This is by far the most photo-packed “Looking back” post. Continue at your bandwidth’s risk.

1st August 2011, Monday

Kath said to me (while she was closing our front door), “Come and have a look!”
Have you ever seen such a contraption? I don’t even know what it’s called – basically it goes around the tree, opens up like an upside down umbrella and shakes the trees of its dry leaves. Save some time raking them at the side of the street. But hey! Never seen them in operation before. This is a first.

3rd August 2011, Wednesday

Honey haul from Arataki.
Bumped into HollyD there and whose baby is still unwilling to say “Hello world!” Apparently Arataki is her daughter’s favourite place.

5th August 2011, Friday

First ACC claim.
My toe looked a bit swollen yesterday and it hurts a little when I put pressure on it. I’ve had this pain before but I never bothered checking my toes because I put the pain down to occupational hazard – being on my feet for too long in closed-toe shoes. It was definitely swollen yesterday (so glad I took a photo) but of course it looked like nothing is wrong with it today when I went to see David. So I showed him the photo I took yesterday…

6th August 2011, Saturday

Jantina got me a big cookie from Westerman’s. Look at the size of that choc chip cookie!
We were talking about BK’s doughnuts for breakfast and was so disappointed when she went there and BK was closed for their renovation.

9th August 2011, Tuesday

Went for my appointment at the orthodontist today and guess what? Dual colour ligatures – oooo!

I was craving, really. The next best thing? Doughnuts from Countdown.
Not as soft, fluffy as I’d imagined them to be but hey! Beggars can’t be choosers.

13th August 2011, Saturday

Can you guess which eye is more “made-up”?

We had Samantha’s farewell dinner at Off the Track – more photos here. Next time? Don’t order any starters (that you don’t intend to share – like piggy me) because you won’t be able to finish everything.

15th August 2011, Monday

Hmmm…so what does that mean? Q6-8H?

18th August 2011, Thursday
My holiday semi-starts here, flying off to Whangarei for the wedding preparation

20th August 2011, Saturday
LiMay and Grant gets hitched today!

21st August 2011, Sunday
Now, this would be the start of my holiday…

22nd August 2011, Monday
This is surreal – I’m back in Malaysia.

Finally got to taste my 姐’s cupcakes! This is the baby hummingbirds.
She is based in Seremban, so you can place your orders through her website here.

Yes, hummingbird cupcakes.

Sprinkles make for beautiful finishing touches.

My first meal at JJKwan’s place consists of Korean instant noodles!

Sitting in the new car!

So happy to see this message! It means my microSIM has been activated and I am back online!

The downside to being back (just for the initial few days), swollen feet! Is it due to travel? Humidity? Change in weather?
*shrugs*

23rd August 2011, Tuesday
Today is my dad’s 60th birthday. I missed out on his celebration last Saturday so today I thought of taking him out for breakfast. Since it was his birthday, I let it slide when he poked fun of me in front of his friends whom we invited along (I wasn’t impressed but I wasn’t going to be angry at him…”give face”).

We went all the way to Nilai for 點心 because the birthday boy insist that Seremban has no good 點心 place…

My favourite porridge – funny how I never liked century egg and now I CRAVE for the porridge.

Your regular picks.

Those shiny mini buns are the 天下第一包 – they are nice as it’s not made out of your regular bun (it’s like those bakery “egg buns”), but as for the name…uhm, a bit of an oversell.

Fluffy egg tarts.

The 點心 was nice but honestly, I don’t think it’s that much better than MinKok – you’re talking to someone who has been deprived of any kind of 點心 in the past year!

After dinner, I got some bb cupcakes from 姐 as dad’s birthday “cake” – he seems to like the hummingbird ones.

I’m surprised that the lamp still works – after being out of action for…2002? Same bulb, too!

24th August 2011, Wednesday

客家麵 for breakfast!

經濟米粉 and 糖水 for dinner.

25th August 2011, Thursday

Thanks to Winne for helping me out even though she was busy at work!

Lunch with my 姐 at PapaRich – also got her to help out with some decorating ideas.

Nasi Lemak – ah!

26th August 2011, Friday

Hokkien noodles.
Gone were the days that a good plate of “黑麵” can only be found when we go to PJ.

