Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 First I would like to say I would like to slap about everyother nurse I talk to on the phone. Yesterday my son woke up with a fever and hold his ear @ 3 am. So I called the drs office for an appointment and left a message saying he had an ear infection. Here is the nurse- Have you seen a dr. Me- no, but he has an ear infection Nurse- So I am confused have you actually seen a dr- like I don't know when my son has ear infection. anyway thinks for letting me vent too I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in good hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye bye. What makes rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main ones like sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says chocolate, bad diet not enough excersice than again you know he dosn't really know enough about rosacea. Ask for short & long term goals or plans! You also want to make sure you dicuss all health problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you talking. You can tell a lot about drs by all these ?s. I wish you lots of luck. > >To: rosacea-support >Subject: venting AND need advice >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at >her. > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or >insulting my intelligence. > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I >eventually found this group. > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > >What do I ask him? > > > >Thanks! > >Ruth > > > >--------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 First I would like to say I would like to slap about everyother nurse I talk to on the phone. Yesterday my son woke up with a fever and hold his ear @ 3 am. So I called the drs office for an appointment and left a message saying he had an ear infection. Here is the nurse- Have you seen a dr. Me- no, but he has an ear infection Nurse- So I am confused have you actually seen a dr- like I don't know when my son has ear infection. anyway thinks for letting me vent too I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in good hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye bye. What makes rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main ones like sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says chocolate, bad diet not enough excersice than again you know he dosn't really know enough about rosacea. Ask for short & long term goals or plans! You also want to make sure you dicuss all health problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you talking. You can tell a lot about drs by all these ?s. I wish you lots of luck. > >To: rosacea-support >Subject: venting AND need advice >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at >her. > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or >insulting my intelligence. > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I >eventually found this group. > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > >What do I ask him? > > > >Thanks! > >Ruth > > > >--------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 First I would like to say I would like to slap about everyother nurse I talk to on the phone. Yesterday my son woke up with a fever and hold his ear @ 3 am. So I called the drs office for an appointment and left a message saying he had an ear infection. Here is the nurse- Have you seen a dr. Me- no, but he has an ear infection Nurse- So I am confused have you actually seen a dr- like I don't know when my son has ear infection. anyway thinks for letting me vent too I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in good hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye bye. What makes rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main ones like sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says chocolate, bad diet not enough excersice than again you know he dosn't really know enough about rosacea. Ask for short & long term goals or plans! You also want to make sure you dicuss all health problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you talking. You can tell a lot about drs by all these ?s. I wish you lots of luck. > >To: rosacea-support >Subject: venting AND need advice >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at >her. > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or >insulting my intelligence. > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I >eventually found this group. > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > >What do I ask him? > > > >Thanks! > >Ruth > > > >--------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 > Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever > sought treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether > or not I had ever been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half >as on the ball as the nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Ruth, As frustrating as these conversations must have been, at least you are able to get to the derm quickly. In my area, there is a chronic lack of doctors of any kind, starting with family doctors and the waiting times are horrible. First of all, I need to be referred to a dermatologist by a regular doctor, and then it is a question of time. Last year, I called in June and got a booking for December. Last week, my dentist wanted me to see a periodontist, so they called his office and they are now booking for November. Good luck with the appointment, and please report back how it went. Alena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 > Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever > sought treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether > or not I had ever been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half >as on the ball as the nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Ruth, As frustrating as these conversations must have been, at least you are able to get to the derm quickly. In my area, there is a chronic lack of doctors of any kind, starting with family doctors and the waiting times are horrible. First of all, I need to be referred to a