M2 Log

Steve95301 · 2nd June 2007, 01:25 AM

My main log will be located here, but I'll update this thread with rosacea-relevant comments.

There's not much to report at the moment, I plan on taking my first injection tomorrow night.

Steve95301 · 2nd June 2007, 02:00 AM

I'll take pictures, but here's basically where I'm starting from:

I'm in need of a maintenance laser txt, but don't have 1.) The money or 2.) a doctor I trust. Dr. Bitter Sr. did an amazing job for me a couple years ago, but he's retired since then, and his clinic has new radio-frequency machines that do nothing for me (I had one treatment with his son). So, I'd love IPL but it's not possible right now.

Ideally, I'd get IPL before M2. I wish I could. In fact, I hope that the pigmentation doesn't hang around after I stop using M2, and ruin me for future IPL. If I were to retain a level of pigmentation that inadequately covered the redness, but at the same time rendered IPL ineffective, I'd be pretty upset. (I'm always thinking of worst-case-scenarios.)

I've gotten a few sunburns already this season, which is taking a toll on my complexion. A big factor is the accutane, which I am stopping (as of today) for the summer. When I say "sunburn", it's what most other people would think of as a very mild case, but it's a big deal to me, and I can see the difference.

So, that's where I'm at. I'm taking a shot at M2 to see how much it could help me in the high-stress environment of a pharmacist; I'm really on the fence regarding my career right now. If I'm to go into pharmacy, my rosacea must be basically conquered.

Anyway, the pictures will tell the story.

Melissa W · 2nd June 2007, 02:55 AM

Hi Steve,

I want to wish you the best of luck.

I know what you mean about always thinking of worst case scenarios. I do that also. I think I do it because then I am mentally prepared for whatever may happen and hopefully will be pleasantly surprised.

I am just wondering if you really want to get IPL first but can't do it because of money could you ask for a payment plan? I know many doctors here who do that. Of course, that doesn't solve the problem of finding a doctor you trust. But I also wanted to add that if I remember correctly the skin may not go back to the pre M2 color. I think I read that somewhere here in the forum. Anyway, I just wanted to caution you because if you do get and stay darker that may make some other treatments more difficult.

It's not easy. So many decisions and no clear path. I understand the struggle and we are all dealing with it everyday, in one way or another. Good luck with whatever you end up doing.

Best wishes,
Melissa

PS If pharmacy is what you want to pursue I say go ahead and don't let rosacea ruin that for you. There are new treatments on the horizon and everyone is dealing with something in life. Having rosacea will make you a more caring and empathetic pharmacist. One that patients could respect and admire because of how you're dealing with the adversity life dealt you.

Steve95301 · 2nd June 2007, 04:38 AM

Hi Melissa,

yeah basically IPL is a gamble now (since Dr. Bitter Sr. retired), and an expensive one. For example, my last txt did nothing for me, and of course I was out hundreds of dollars.

I'd want to try M2 regardless, though.

I usually have trouble taking pictures of my skin because the light bleaches it out, but I managed to get a decent snap, for future comparison:

At this angle, two moles are visible, which I will keep an eye on. I'm not worried about the one on my neck, but it sucks that I have one on my cheek.

What IPL is good for are the two trouble spots I have. They're under the eye and along the sideburn, spots which are right over bone:

We'll see how well M2 covers these.

phlika29 · 2nd June 2007, 08:29 AM

Good luck Steve

Melissa W · 2nd June 2007, 12:59 PM

Hi Steve,

Good luck! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Melissa

redhotoz · 3rd June 2007, 01:07 PM

Is that when you are flushing, Steve?

Jen

Steve95301 · 3rd June 2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhotoz

Is that when you are flushing, Steve?

Jen

No, that's my base complexion. Of course, Accutane is still helping me out in the photo.

I don't have too much trouble with flushing, it's mostly the constant red tone I'd like to get rid of.

Taking 20-mg propranolol as-needed for anxiety, has been very helpful in reducing flushing episodes.

Steve95301 · 4th June 2007, 04:19 AM

First injection, 5 units (0.05 mL), 0.27 mg.

Moderate flushing from about 0.5 - 2 hours afterward, then tapering off. A little bit of grogginess, appetite suppressed (it feels like any higher dose would have produced nausea, but at this point I just don't feel like eating.)

Basically, flu-like symptoms.

Brady Barrows · 4th June 2007, 04:09 PM

Steve,

I hope the best for your M2 trial and thank you for your posting it to the world. We are all very much interested in your results. David Pascoe just posted this on his web site which should be interesting reading for you >

http://rosacea.ii.net/news/2007/05/m...in-cancer.html