Really? Four words I never thought I’d hear spoken aloud to me. :O)
I went to the dermatologist today. I have a new freckle on my face. I first noticed it about two months ago. This was after my sister had been in town a few times and we’d been hanging out in the pool. Well, I’m pretty pale, so I’m all about sunscreen. This freckle is on my cheek, right about nose height. At night, while I’m reading in bed, I can see it in my field of vision. Two nights ago I was staring at it while reading and realized that I only had two business days left of PPO insurance. Starting September 1 we are on an HMO plan. Ugh.
I called a dermatologist that Robert had seen last year and begged for an appointment in the next 48 hours. I just didn’t want to have to go see my primary physician for a referral to a specialist, you know? They were able to get me in today, phew!
I get to the office, of course the nurse wants to know what "made me come in today." I say I have a new freckle. She looks at me like "how’d you notice?" I have LOTS of freckles. Not tons on my face but hundreds on my arms and shoulders. Most people probably don’t notice, but this is her specialty, right? She asked how long I’d lived in Arizona, and if I had any birth marks. Then she asked if I wanted a full body check. I said I just wanted an upper body check. That my legs were fine. She didn’t believe me. I’m telling you, nothing worth worrying about on my legs. No marks. They never see the sun, etc.
She tells me to put on the gown (sans bra) and that she’ll be back in with the Doctor in a few minutes. Then puts a folded gown on the table.
I unfold the gown and slip it over my arms. Whoa! Where’s the rest of this thing? This picture is what I had to wear.
If you are taller than 5’2", this thing is a bolero jacket, not a medical gown. Covers your chest, and nothing else. So, of course I stood. No need to scare the Doctor by having him see me in this while sitting.
Naturally, the first thing he makes me do when he comes in is sit. I tell him that this thing could be designed just a bit better. He laughs at me. It’s a good thing I like this Doctor.
Checks out my freckle for a bit. With a hand held super bright light with a magnifying lens on it. Asks me why I’m so tense. Then holds up a mirror to my face and says "tell me what I’m supposed to be looking at, all I see is some dry skin." I point out the brown spot to the right of the dry skin and he declares "freckle!"
He then checked my arms and back and shoulders and declared me to be of fair skin and freckled skin. Then says "let me check your stomach." Declares it perfect. Sigh. (as if my stomach has ever seen the light of day without layers of clothing covering it!)
I will admit, I secretly was hoping that he’d say "You’re 37?!?! No way, your skin is gorgeous for your age. NO way you’re 37." I didn’t get that. Oh well.
Moral of this post? Go to the dermatologist. Get looked over, get those moles and anything else checked out. All it takes is a co-pay and a bolero jacket.