So, they just punched a divot in my upper arm...

[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?

Comments

[ladybird97.livejournal.com]

erk! *hug* I'm sorry...

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!

[quietann.livejournal.com]

where did you go?

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.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

Where did you go? I have a wonderful dermatologist in Wellesley. Her name is Pamela Weinfeld, she's at Dermatology Partners on Walnut St. in Wellesley.

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.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

-It's possible that they seemed distant because they've all had botox, and can no longer express emotion. In which case they may be perfectly nice people who have simply made bad toxin decisions.

[skreeky]

I really liked a friend of Jon's that I used for some sensitive issues, and I can assure you he's far more interested in health than cosmetics. He's at Newton-Wellesley hospital, Jay Cohen. http://www.jaycohenmd.net/html_docs/physicians.html
I don't know what the usual wait for an appointment is, since I sort of had "family" status.

[mmeubiquitous.livejournal.com]

Yikes! I hope it turns out ok :(

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.

[outlawradio.livejournal.com]

If only you were still in the New Haven area, I'd have someone for you. But alas, not in MA.

Meanwhile, I hope you are well now and in the future, and that it doesn't hurt.

*hug on your other side*

[faelad.livejournal.com]

My recommending my very nice dermatologist here in New Mexico wouldn't help at all, so I won't do that. However, I do want you to know that you're in my thoughts. Be well.

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...

commiserations/recommendation

[jim-p.livejournal.com]

ouch! I know where you're coming from; I just had to have a divot punched into my fingertip (where the nail *used* to be) for something similar... at least the biopsy was negative, now to do the followup...

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.

[agrimony.livejournal.com]

eep! Thinking good thoughts!

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?

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

good grief!

you know, we talked plenty; a biopsy is something you mention.

*hug*

hope everything turns out OK. let us know?

[wolfkitn.livejournal.com]

yowsa! *hugs* do keep us informed of how things go, and best of luck. unfortunately, i have no pointers in mind for you, though if one appears i'll let you know about it.

however, should you ever need a neurologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist, or endocrinologist, i'm your resource...

Yoikes!

[antoniusrex.livejournal.com]

Leon--Here's to it being a big nothing. As someone who's had little divots taken out of him (ie, in my head), I'd like to give a shout out to doctors who can stitch well. Either way, you'll have a cool scar, of which you can tell many lies about: "I got it in a barroom brawl when someone pulled a knife!"

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.

[tavella.livejournal.com]

Ah, snotty medical staff. Such a joy... good luck with the biopsy results!

[nafe.livejournal.com]

I couldn't be bothered to scan all of the comments on this post to see if this was redundant, but all of the doctors, including the dermatologist and the derma-surgeon I've had at Harvard Vanguard in Davis have been really professional and very attentive. Though, I think my surgeon implied that all men are big wussies, but I suppose she's entitled to her opinion.

Also, there's the remarkable convenience factor of having your doctor being the midpoint between your home and your favorite burrito joint.

[resonance42.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your experience. Hope the path is negative!

*pat on back* on being proactive about getting the nevus checked out!