Man, with 20mg/week I've been to Cancun last month lol... no problems at all... there's no comparison between the dosage to treat severe acne, like 20mg/daily, with 20mg/week or 2x week. You'll have a normal life.
I think 20mg/day would be a little agressive (my opinion)... maybe you could start slowly like 20mg twice a week and reavaliate further... In our degree of acne (steroid-related) we don't need such approach. You need to give a time to the body, like 1 or 2 months with that low dose, but the colaterals will be much lighter, like just a little crack in the lower lip.
When I first tried accutane (isotretinoin) I've done 20mg 3x/week... not good, my lower lip cracked hard and it was a problem because it bleed sometimes and I wasn't able to kiss the girls I was dating lol... not good experience. I could't open my mouth completely because it would open the crack even more. With 20mg twice a week I didn't got that problem and solved 85% of the acne (bacne)... in fact, my acne is hard in the back, moderate at the shoulders and mild in the chest. Nowdays it's just mild in the back and I think I could solve it completely upping the dose, but as I'm thinking in isotretinoin in the long run I'll not elevate de dose to not compromisse my liver. Nowdays my AST/ALT is 50 (upper limit: 40)
I got all those knowledgemente from my ex girlfriend which is a dermatologist lol...
But, Elvia, could you discuss more about suplements that you love and some ergos (AAS) that you like a lot? As I can see, you have lowered your test, did you used something to complemente that? Other compounds.
20mg isn't considered a high dose of accutane. I know people who have been prescribed 40-80mg (daily) accutane from a doctor. Granted even 20mg could cause damage in some and it's not something we ideally want to be taking. Although I have used 20mg a few times now with great results. I don't get any bad side effects and recall some skin drying (mainly lips) which can be resolved with vaseline. I have even been on holiday in the summer on 20mg accutane but I did use mt2 to combat any added skin sensitivity to sunlight.
As you stated it takes a few months for your dose to build up but if I use accutane I want it to build up as fast as possible. I don't have bad acne and I may not even use it unless it gets worst. In that event I would do 20mg daily for a few weeks to let it build up fast then try your twice weekly protocol as maintenance. I think that's an effective way to run many things and I do the same with mt2 when I use that. I should add my liver is always fine as are my kidneys etc.
Regarding AAS for bulking test and deca and I like to keep it simple. If I could run it (can't due to fatigue) I would add in MK-677 and/or HGH. Then you have the likes of NPP which is great as well. Masteron is also a great compliment to this cycle for a variety of reasons (aggression in gym, tighten up, drop a little water, sexual benefits etc).
My fav orals are avar, tbol and adrol. I think avar is amazing for bulking or cutting. Very underrated drug especially for men.
I think GDA's and Metformin can be extremely useful.
Cialis and Melanotan 2 are 2 amazing drugs for many different reasons. Cialis is a bodybuilders best friend mainly due to it's bp, prostate and sexual benefits.
Regarding supplements I think there are a few that are very useful for any AAS using (or natural) bodybuilder. They include Curcumin and Ubiquinol as they are both generally great for heart health. I use curcumin to keep inflammation down as I believe that is very important. Most of the other stuff depends upon the individuals genetics. Meaning some guys have bp issues so they will need to use drugs/supplements to control that. Others may have liver or kidney issues so the same for those as well. Obviously it should go without stating diet and cardio should be tailored towards a person's goals as well. I do think vitamin D3 is an extremely useful supplement as well. I take 10,000 IU per day in colder months and 5,000 IU for the rest of the year. ZMA is another great supplement for overall recovery and sleep quality.
My main issues are cholesterol and bp so I take supplements to help with those. The best I feel are carditone, citrus bergamot, sytrinol, krill oil, grape seed extract, hawthorn berry etc. In addition to the core 2 of curcumin and ubiquinol. At the moment I am using quite a lot of supps and I will downsize in the near future. They include:
Y.S. Eco Bee Farms, Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis... antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and anti-oxidants. Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Great immune booster, helps cholesterol and increases nutrient/protein ulization etc.
Life Extension Once per day Health Booster- contains a variety of useful ingredients such as vitamins e and k, macaguard, saffron and lycopene. I use this for general health plus the fact it contains many very useful eye health supplements.
Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin... anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, heart, joints etc.
Life Extension Super Ubiquinol Co Q10... heart health, cholesterol, blood pressure etc.
Ayush Herbs Carditone... blood pressure, heart, kidneys etc.
NOW Foods Pycnogenol... blood pressure, blood sugar, muscle soreness etc.
NOW Foods Blood Pressure Health... heart, blood pressure etc.
Jarrow Formula's Vitamin D... general/bone health, immunity, insulin sensitivity etc.
Animal Omega... general/heart health, cholesterol, joints etc.
Paradise Herbs ORAC Energy Greens... general health, regularity, immune system, energy etc.
Garden of Life Raw Fibre... regularity, digestion, elimination of toxins etc.
Synthetek's Synthergine... liver health, cortisol control and anxiety.
Before eating certain larger meals I also use the following products...
General... NOW Foods's Super Enzymes.
High Fat meals... Ox Bile by NutriCology.
Large dairy meals... CountryLife Dairy-Zyme.
High Carb meals... Musclerage's Slin-RX.