I was craving for vegetables but for this to cost more than my plate of noodles (which is an all-in-one meal on its own) is silly!

Ugh! This is something I do NOT miss – traffic jams. More importantly, why is it all jammed up at this time of the night in Seremban?!

27th August 2011, Saturday

Can’t believe I’m here to squeeze with the Raya crowd.

Okay, start with a cuppa first.

The material for this plum coach is very plushy. Like the colour, too!

Meatballs anyone?

I just dropped my naked iPheR on the edge of this on the floor.
*cries!*
No cracks. Phew!

Getting to KL was still okay as I arrived before noon but it took me ONE hour to get from Nilai to Seremban. Should’ve stayed on the highway instead of going off track and take up the same time (or even more!).

Everything looks brown and they are probably bad for my throat – but I am blessed that dad made dinner for me.

Oh! Missed the parcel!

Went out for my first mamak session since I got back – 10pm meet up. That is SOOO late.

Winne’s very unique way of sitting…

Winne and FeR. Winne was sooooo kind to me to rip up the roti canai, so I could pick on the pieces.

28th August 2011, Sunday
I think I need to go shop for track pants – haven’t got any for baptism next week. Jeans would be too heavy when soaked. It was a speedy “baptism class” today lead by EstherTC.

Pleasantly surprised to find that I can get bubble tea from Jusco now!

29th August 2011, Monday

Senawang’s 老鼠粉 for breakfast – so that I can also go pick up my parcel.
Didn’t know that PosLaju has moved to a nook in Senaway so I am thankful dad took me there.

Hello Monkau#1!!! It’s been a while since I last saw you. Hope you’ve been good for JJKwan!

Seeing 姐 in action – orchestrating in her kitchen.

You know it’s bad when I voluntarily take medication. The cough is driving me nuts! Hoping the 15mg of pholcodeine would do the trick.

30th August 2011, Tuesday

Lunch at 415pm in peaceful solitude – how I miss you, Zinger burger (Malaysia)!

It doesn’t look that great but it’s pretty good – and you can’t find it in NZ!

My sore throat has progressed into a cough…this shall be known as The Cough of 2011
*dies coughing*

31st August 2011, Wednesday
Selamat Merdeka, Malaysia!!!

Excited with my 包!!!

This is the kind of 點心 that I miss – by the road, with good company of friends.

Nicole drove to Seremban to meet me, too. It was nice to catch up, despite finding out that it’s been a tough year for the both of us. I do wish you well! Thanks for making the time to come see me.

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1st June 2011, Wednesday
Just remembered my odd dream – the diagnosis was left leg thinking/acting like it’s the right leg. Don’t ask me how that’s possible.
To “treat” that condition, I had powdered Olanzapine (schizophrenic medication) in a little box strapped around my left ankle – every time my leg acts up, I had to shake my leg to dispense the powder.
I think I’m working too hard.

2nd June 2011, Thursday
Watched Pride & Prejudice again – balls & social dancing seems fun! Love the courtship (minus the women’s total dependency on marriage for survival). Really love that era (in movies – I think I’d die living in that era but Julie says we would have servants *haha*) Gushing over Pride & Prejudice with Julie!

5th June 2011, Sunday

Mmm! Mother-made 麵粉糕 at the Choy’s place.

6th June 2011, Monday
Really frustrated. Why did I start telling the story about being a sales rep to Jantina right after talking about hair conditioner??? I can’t remember! This is terrible – I possibly have to increase my fish oil intake. I’ve actually done this while explaining/talking to a customer (thankfully at that time, I remembered my story in the end).
Imagine if I didn’t remember then…

7th June 2011, Tuesday

Wah! While walking home, saw this lurking on front door (door that we don’t use).

Surprise “care package” from NN.

8th June 2011, Wednesday

Pearls arrived today. Not too bad, right?
Got this off the internet for LiMay’s birthday. It’s our 30th this year and it would be her wedding gift as well (30th anniversary=pearl, if she chooses to wear it for her wedding, it goes very well with her dress!)

10th June 2011, Friday
Strong candidate. Lip service or really? Hmmm…
I’ve not done this in a while and it’s a little awkward trying to sell yourself in the best light possible.