dermatologist by a regular doctor, and then it is a question of time. Last year, I called in June and got a booking for December. Last week, my dentist wanted me to see a periodontist, so they called his office and they are now booking for November. Good luck with the appointment, and please report back how it went. Alena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 > Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever > sought treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether > or not I had ever been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half >as on the ball as the nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Ruth, As frustrating as these conversations must have been, at least you are able to get to the derm quickly. In my area, there is a chronic lack of doctors of any kind, starting with family doctors and the waiting times are horrible. First of all, I need to be referred to a dermatologist by a regular doctor, and then it is a question of time. Last year, I called in June and got a booking for December. Last week, my dentist wanted me to see a periodontist, so they called his office and they are now booking for November. Good luck with the appointment, and please report back how it went. Alena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 > First I would like to say I would like to slap about every other > nurse I talk to on the phone Becky, I appreciate your frustration with the nurse, but try to understand that from her perspective, she has to report to the doctor the reason for your phone call and appointment request. It's not unreasonable for her to be confused when you give a medical diagnosis ( " he has an ear infection " ) as opposed to something like, " he has a fever and is pulling at his ear, like he always does when he has an ear infection. " That subtly makes all the difference in communication. > I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he > flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in > good hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye > bye. What makes rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main > ones like sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says > chocolate, bad diet not enough excersice than again you know he > dosn't really know enough about rosacea. Ask for short & long term > goals or plans! You also want to make sure you dicuss all health > problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you talking... Those are reasonable questions for Ruth to ask, but I wouldn't recommend " testing " a new doctor by quizzing him/her. If you want to get a " sense " of a new dermatologist, and assuming s/he has made the diagnosis of rosacea, you might say something like, " I understand the cause of rosacea is unknown, but the two main theories are vascular and immunologic. Which do you favor, or is there a third theory you feel better explains the condition? " In other words, let the doctor know what you know, and then let him/her tell you what s/he knows. Don't interprete a " it's probably a combination of factors " as a copout, since that's the most likely explanation. There's no right answer, of course, but it should accomplish what you want while encouraging good, open communication. I wouldn't recommend wasting the doctor's or your time asking information you already know or is readily available in patient handouts, or theoretical questions that aren't going to make a difference to your skin. It's totally reasonable for you to feel the need to discuss this, but ask instead if there's a staff person who can sit down with you now or by appointment, and discuss rosacea in greater detail. Explain you have some background information from self-study, and lots of questions about how best to manage your skin. With the dermatologist, I would recommend understanding the prescribed medications -- not theoretical " whys " but practical " hows " and " whats " such as how the medication is to be used, what side effects to look out for -- and which should be ignored as part of therapy, which should cause you to decrease dosage or hold off for a few days, and which should have you stop the medication completely. Get a sense of the best you can expect from the prescribed treatment and by what date, and a sense of the next step if this treatment doesn't work. And ask for patient information handouts on the medication, from the doctor and/or the pharmacist. Asking about long range goals at the first meeting isn't as helpful as waiting until you're set on a good treatment plan. The short term goals is obvious -- to initially manage your symptoms, and then get you on a maintenance plan. Office dermatology can be a very quick specialty, since so much is obvious to an experienced physician by just the skin's appearance and its response to particular agents. Most visits will be under five minutes, there's usually no medical reason to linger. A quick visit may feel uncomfortable, especially so if you had to wait and if a particular doctor's style isn't quickly engaging or overtly empathic, but try not to have unrealistic expectations from a dermatologist in that regard. On the other hand, quick care shouldn't feel like a lack of respect, especially after several sessions. It should feel efficient, but humane. I very much agree with Becky that you should " test " any new doctor, but not by asking questions. Rather, I recommend asking yourself after several visits if this is a person you trust with your skin. Is your skin getting better under his/her care and if not, do you have the sense that s/he understands the lack of progress and has a reasonable game plan? Hope that helps. Good luck. Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff MD > >From: Ruth Hooper > >To: rosacea-support@y... > >Subject: venting AND need advice > >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > > > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to > >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. > >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > > > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating > >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 > >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited > >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the > >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who > >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in > >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at > >her. > > > > > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of > >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, > >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or > >insulting my intelligence. > > > > > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought > >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever > >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the > >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR > >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > > > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > > > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and > >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up > >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I > >eventually found this group. > > > > > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some > >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. > >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and > >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > > > > > >What do I ask him? > > > > > > > >Thanks! > > > >Ruth > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 > First I would like to say I would like to slap about every other > nurse I talk to on the phone Becky, I appreciate your frustration with the nurse, but try to understand that from her perspective, she has to report to the doctor the reason for your phone call and appointment request. It's not unreasonable for her to be confused when you give a medical diagnosis ( " he has an ear infection " ) as opposed to something like, " he has a fever and is pulling at his ear, like he always does when he has an ear infection. " That subtly makes all the difference in communication. > I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he > flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in > good hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye > bye. What makes rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main > ones like sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says > chocolate, bad diet not enough excersice than again you know he > dosn't really know enough about rosacea. Ask for short & long term > goals or plans! You also want to make sure you dicuss all health > problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you talking... Those are reasonable questions for Ruth to ask, but I wouldn't recommend " testing " a new doctor by quizzing him/her. If you want to get a " sense " of a new dermatologist, and assuming s/he has made the diagnosis of rosacea, you might say something like, " I understand the cause of rosacea is unknown, but the two main theories are vascular and immunologic. Which do you favor, or is there a third theory you feel better explains the condition? " In other words, let the doctor know what you know, and then let him/her tell you what s/he knows. Don't interprete a " it's probably a combination of factors " as a copout, since that's the most likely explanation. There's no right answer, of course, but it should accomplish what you want while encouraging good, open communication. I wouldn't recommend wasting the doctor's or your time asking information you already know or is readily available in patient handouts, or theoretical questions that aren't going to make a difference to your skin. It's totally reasonable for you to feel the need to discuss this, but ask instead if there's a staff person who can sit down with you now or by appointment, and discuss rosacea in greater detail. Explain you have some background information from self-study, and lots of questions about how best to manage your skin. With the dermatologist, I would recommend understanding the prescribed medications -- not theoretical " whys " but practical " hows " and " whats " such as how the medication is to be used, what side effects to look out for -- and which should be ignored as part of therapy, which should cause you to decrease dosage or hold off for a few days, and which should have you stop the medication completely. Get a sense of the best you can expect from the prescribed treatment and by what date, and a sense of the next step if this treatment doesn't work. And ask for patient information handouts on the medication, from the doctor and/or the pharmacist. Asking about long range goals at the first meeting isn't as helpful as waiting until you're set on a good treatment plan. The short term goals is obvious -- to initially manage your symptoms, and then get you on a maintenance plan. Office dermatology can be a very quick specialty, since so much is obvious to an experienced physician by just the skin's appearance and its response to particular agents. Most visits will be under five minutes, there's usually no medical reason to linger. A quick visit may feel uncomfortable, especially so if you had to wait and if a particular doctor's style isn't quickly engaging or overtly empathic, but try not to have unrealistic expectations from a dermatologist in that regard. On the other hand, quick care shouldn't feel like a lack of respect, especially after several sessions. It should feel efficient, but humane. I very much agree with Becky that you should " test " any new doctor, but not by asking questions. Rather, I recommend asking yourself after several visits if this is a person you trust with your skin. Is your skin getting better under his/her care and if not, do you have the sense that s/he understands the lack of progress and has a reasonable game plan? Hope that helps. Good luck. Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff MD > >From: Ruth Hooper > >To: rosacea-support@y... > >Subject: venting AND need advice > >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > > > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to > >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. > >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > > > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating > >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 > >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited > >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the > >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who > >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in > >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at > >her. > > > > > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of > >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, > >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or > >insulting my intelligence. > > > > > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought > >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever > >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the > >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR > >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > > > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > > > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and > >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up > >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I > >eventually found this group. > > > > > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some > >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. > >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and > >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > > > > > >What do I ask him? > > > > > > > >Thanks! > > > >Ruth > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 Someone had to hire the smart, helpful nurse, hopefully it was a smart helpful physician. You ought to go to him and see what he says. You'd be best off with a treatment plan which would clear you quickly, as you seem distressed. Full dose Minocin or Zithromax and/or low dose Accutane. Wash face with cetaphil bid. No makeup until clear. Topically, well, let the smart dermatologist figure that one out based on your clinical presentation. Try ZnO topically until face stops burning. > > I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > > First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at her. > > > > Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or insulting my intelligence. > > > > Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR -- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > > Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > > I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I eventually found this group. > > > > I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > > What do I ask him? > > > > Thanks! > > Ruth > > > > --------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 Someone had to hire the smart, helpful nurse, hopefully it was a smart helpful physician. You ought to go to him and see what he says. You'd be best off with a treatment plan which would clear you quickly, as you seem distressed. Full dose Minocin or Zithromax and/or low dose Accutane. Wash face with cetaphil bid. No makeup until clear. Topically, well, let the smart dermatologist figure that one out based on your clinical presentation. Try ZnO topically until face stops burning. > > I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > > First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at her. > > > > Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or insulting my intelligence. > > > > Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR -- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > > Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > > I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I eventually found this group. > > > > I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > > What do I ask him? > > > > Thanks! > > Ruth > > > > --------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 This wouldn't be the first time a girl has ever used a " test question " before Notice how she will accept as an acceptable response the one of vagueness, " I don't really know what causes rosacea. " But by giving an answer, a very direct answer, you risk giving the wrong one and facing negative judgement. I have a further theory on this, but it is off topic.. Interesting method. I must say I like it. You're very lucky you're not contstrained by the HMO system, in which the only quesiton you'd be allowed to ask is, " can I have a referral? " Ok, here's a good question.. If I give you three months and follow your program exactly, will you be reasonably confident my skin will clear? This IS possible for a good treatment regimen. > First I would like to say I would like to slap about everyother nurse I > talk to on the phone. Yesterday my son woke up with a fever and hold his > ear @ 3 am. So I called the drs office for an appointment and left a > message saying he had an ear infection. Here is the nurse- Have you seen a > dr. Me- no, but he has an ear infection Nurse- So I am confused have you > actually seen a dr- like I don't know when my son has ear infection. anyway > thinks for letting me vent too > I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he > flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in good > hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye bye. What makes > rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main ones like > sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says chocolate, bad diet not > enough excersice than again you know he dosn't really know enough about > rosacea. Ask for short & long term goals or plans! You also want to make > sure you dicuss all health problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you > talking. You can tell a lot about drs by all these ?s. I wish you lots of > luck. > > > >From: Ruth Hooper > >To: rosacea-support@y... > >Subject: venting AND need advice > >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > > > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to > >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. > >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > > > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating > >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 > >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited > >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the > >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who > >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in > >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at > >her. > > > > > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of > >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, > >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or > >insulting my intelligence. > > > > > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought > >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever > >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the > >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR > >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > > > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > > > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and > >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up > >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I > >eventually found this group. > > > > > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some > >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. > >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and > >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > > > > > >What do I ask him? > > > > > > > >Thanks! > > > >Ruth > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 This wouldn't be the first time a girl has ever used a " test question " before Notice how she will accept as an acceptable response the one of vagueness, " I don't really know what causes rosacea. " But by giving an answer, a very direct answer, you risk giving the wrong one and facing negative judgement. I have a further theory on this, but it is off topic.. Interesting method. I must say I like it. You're very lucky you're not contstrained by the HMO system, in which the only quesiton you'd be allowed to ask is, " can I have a referral? " Ok, here's a good question.. If I give you three months and follow your program exactly, will you be reasonably confident my skin will clear? This IS possible for a good treatment regimen. > First I would like to say I would like to slap about everyother nurse I > talk to on the phone. Yesterday my son woke up with a fever and hold his > ear @ 3 am. So I called the drs office for an appointment and left a > message saying he had an ear infection. Here is the nurse- Have you seen a > dr. Me- no, but he has an ear infection Nurse- So I am confused have you > actually seen a dr- like I don't know when my son has ear infection. anyway > thinks for letting me vent too > I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he > flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in good > hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye bye. What makes > rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main ones like > sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says chocolate, bad diet not > enough excersice than again you know he dosn't really know enough about > rosacea. Ask for short & long term goals or plans! You also want to make > sure you dicuss all health problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you > talking. You can tell a lot about drs by all these ?s. I wish you lots of > luck. > > > >From: Ruth Hooper > >To: rosacea-support@y... > >Subject: venting AND need advice > >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > > > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to > >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. > >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > > > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating > >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 > >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited > >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the > >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who > >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in > >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at > >her. > > > > > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of > >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, > >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or > >insulting my intelligence. > > > > > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought > >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever > >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the > >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR > >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > > > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > > > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and > >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up > >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I > >eventually found this group. > > > > > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some > >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. > >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and > >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > > > > > >What do I ask him? > > > > > > > >Thanks! > > > >Ruth > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 This wouldn't be the first time a girl has ever used a " test question " before Notice how she will accept as an acceptable response the one of vagueness, " I don't really know what causes rosacea. " But by giving an answer, a very direct answer, you risk giving the wrong one and facing negative judgement. I have a further theory on this, but it is off topic.. Interesting method. I must say I like it. You're very lucky you're not contstrained by the HMO system, in which the only quesiton you'd be allowed to ask is, " can I have a referral? " Ok, here's a good question.. If I give you three months and follow your program exactly, will you be reasonably confident my skin will clear? This IS possible