tomorrow I start my pilates foundation!

Off topic:
I am tempted to go catch a movie tomorrow before class but I am afraid I may break my detox by getting popcorn – I am weak willed.

So better to steer clear away from temptation!

Five more days!

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