11th June 2011, Saturday

So spoilt! Couldn’t make it for Ryan’s full moon party but Joanne and Kevin sent these back with David who went at lunchtime.

My first time getting 1st place playing Scramble online with other players!

14th June 2011, Tuesday

I found materials from more than 2 years ago – abandoned projects!

Pretty fabrics that were meant to be used to make reusable shopping bags.

Look! Proof. TWO years ago…

17th June 2011, Friday

Final presentation for Carmen’s birthday. That was the card I left out for her this morning.

18th June 2011, Saturday
It’s been a while since I’ve been to the movies – today I watched “Bridesmaids” with Jantina and Deidre. The part I loved most? The door gifts at the bridal shower!

It took me a few months to find my “i” stamp, I wonder how long it would be before I find my used Farmer’s gift card (I want it as a keepsake). Hmmm…

19th June 2011, Sunday
Went to an open home – I am quite keen on it. Nice, small and tidy. Literally around the block from work.
Possibly needing work: insulation, bathroom, paint.

22nd June 2011, Wednesday

My first “win” – it was a tweet asking anyone who is interested to PM with name, address and t-shirt size. Thanks to grabaseat!

27th June 2011, Monday
Last night with lower braces. It’s coming off tomorrow and after that, dental hygienist appointment to get a good clean!

28th June 2011, Tuesday
Hmmm I thought we get $0.80 off if we bring your own Starbucks tumbler. Now it’s only $0.40 & if I didn’t ask, she would’ve charged full price!

Anyway, the (lower) braces are off! Will be going back later to get the splint.

My incisors (bottoms one, especially) are sensitive to scaling so Jacqui gave me this to try. It’s (as its name states) suppose to provide rapid relief to any sensitivity – here’s hoping it works!
I had to run off at the end of my appointment (even though it’s not quite all cleaned) because I made an appointment to view the flat again – this time with Samantha, Michelle and Jantina. I wanted to get an honest opinion because I think I’ve got “flat goggles”.

It was on this day that I learned loyalty meant nothing in my current job. So many times/examples that the ones who are still here are not being appreciated.
*sigh*

Also on this day, Vodafone increased my monthly text allowance to 2500 (any NZ mobile). Too bad I’m not a teenager, I can’t even use up my allowance of 300 last time. Then again, maybe it’s just sad that I haven’t got any friends to text. Boo!

Tooth Mousse – made easier with my Essix retainers!

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I am sooooo grateful Lynnette let me off earlier (read: FURTHER extend my loooong leave) so that I could attend LiMay&Grant’s wedding rehearsal. I’m excited yet stressed at the same time – I know I’m not getting married but the thought of needing to give a speech in front of (mostly) strangers intimidates me.

I asked Jaime for a favour this time to send me to the airport. The price for the shuttle went up to $42/one way! My goodness. I wonder if it’s the same cost to go by taxi? I usually just pay whatever the amount, just so I would not need to trouble anyone but it’s insane! We also took the chance to have some hotcakes at McDs before we left for the airport (she was starting work at 1130am).

T-2 days: 18th August 2011

When I got dropped off, it was cold and gloomy!

Glad that it cleared up before we took off. I hate flying in bad weather.

LiMay picked me up from the airport and by the time we got back to her house, her family were already in there, arriving from Auckland. We had a quick rest and were off to the church for the rehearsal.

I am sooooooooooooo glad I got to go for the rehearsal because even with the practice, we had to go through the song 3 times (or was it 4?) to get our walk timing right. It was a slooooooow walk. Awkward! Even more awkward on Saturday!

Testing the sound system and positions.

We went to Nomad for dinner after the rehearsal and it was also to celebrate LiMay’s dad’s birthday!

I had their lamb shank – apparently it’s not on the menu everyday. It was really good!

FeR with the blushing bride-to-be.

LiMay’s dad was so cute, going, “Do you want to know what I wished for???”

“Uncle! Cannot say one! Say already won’t come true!”

Well, let’s say it’s public secret. One can easily guess what he wished for.

LiMay’s family helped her prepare these chopstick covers – I didn’t know they had to painstakingly tie the thank-you note to each of the covers themselves. I thought it was done by the supplier! Hard work! We just had to insert the chopsticks now.