for a good treatment regimen. > First I would like to say I would like to slap about everyother nurse I > talk to on the phone. Yesterday my son woke up with a fever and hold his > ear @ 3 am. So I called the drs office for an appointment and left a > message saying he had an ear infection. Here is the nurse- Have you seen a > dr. Me- no, but he has an ear infection Nurse- So I am confused have you > actually seen a dr- like I don't know when my son has ear infection. anyway > thinks for letting me vent too > I ask dr's test questions- 1. What causes rosacea. If he > flushing/vascular problems or admitts he dosn't know, you may be in good > hands. If they have an old or off the wall theory than bye bye. What makes > rosacea worse- the answer should be either the main ones like > sun/heat/discomfort or idividual things, If he says chocolate, bad diet not > enough excersice than again you know he dosn't really know enough about > rosacea. Ask for short & long term goals or plans! You also want to make > sure you dicuss all health problems with him. Also ask him to sit while you > talking. You can tell a lot about drs by all these ?s. I wish you lots of > luck. > > > >From: Ruth Hooper > >To: rosacea-support@y... > >Subject: venting AND need advice > >Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 09:19:23 -0800 (PST) > > > > > >I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to > >liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell. > >Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm. > > > > > > > >First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating > >rosacea. The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 > >years old because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited > >giving a smart assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the > >treatment of rosacea. She told me that dematologists were doctors who > >specialized in treating skin conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in > >treating rosacea. If my face hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at > >her. > > > > > > > >Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of > >rosacea? " " No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, > >but my husband pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or > >insulting my intelligence. > > > > > > > >Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought > >treatment before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever > >been on oral antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the > >nurse... I see him on Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR > >-- don't suppose any of you know anything about him? > > > > > > > >Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history: > > > >I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and > >was told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up > >and to use Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I > >eventually found this group. > > > > > > > >I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some > >papules on my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. > >About a week ago, my entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and > >pustules. They have spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead. > > > > > > > >What do I ask him? > > > > > > > >Thanks! > > > >Ruth > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2002 Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 I went through a bit of misdiagnosis with my rosacea. I went to one derm, who was on the NRS list. She diagnosed me with rosacea, but her treatments didn't do anything for me at all. I had a bright red face and lots of bumps. (metrogel and tetracycline and later minocycline) Next, I went to another derm on the NRS list who said that I didn't have rosacea at all but acne. He recommended that I take a full course of Accutane as that would cure my acne. Then, I tried someone who was a clinical instructor at the University of California at San Francisco(UCSF) and practiced at their campus. She was not the NRS list. She said I had rosacea and gave me topical Azelex/Novacet and oral Bactrim. She also recommended that I get C02 laser for my red, bumpy and slightly swollen nose, but she wanted to try the topicals and oral meds first. The Azelex/Novacet and Bactrim seemed to tone down the redness and decrease the bumps. I saw her again in six weeks and she told me she was pleased that my acne was clearing up. I asked her what she thought of the rosacea and then told me I didn't have rosacea. I was a bit confused and asked her about what she said the appointment before, but she said I had acne and looked at me like I was from outer space for mentioning rosacea. She seemed very rushed and I don't think she read the notes from the prior appointment. She at least cleared up my face without irritating it and I was set to see her again, but she moved her practice across town and left UCSF. I decided to try someone else at UCSF. I went to see a derm who was a full professor at UCSF and had published in a lot of medical journals. He was not on the NRS list. He diagnosed me with rosacea. I was a bit pink with some bumps, but not bright red. I had stopped the Bactrim a few months before and was using Novacet as a topical. I had to stop the Azelex since it turned me red after about four months of use. When I asked him about acne, he said I didn't have comedones so I didn't have acne. I had the typical rosacea bumps. When I see him, he always remembers that I have rosacea, or at least he reads the notes he made on me from previous visits. He also takes a close look at my skin. He is an exceptionally bright doctor and professional. I went to four different doctors in the space of 18 months and had different diagnoses for the same problem. It was really frustrating. I'm lucky that I live in an area that has many derms and two highly- rated medical schools. If this guy at UCSF didn't work out, I was going to go to Stanford U.and get a derm there. (I went to the Stanford U. acne clinic as a teenager, and they