Spiro and laser treatments?

dreamcatcher · 05-13-2004, 11:43 AM

I just started spiro on May 7th. My doctor told me that it would take at least 6 months to see results. The thing is, I don't think I can wait 6 months. If it was in the winter time, it'd be fine because I could wear a scarf to hide my neck hair (which is what I've done the past two years) but since it is summer there is really no way that I can hide. My self-esteem has taken a nose-dive. I'm fighting back tears as I write this because I really feel that my family and friends don't know what its like to have this much facial hair. I'm hesitant in getting a summer job, in meeting people, in going out, etc. For three years I have tried to rise above this superficial thing and not let it control what I do with my life. I'm no longer the strong person I once was.

My testosterone levels were normal, but on the higher end of the spectrum. My question is, I know its better to wait until the hormone levels are normal, but since my levels are considered normal, do you think its really necessary for me to wait 6+ months for the spiro to work before I get laser treatments? Has anyone used spiro and laser treatments in combination with eachother?

Thank you in advance.

lizziebelle · 05-13-2004, 02:51 PM

I feel your pain 100%. I have a lot of hair on my face and have for years. i was so tired of shaving and plucking and having ingrown hairs and bumps all the time. I would stay away from sunlight- you can see it so much better in sunlight- and I would not look people in the face when I was talking to them. Anyway, I finally said - the hell with it- and tried the laser. I was not too happy at first b/c he did not tell me that I would get little pimples and it almost seemed like the hair was worse for a few days. I had it done 1 week ago today. I kept cleaning my face very well every day and using an exfoliating pad. Finally, I took some wax to it on Tuesday. I could not believe it, but Wed a.m. when I woke up there was hardly any hair there. Then still today hardly any hair. There were a few, but I hit them with the razor and when I went out of the house this morning, I had hardly any make-up on and I could not see it in the sunlight. I usually were very heavy foundation to hide it and have not left the house w/out makeup in 6 years, even to go to the 7-11. I am so excited. I have just become a firm believer in the laser removal now. If you can do it, I would suggest it. It sucks to be that unhappy about our problems and have people look at you like you are an alien just b/c they don't know or understand what the problem is. Sorry this has gone on so long. Feel free to PM me if you would like to know any more. Niki

lizziebelle · 05-13-2004, 02:52 PM

By the way, I forgot to put that I am not taking spiro though.

Wiggleynose · 05-13-2004, 04:55 PM

I'm going for my laser appt. tomorrow and I've only been on spiro solidly for a month. I've been off and on it for years and plan on staying on it now for as long as I need to.

I would say that no, you don't HAVE to wait t he 6 months.

Also, you should have your dr. refer you to a dermatologist and have him submit paperwork for the hair removal. That's what mine did and it should be covered by your insurance co.

dreamcatcher · 05-14-2004, 02:26 PM

Thanks for the replies Niki and Wiggleynose. I think at this point I'll go ahead and get some laser treatments done. Last year I was quoted a price of $80CDN at my dermatologist's office for my neck and sideburn area so hopefully it won't have increased in price too much. Even if laser treatments only work marginally on me, I figure any improvement is better than no improvement. I think $80 is a cheap price to pay for my confidence to be restored back to normal.

Niki, do you know what laser was used on you?

Wiggleynose, how did the first laser appt go? I'll check into the insurance coverage. Thanks for the tip.