T-1 day: 19th August 2011

We were all still in PJs when Grant came by and cooked us all up a big fry-up!

Yeap. Best alarm clock in the world! The smell of breakfast cooking.

Ah! My plate.

Sze-Mien and Hoey were arriving today and we girls were going to have some girly time, getting our nails done. They initially said they won’t join us but I insisted (yes, me, not the bride! *haha*) because I missed out on the get-together in Malaysia AND in Whangarei – I WANT to do some girly/relaxing stuff with my bride!

LiEan also came with us to get her nails done (it was probably hard for her to decide because she also wanted to go with the rest of the family to explore supermarkets – yes, it’s a Malaysian/Chinese thing. We are very fascinated with every country’s supermarket/grocery stores) and we (LiMay, LiEan and I) left the house earlier to walk about town (LiMay needed to get a canvas to pin her handmade craft on).

Sze-Mien and Hoey were supposed to arrive at 1pm but the bus was running a little late and we decided they should grab something during their tea break stops, while we grab ourselves something to eat in town before our mani-pedi appointment at 2pm.

We went to Esquires for coffee, hot choc and small meals.

Uhm…I can’t remember what it’s called. A bacon/potato patty?

The Yap sisters.

FeR, LiMay

I got a text from Sze-Mien while we were on the way to pick them up:

Rite, we r here dy!

2 seconds later, another bleep from my phone:

K waiting inside d northland coach n travel centre. Sejuk..

We squealed for a bit when we arrived the centre but had to keep it short because it was a proper parking space right outside the centre. We had about 30minutes to kill and decided to see if we could go for our appointment earlier.

Sze-Mien, Hoey, LiEan, LiMay

I forgot what was the place called (yes, there is a lot of forgetting here but in my defence, LiMay made the appointment and brought us there) and the package includes complimentary drinks (read: wine – this would make most of my colleagues happy but we are a bunch of Chinese girls who didn’t think drinking at noon would be appropriate, so we settled with coffee/hot chocolate/juices *heh heh*)

For the bride, she got a special room for herself – can’t help but think torture chamber!

LiEan with a gorgeous smile.

Beautiful Hoey.
I can’t believe my eyes when I saw her! She’s all grown up looking now!

We were left last…well, I was left last.

I was tempted to ask, “Uhm, did you forget that there was one more? Me?”

Sze-Mien: I think you can do better than to get that colour lor…
Hoey: Ohhhh… (no, you didn’t just say that!)

No, that wasn’t the conversation.

Positively glowing.
Then again, I don’t know if she requested for a glass of bubbly while in her special room.

My feet looking nice and moisturised for once…

For the Chinese/Malaysian, the happening “room” would always be the kitchen. So happen for LiMay&Grant’s place, the kitchen is also connected to the dining and living. Win-win!

Felt so out of place and awkward that we have not done anything the entire day but relax – and here LiMay’s family fussing over dinner. LiMay’s mom just said, “Nah! Don’t worry about it – just sit down and have your coffee, they will kau tim it.”

Sze-Mien said that’s her philosophy has always been – stay out of the way (since she is not good at cooking so there is no point fussing with them in the kitchen, just stay away and perhaps put her good skills into use when needed – washing up. She said she knows she’s good in that)

Roasted chicken, pasta and sausages.
Thanks, guys!

Of course, it’s not complete for us not to have these 湯圓, especially on the eve of LiMay getting married.

I was excited to catch up with Sze-Mien and Hoey – so we spent our night after dinner in the room chatting and packing (for some)…we didn’t get to sleep until late-ish. As you do, when you have a “sleep over” with friends you’ve not seen in a while.

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I have not visited any hairdressers since I first came to NZ but within a week, I’ve gone to not one but TWO different hairdressers. Talk about excessive!

First one was to get a trim but because I didn’t feel any “connection” with the stylist there, I decided to go to another to get my streak done. Though I must admit, he did a good job in styling it. My hair was superrrrrr smooth for two days after my trim+wash+style.

This is my long unruly hair tamed into a bun before my appointment.

Carmen recommended this place so I thought I’d give it a go – without any preference of stylist. I thought a trim couldn’t go wrong, as I was saving any drastic changes to when I get back to Malaysia and see Philip!

