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randomness...and they'll let me know what the biopsy says in a week or so. Meanwhile, I have some black nylon thread sticking out of me.
The whole experience was kind of a pain, particularly as the dermatologist was brusque and offhand, the assistant was cold, and the administrative staff looked like they clearly felt I wasn't pretty or vain enough to grace their office.
I did notice that all the staff were young, female, thin, and distant, and that botox info featured prominently in the examining room. I guess maybe they mostly deal with cosmetic surgery?
Hmmm. Perhaps I should go find another dermatologist. Any pointers?
The whole experience was kind of a pain, particularly as the dermatologist was brusque and offhand, the assistant was cold, and the administrative staff looked like they clearly felt I wasn't pretty or vain enough to grace their office.
I did notice that all the staff were young, female, thin, and distant, and that botox info featured prominently in the examining room. I guess maybe they mostly deal with cosmetic surgery?
Hmmm. Perhaps I should go find another dermatologist. Any pointers?
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(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:15 pm (UTC)My mom knows a really good one, but he's in the Hartford area - I'm not sure if that works for you.
Either way, I really hope the biopsy turns out OK!
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:17 pm (UTC)I rather suspect that a dermatology clinic at a big teaching hospital would be more hospitable "to the likes of you."
By the way, dental hygeinists also tend to have that set of physical characteristics. The best one I've ever had, of course, is a 50-something, fat, grey-haired grandma.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:21 pm (UTC)She's nice, and has a sense of humor. When I told her I really didn't want to go on anti-biotics for acne vulgaris she didn't push it, we decided together what my treatment would be and that we would try topical meds first and resort to oral stuff as a last resort. She started me with a bunch of sample tubes, once I found one that was working, then she prescribed it for me.
FWIW the waiting room at her place is full of botox literature too, It's just the crap they get from vendors. If they want the free samples from the vendors they have to take the literature for the other stuff too.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:22 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:22 pm (UTC)*hug--gently :)* S'okay, no big deal, just annoying, really.
My mom knows a really good one, but he's in the Hartford area - I'm not sure if that works for you.
It would, but I think I actually have to find one in Massachusetts. However, I'll look in the huge book of providers Blue Cross sent me.
Either way, I really hope the biopsy turns out OK!
Thanks! I've been told to be aggressive about odd-looking moles because my grandmother had one that was cancerous. So I visit the dermatologist fairly often just for screening, and that means that this is just the sort of thing I deal with occasionally. So far, nothing serious.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:24 pm (UTC)...bad toxin decisions, indeed. :)
Thanks, that was exceptionally amusing.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:27 pm (UTC)I just went downstairs from my primary care physician. She's great, btw.
I rather suspect that a dermatology clinic at a big teaching hospital would be more hospitable "to the likes of you."
I do believe you're right about that. The last dermatology clinic I went to was part of Yale's HMO. They were friendly and pleasant to deal with.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:28 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:32 pm (UTC)I don't know what the usual wait for an appointment is, since I sort of had "family" status.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:34 pm (UTC)There is a group of dermatologists that I went to back in December for a mole check that seemed good...I don't remember their names, but they work out of the Caritas St. Elizabeth group, and they're located in Brighton...I don't think there are many dermatologists there, but I can dig out the info if there are multiple dermatology offices at Caritas.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:36 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:38 pm (UTC)Oh, I'm not wildly concerned. As I said, I get all kinds of things checked out because of family history. But thanks for the good wishes!
I'll check into the group you mentioned. Thanks for the pointer!
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 01:52 pm (UTC)Meanwhile, I hope you are well now and in the future, and that it doesn't hurt.
*hug on your other side*
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 02:08 pm (UTC)(I don't think I have providers down in New Haven, but I'll check...)
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 02:33 pm (UTC)I never stick with any doctors where I'm not treated well, unless there are very special circumstances. Hell, I don't return to donut shops where I'm not treated well, but then, donuts is serious business...
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 02:55 pm (UTC)I can understand that, seeing as I have some skin cancer in my family, too...better safe than sorry :)
Incidentally, the doctor's name I was referred to was Rita Berman...I didn't actually see her, but the guy in the group I did see (Brian Selkin, I think) was very nice.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 03:30 pm (UTC)Thank you!
While I have you on the line, I thought I would ask if I could show E your posts, as she doesn't have an LJ account of her own, and without one she can't see some of the things that have been happening in your life...(about which, btw, *hug*, and best of luck with everything).
commiserations/recommendation
Date: 2004-08-09 03:47 pm (UTC)The derm I had was most excellent; she's in Worcester if you can go out that far. Getting appointments is kinda tough (My first appointment for this "urgent" problem was three months off; I finally got in by calling back until a cancellation came up). I can still give you a recommendation if you like.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 04:46 pm (UTC)Btw, I tried to call you the other day, but I can't tell if I have the right phone number. Maybe I'll send you email! Let me know the next time you plan on being in CT and we can maybe get together?
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 05:00 pm (UTC)Re: commiserations/recommendation
Date: 2004-08-09 06:42 pm (UTC)Sure. I'm just limited to the providers in the Blue Cross directory. But Worcester is okay.
I can still give you a recommendation if you like.
That would be great. Thanks!
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 06:42 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 06:46 pm (UTC)Thanks, hon!
Btw, I tried to call you the other day, but I can't tell if I have the right phone number.
Hmmm. If you got my dad's voice on the answering machine, that'd be the one. :)
I'll call you and we'll make sure you have the right number; then we can figure out when a good time to connect might be.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 07:45 pm (UTC)you know, we talked plenty; a biopsy is something you mention.
*hug*
hope everything turns out OK. let us know?
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 08:42 pm (UTC)however, should you ever need a neurologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist, or endocrinologist, i'm your resource...
Yoikes!
Date: 2004-08-09 08:54 pm (UTC)I'm glad that you're being aggressive about checking yourself out. But I have a feeling that you'll be cool. You better be cool, or I'll come out there and kick your ass, mister!
Too bad you're not here in California. I could tell you many fun places here to go to get looked at. But then, I'm a relatively large fan of Kaiser.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 11:35 pm (UTC)you know, we talked plenty; a biopsy is something you mention.
*hug*
hope everything turns out OK. let us know?
*hug* I will.
This isn't my first "interesting" mole, and it won't be the last. I get more of these, I think, because I get things looked at that most people ignore. So honestly it wasn't anything I considered worth bringing up.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-09 11:46 pm (UTC)*hugs* Thanks!
however, should you ever need a neurologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist, or endocrinologist, i'm your resource...
I'll keep that in mind, thanks!
Re: Yoikes!
Date: 2004-08-09 11:50 pm (UTC)Oh, I'm pretty confident it'll be a big nothing. I wish the thing was smoother, though; I already have a cool scar on my chin.
I'm glad that you're being aggressive about checking yourself out. But I have a feeling that you'll be cool. You better be cool, or I'll come out there and kick your ass, mister!
Last one was cool, most likely this one will be too. If not, well, there will be lots more to talk about.
And hey, it'll be good to see you. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-10 05:37 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-10 07:28 am (UTC)Also, there's the remarkable convenience factor of having your doctor being the midpoint between your home and your favorite burrito joint.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-10 10:12 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-10 10:13 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-10 03:45 pm (UTC)*pat on back* on being proactive about getting the nevus checked out!
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-10 05:11 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-11 04:53 am (UTC)