Cystic Acne & Accutane

I took the youngest step daughter to the dermatologist on Monday. Boy, what a day! To give a little background, my husband has always provided health & dental insurance for his daughters as per the divorce decree. (He has been divorced from their mother for almost 15 years) He was doing his part, so we always thought she must be doing her part. Since we've been married, I would ask Jeff why the girls hadn't been to the dentist for their 2 free cleanings each year? Or their annual free eye exam?

I have been deeply concerned about the youngest SD who has had severe cystic acne for over 3 years now. Supposedly the ex took her once to the dermatologist and the doctor wanted to put her on a program taking the drug, Accutane. The ex never followed up and was scared of the "side effects". Now the poor girl will soon be 18 and is so severely, I mean SEVERELY scarred on her face, chest, and back. I saw her back for the 1st time at the doctor's office, and we both cried. All I could say was, "I am so sorry". I never guessed it was THAT bad!

Granted, they have lived 100 miles away for the last 7 1/2 years. The youngest and her mom just moved back to the area we live, only 15 miles away. Most of the doctors and dentists are 35 miles away from us. A few months ago I delicately brought up the subject of making some appointments for her over the summer, since they are now living closer to us. Her mother said that was fine because, "she was always working and didn't have time". (WHAT?????) My husband and I both work full time as well, but I am willing to make time to see to the child's needs.

Maybe I'm wrong, but after seeing her badly scarred body and emotional state from the acne issues, I can definitely see a case of NEGLECT on the mother's part. No point now I guess, in pursuing any case against her since the girls are grown now. It still saddens me so much to see how they have pretty much raised themselves these last several years. Now they are worldly, angry, and bitter young women. I can't imagine what they have had to deal with over the years and why they didn't think they could turn to their father and I.

Do any of you have any experiences with the Accutane and the iPledge Program? I can see that it is going to be a very strict regimen and serious commitment for her and for the parents. We are willing to help her any way we can, but will her mom commit to it? We asked the daughter to consider living with us the 6 months or so that she will be on the treatment. She has to be on a strict low cholesterol diet, and I know she won't be able to stick to it living with her mom. We want to help and be able to monitor her better. I love the push for abstinence in the program. I hope she realizes how serious it all is.

We did her first set of labs at the hospital yesterday. We will have to wait a full 30 days and during her period to get another pregnancy test before they will start her on the medication. (Accutane is known to produce severe birth defects) Treatments with the drug will go for 4-5 months. Labs to be done each month with a follow-up appointment. She has to continue with all the "rules" for another month after stopping the meds. It will be a long process, but I told her she is not in it alone, we are here to help her succeed in this. She says she is ready, I hope we can convince her to stay here until the treatments are complete.

I can't believe I am saying it... I will need lots of prayer!!! She is not used to rules and curfews and responsibilities. My hubby and I will have to come together with a united front in many ways to make it work.