Don’t you think he looks like Wolverine’s brother?
I feel bad that I’ve forgotten his name in such a short span of time but I will always remember who he reminds me of.

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Second appointment was to dye a streak/panel of hair blue. What I had in mind was a solid blue blue but hey! Hair is different from paper. I chose to get a streak done blue by the nape of my neck due to work (I have to look decently professional) and also I think it’s in line with me being “secretly” rebellious. I got a few gasps and “you-don’t-look-like-the-kind” comments.

My beef with this second hairdresser is that I was made to wait 45 minutes PAST my appointment time. Not impressed.

This is when she has sectioned off my hair – after agreeing to where and how wide the streak/panel would be.

I am a colour n00b and this is my first dye job EVER. I didn’t know I’d have to have my hair bleached first (though when she explained the process I went, “Duh! Of course! That makes sense.”) so here I am getting my hair fried.

Nicely sectioned and foil wrapped.

Look at the layers!

This is the photo after my hair was bleached. I was AMAZED at how golden it looked! And it’s not even a colour…as in it wasn’t dyed but got “colour” taken off.

This is also when I sent the photo out to a few good friends to tell them I am getting lala-fied. Most believed it and I think only one asked, “I thought you wanted blue??”

Here’s the blue.
She showed me two colour swatches and we decided to go with the darker one (although like I mentioned earlier, I was expecting a solid blue. A bright solid blue. She told me the colour would wash out and it will turn lighter, thus the choice).

It’s some sort of metallic blue and it’s nicer in real life, if I may say so myself. I can’t seem to photograph it but those who see it in real life would say it’s visible. A few colleagues from next door took a second look just to make sure I didn’t have anything stuck in my hair.

Indoors.
Can’t see much of it, right?

A different angle, a different reflection of colour.

This was the day after in natural light.

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Unfortunately, the colour bled profusely when I had my first wash at home. Can you see the yellowish streaks? It’s more teal now because most of the blue is gone from the ends and the yellow underneath (the bleached hair) is showing.

Looking a bit minky.
I know it washes off but after ONE wash???

Got it redone without charge today and hopefully it will lasts a little longer. The hairdresser did tell me that the first one won’t really hold because my hair has never taken colour before, so it may take two or three applications to get the colour to stay longer (this is especially true for semi-permanent colours like blue or pink). Here’s hoping!

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Guess which eye is made up?

(I’m supposed to be packing but I’m 90% there…just need to stuff some toiletries in after tomorrow’s shower and “grooming”)

But wait! There’s more…

Guess which eye is made up?

I’ve been wasting time the past two weeks (?) watching videos/tutorials on how to jazz up my eyes that I inherited from my dad. I’ve been shown how to do the smokey-eye thing back in 2006 at the Stila counter in OneU’s Parkson (the makeup artist was AWESOME and she is an EXPERT sales person – I went for the makeover advice but the rest of us ended up buying something, too!) but the biggest pain my monolids gave me was to do with my eyelashes. Not only were they short, they were also perpetually pointing south because my lids would be “resting” on them, pushing them down even after curling them. If I insisted on putting on mascara, thinking that the curl and mascara would last a while – I end up looking like I lack a month’s sleep after about…one hour? Not a great look.

I’m still trying to find the “perfect” lashes (or maybe I’m putting them on wrong?) because these are still too long for my liking. Also, I can’t seem to blend my real lashes with the fake ones despite following all the different advices given by different people (use clear mascara then “press them together”, curl lashes first and put mascara – then stick the fake ones over, put mascara after putting fake ones on…) – you can’t see it in the photo but close up, you could still the “double layer” of lashes. Not pretty.

Wonder how Mi-Chelle’s makeup artist did it the last time that it looked alright on us bridesmaids? Maybe it’s the lashes…but then again, maybe that’s why she’s the makeup artist.

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Unfortunately, Marcia thinks I would need to start taking doxycycline again until my breakout clears – then decrease frequency, then see if it would be under control with just the Estelle-35ED. It only lasted for 6 months (without any medication), now it’s back. Initially I thought it was just a normal PMS spot or something – but that same spot is kind of still there at the bottom of my chin. Despite coming back from a relaxing trip, I find my skin has gotten worse in the last week! There is a cluster on my left cheek and wider-spread cluster on the right.

