I've got a lot of problems and need help

[josie2]

Okay here it is,

I have the worst acne or at least I did until I started accutane treatment when I was 16 I am now 21 and still taking accutane periodically. I want to get off of it but I am afraid the acne will come back.

Last year I started my anus started to itch and after some time I went to a doctor who said it was a hemorroid and that it would go away. It didn't now I am bleeding from the rectum everytime I have a bowel movement. I am going to the bathroom in excess of 3 times a day and no one knows what is going on. Other symptoms include major gas, constipation and diarhea.

I was recently put on cipro, flagyl and kippered doses of predisone and everything seemed to go away untill I finished the predisone. Now my symptoms are back and they are worse than ever. I don't know what to do. I'm from a small town where the doctors here aren't too good. All the symptoms lead me to believe I have Ulcerative Colitis from what I've read on the internet and I'm freaking out. Cuz my acne is worse than ever and so are my bowel movements, and the bloating and pain in my stomach. I don't want to go on predisone again cuz my acne flares up so bad thatI started taking accutane again.

I don't know what to do or who to ask for help but I need help and all the doctors do is pump out predisone or accutane. And I know I shouldn't be taking too much of those medicines. I don't want to take any medicine at all. Can anyone please help??

-Josie

[Wilson]

Hi there. What do people in your town do if they have a serious illness? I'm not saying you necessarily do, but I was just wondering what the plan is for someone in need of serious medical attention.

It would seem best for you to find a gastroenterologist to diagnose your problem. You really should try to get to a good medical facility and have a full medical work-up, in my opinion. A colonoscopy would probably be a good idea, and you definitely want a physician who is experienced at it.

I would take a day trip to the nearest large city after setting up an appointment at a large well-known medical center. This is your health and your life, and what's more important than that?

Good luck and try not to worry. Whatever it is, it doesn't sound life threatening, but definitely something you shouldn't let go without further medical attention.

[Concerned lady]

Dear Josie,

I agree with your wanting to get off these medicines, but first, find out from your doctor and pharmacist how to TAPER OFF them, gradually. Prednisone cannot be stopped right away. It has to be slowly, gradually decreased, under a doctor's supervision.

Look at BOOKS at a health food store and book store, to find NATURAL WAYS to treat ACNE.

Here are some ideas that WORKED WELL FOR ME, when I had BAD acne, many years ago:

(1) Get SUNSHINE (and FRESH AIR and EXERCISE and adequate SLEEP). Don't get sunburned, but do get some SUNSHINE, DAILY, if possible.

(2) Don't wash face too much, or too often. Don't scrub face, like with wash cloth. Avoid perfumed soaps. (Use unscented ones).

(3) Don't wear any makeup, because often, makeup can CAUSE acne! Find a "hypo-allergenic" hand lotion to use on your face if you live in a dry climate.

(4) Stop eating all junk food, soda pop, "de-natured" foods like white bread, packaged foods, etc. Avoid eating too much SUGAR (SWEETS). Eat FRESH (organic, if possible) fruits, vegetables, "greens", nuts, seeds (like sunflower & pumpkin seeds), grains, olive oil, sesame oil, organic butter (in moderation). When I improved my diet, this really helped to lessen my acne. I take vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, etc. as dietary supplements. Some people find that avoiding wheat is helpful. SEE A GOOD NUTRITIONIST to get advice about these, regarding YOUR particular case.

(5) If medically OK for you, drink MORE WATER (preferably WITHOUT chloride, fluoride, and WITHOUT pesticide residues). If you don't have a good well, consider a solid carbon filter on the faucet, like a "Culligan" water filter.

(6) Don't go salt-free, (unless a doctor says to): Eat salt, but not too much IODIZED salt.

(7) Find out if your HORMONES might have anything to do with your acne. AVOID BIRTH CONTROL PILLS. See a good ENDOCRINOLOGIST, about possible hormone imbalance(s), and if so, to find out why, so you can correct any imbalances.

(8) Avoid anti-biotics if possible. If you've taken anti-biotics, take ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS beneficial bacteria ("probiotics") to avoid a yeast infection caused by the anti-biotics.

(9) Avoid stress (easier said than done, but do the best you can).

(10) Some industrial chemicals like machine oils, etc. can cause acne. Avoid skin contact with industrial chemicals.

Good luck! Don't give up! I think you may get better in all areas of your health, as the acne improves, using these natural methods, which make medical sense too!

Concerned lady
***@****

P.S. When I forget to do some of the above suggestions, guess what...the acne tries to come back!  

[Melody123]

Find a different doctor! And don't tell the doc your looking for a second opinion either..sometimes they don't like to step on each other's toes. Especially in small towns.
If I have a problem I may tell the doc that I'm just new in town and I'm looking for another doctor....that way he thinks you may be a new client and give you better treatment.
I know this is a sad way of going about things...but you may have an allergy to some of the medication you are on, and it does not sound like you are recieving the help you should be getting. Make sure you get a FULL check up.
All the best to you.