basically did nothing for me. I wasn't eager to go back there.) I'd agree with questioning the doctor the first time you see him or her. Why waste your time and money on someone who isn't going to help you or even give you a consistent or correct diagnosis in the first place? Not every derm keeps up or remembers the correct way to treat rosacea. I wouldn't give that doctor more than a visit or two. On a side note, my endocrinologist wanted to give me some tetracycline and suggested I use some otc acne meds when I was a bit bumpy last year. This was unsolicited; I didn't ask him about my skin at all. I told him I had rosacea and the acne meds would make it worse. He said they call it acne rosacea and he wanted to treat the acne portion. I hope the NRS spreads it message further because some docs aren't getting it. Take care, Matija Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2002 Report Share Posted April 8, 2002 Sorry it took so long to comment on this, but I wanted to because the ttopical regime I was given by the UCSF clinical instructor started tburn and dry out my face. I was using the Azelex once a day and it turned me pink. I stopped using it because my skin was bleached and then it was burning on my cheeks and nose. The UCSF full professor kept me on Bactrim but weaned me off of it. He thought the Novacet was drying out my face too much and irritating it. He took me off that and I was put on Metrogel which didn't help, but didn't hurt. I started using suggestions from this group (oils on the face, gentle cleansers, Dr. Sy's antiflusing regime - Tagamet and ChlorTrimeton). My derm was happy that I was better and just nodded when I told him what I was doing to get better. Tetracycline and minocycline did not work to decrease inflammation or papules/pustules. My rosacea seemed immune to them. I haven't tried doxycycline so I don't know how that works. Other topicals, besides Metrogel, irritated my face. The regime you mention may work for you, but it didn't work for me. About UCSF, they do take people on Medi-cal, state sponsored medical insurance for those on public assistance and the working poor. I didn't have health insurance when I saw the clinical instructor at UCSF but I was working. She reduced her fees which was nice. Take care, Matija > > > Then, I tried someone who was a clinical instructor at the > University > > of California at San Francisco(UCSF) and practiced at their campus. > > She was not the NRS list. She said I had rosacea and gave me > topical > > Azelex/Novacet and oral Bactrim. She also recommended that I get > C02 > > laser for my red, bumpy and slightly swollen nose, but she wanted > to > > try the topicals and oral meds first. The Azelex/Novacet and > Bactrim > > seemed to tone down the redness and decrease the bumps. I saw her > > again in six weeks and she told me she was pleased that my acne was > > clearing up. I asked her what she thought of the rosacea and then > > told me I didn't have rosacea. I was a bit confused and asked her > > about what she said the appointment before, but she said I had > acne > > and looked at me like I was from outer space for mentioning > rosacea. > > She seemed very rushed and I don't think she read the notes from > the > > prior appointment. She at least cleared up my face without > > irritating it and I was set to see her again, but she moved her > > practice across town and left UCSF. > > > > > I like the style of the above dermatologist. First combining an oral > sulfonamide (bacrim) with a topical sufonamide (na sulfacetamide) > gets some points from me! And then using azelex once a day only is > great. I find that if I use azelex twice a day at the outset, > irritation is to follow. For those who want to use azelex twice a > day, at least use it hs for 2wk before thinking about doing bid. Or > else just use once a day only. > > Another note. cea should be heard and not seen... Think about > this. Once rosacea is not seen anymore, the flush is gone due to > great treatment, the papules are gone, etc., the only way to tell if > someone has it is if they relate it to you by history. Your > treatment was excellent and worked so it looked like you did not have > rosacea. > > > > > I decided to try someone else at UCSF. I went to see a derm who was > a > > full professor at UCSF and had published in a lot of medical > > journals. He was not on the NRS list. He diagnosed me with > rosacea. > > I was a bit pink with some bumps, but not bright red. I had stopped > > the Bactrim a few months before and was using Novacet as a topical. > I > > had to stop the Azelex since it turned me red after about four > months > > of use. When I asked him about acne, he said I didn't have > comedones > > so I didn't have acne. I had the typical rosacea bumps. When I see > > him, he always remembers that I have rosacea, or at least he reads > > the notes he made on me from previous visits. He also takes a close > > look at my skin. He is an exceptionally bright doctor and > > professional. > > > > I went to four different doctors in the space of 18 months and had > > different diagnoses for the same problem. It was really > frustrating. > > > > > Once again, my hat's off to you and/or your insurance for being able > to afford non network/non HMO dermatologists... If only the common > man could afford to do this, then we'd be in utopia... Or, Canada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2002 Report Share Posted April 8, 2002 Sorry it took so long to comment on this, but I wanted to because the ttopical regime I was given by the UCSF clinical instructor started tburn and dry out my face. I was using the Azelex once a day and it turned me pink. I stopped using it because my skin was bleached and then it was burning on my cheeks and nose. The UCSF full professor kept me on Bactrim but weaned me off of it. He thought the Novacet was drying out my face too much and irritating it. He took me off that and I was put on Metrogel which didn't help, but didn't hurt. I started using suggestions from this group (oils on the face, gentle cleansers, Dr. Sy's antiflusing regime - Tagamet