I really don’t want to be on anymore medication but I didn’t want to wait till it got even worse. Hopefully I won’t need to be on the Estelle-35ED for too long, I’m wary of the side effects. Here’s hoping the pill would also clear my upper lip fluff (I’m convinced I’ve got it, okay!).

This is the left…

…and more on the right.

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I also went to the hygienist today. Initially the receptionist wanted to schedule an appointment last Monday (5 days after my extraction!), early morning. I’m glad I asked, “How early?” because she said 8am! Can you imagine going to a dental practice at 8am (not to work, mind you)?? I chose today because I got the day off and the appointment was for 1015am. Phew.

I really dislike scaling my teeth – now the bottom incisors feel so sensitive, especially when I have a hot/cold drink or when I try to clear off food particles and air goes through them. Ugh! I’m looking forward to getting a Waterpik so I can floss easier and hopefully, not to have my gums bleed like no tomorrow. Yuck.

Handed over $140 at the end of my appointment – $35 was for the ToothMousse (melon flavour – yum!) and I also scored a free toothbrush. Dental practices here seem to like giving out free toothbrushes.

I was told I should use soft bristle toothbrushes. I’ve always picked medium, so this is something new. I’m currently using both my electric (haven’t tried the Ortho refill yet) and the Sensitive one that the orthodontist gave me. I’d have enough brushes to last me for 6 months or more now.

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I wonder if I would ever dare going to work with pigtails. Dahlah uniform makes me look like a Chinese waitress, what more with pigtails?!

Then again…

I painted my nails on Saturday – tried out this navy blue colour (cheap and cheerful for less than $4 a bottle) but I told myself I have to remove the polish before I start work. I don’t think navy is appropriate for work. Although I feel it’s a shame to remove it, I know I have to.

But guess what?
I went to work with goth nails.

I didn’t mean to but I got called to work at 7am and didn’t have enough time to remove the colour. I was so conscious about my fingernails that I would ask someone else to hand the scripts out.

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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?????”

It is a bit difficult to get the same angle/distance/size because I had to take the pictures myself (shy lah to ask flatmate). Timeline for both set of pictures are from the start of treatment, 6 weeks, 14 weeks, 21 weeks and 25 weeks (today).

LEFT SIDE

RIGHT SIDE

Better today, you think?

By the way, I got my blood results back a week after (19th December) – I’ve not seen Marcia to discuss the results but she did scribble a note on the side of my testosterone and SHBG levels.

Probable.
Don’t know if it’s enough to go on Estelle-35ED (which was Marcia’s treatment choice if I tested positive for PCOS). We’ll see – I may book an appointment after my holiday.

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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.

This is when I first started treatment – left side.

This was taken at 6 weeks – left side.

Ah! The flash makes it all the more horrible looking but I had to be honest with my actual skin condition. It’s also easier to use one pre-set function (thus the flash) so I could use the same function to take pictures of my progress (so that I have something “constant”).

After 4 weeks, I see no difference (in fact, I thought it looked worse!) – so I upped the application of azelaic acid to twice a day and omitted the BP.

Start of treatment – right side.

At 6 weeks – right side.

Doesn’t look like there’s any difference, right?
The doctor reckons it’s not as red anymore and the area around my chin is clearer (no breakouts but the scars are there) – this is when I saw her on Thursday, 3rd September.

She did warn me in the beginning that I would have to be patient. There is no miracle cure that works instantaneously or overnight. I’ve been “patient” for so long, trying out different face care products, so what is a few more months, right?

Both the doctor and myself, are surprised that the combination of azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide did not cause any flaking – I think I may try a higher strength of BP.
I was sent away with a suggestion I could up my tablets to twice a day for about 2-3 weeks (it’s currently once a day and let me tell you this, I would never judge a patient ever again about compliance! ) – then reduce to once daily again.

She asked me to go back to her for another review in 2-3 months’ time. If there isn’t much progress, I think I would get tested for PCOS before considering the next step – Estelle.

Here’s hoping I need not progress to the next step!

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