and ChlorTrimeton). My derm was happy that I was better and just nodded when I told him what I was doing to get better. Tetracycline and minocycline did not work to decrease inflammation or papules/pustules. My rosacea seemed immune to them. I haven't tried doxycycline so I don't know how that works. Other topicals, besides Metrogel, irritated my face. The regime you mention may work for you, but it didn't work for me. About UCSF, they do take people on Medi-cal, state sponsored medical insurance for those on public assistance and the working poor. I didn't have health insurance when I saw the clinical instructor at UCSF but I was working. She reduced her fees which was nice. Take care, Matija > > > Then, I tried someone who was a clinical instructor at the > University > > of California at San Francisco(UCSF) and practiced at their campus. > > She was not the NRS list. She said I had rosacea and gave me > topical > > Azelex/Novacet and oral Bactrim. She also recommended that I get > C02 > > laser for my red, bumpy and slightly swollen nose, but she wanted > to > > try the topicals and oral meds first. The Azelex/Novacet and > Bactrim > > seemed to tone down the redness and decrease the bumps. I saw her > > again in six weeks and she told me she was pleased that my acne was > > clearing up. I asked her what she thought of the rosacea and then > > told me I didn't have rosacea. I was a bit confused and asked her > > about what she said the appointment before, but she said I had > acne > > and looked at me like I was from outer space for mentioning > rosacea. > > She seemed very rushed and I don't think she read the notes from > the > > prior appointment. She at least cleared up my face without > > irritating it and I was set to see her again, but she moved her > > practice across town and left UCSF. > > > > > I like the style of the above dermatologist. First combining an oral > sulfonamide (bacrim) with a topical sufonamide (na sulfacetamide) > gets some points from me! And then using azelex once a day only is > great. I find that if I use azelex twice a day at the outset, > irritation is to follow. For those who want to use azelex twice a > day, at least use it hs for 2wk before thinking about doing bid. Or > else just use once a day only. > > Another note. cea should be heard and not seen... Think about > this. Once rosacea is not seen anymore, the flush is gone due to > great treatment, the papules are gone, etc., the only way to tell if > someone has it is if they relate it to you by history. Your > treatment was excellent and worked so it looked like you did not have > rosacea. > > > > > I decided to try someone else at UCSF. I went to see a derm who was > a > > full professor at UCSF and had published in a lot of medical > > journals. He was not on the NRS list. He diagnosed me with > rosacea. > > I was a bit pink with some bumps, but not bright red. I had stopped > > the Bactrim a few months before and was using Novacet as a topical. > I > > had to stop the Azelex since it turned me red after about four > months > > of use. When I asked him about acne, he said I didn't have > comedones > > so I didn't have acne. I had the typical rosacea bumps. When I see > > him, he always remembers that I have rosacea, or at least he reads > > the notes he made on me from previous visits. He also takes a close > > look at my skin. He is an exceptionally bright doctor and > > professional. > > > > I went to four different doctors in the space of 18 months and had > > different diagnoses for the same problem. It was really > frustrating. > > > > > Once again, my hat's off to you and/or your insurance for being able > to afford non network/non HMO dermatologists... If only the common > man could afford to do this, then we'd be in utopia... Or, Canada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2002 Report Share Posted April 8, 2002 Sorry it took so long to comment on this, but I wanted to because the ttopical regime I was given by the UCSF clinical instructor started tburn and dry out my face. I was using the Azelex once a day and it turned me pink. I stopped using it because my skin was bleached and then it was burning on my cheeks and nose. The UCSF full professor kept me on Bactrim but weaned me off of it. He thought the Novacet was drying out my face too much and irritating it. He took me off that and I was put on Metrogel which didn't help, but didn't hurt. I started using suggestions from this group (oils on the face, gentle cleansers, Dr. Sy's antiflusing regime - Tagamet and ChlorTrimeton). My derm was happy that I was better and just nodded when I told him what I was doing to get better. Tetracycline and minocycline did not work to decrease inflammation or papules/pustules. My rosacea seemed immune to them. I haven't tried doxycycline so I don't know how that works. Other topicals, besides Metrogel, irritated my face. The regime you mention may work for you, but it didn't work for me. About UCSF, they do take people on Medi-cal, state sponsored medical insurance for those on public assistance and the working poor. I didn't have health insurance when I saw the clinical instructor at UCSF but I was working. She reduced her fees which was nice. Take care, Matija > > > Then, I tried someone who was a clinical instructor at the > University > > of California at San Francisco(UCSF) and practiced at their campus. > > She was not the NRS list. She said I had rosacea and gave me > topical > > Azelex/Novacet and oral Bactrim. She also recommended that I get > C02 > > laser for my red, bumpy and slightly swollen nose, but she wanted > to > > try the topicals and oral meds first. The Azelex/Novacet and > Bactrim > > seemed to tone down the redness and decrease the bumps. I saw her > > again in six weeks and she told me she was pleased that my acne was > > clearing up. I asked her what she thought of the rosacea and then > > told me I didn't have rosacea. I was a bit confused and asked her > > about what she said the appointment before, but she said I had > acne > > and looked at me like I was from outer space for mentioning > rosacea. > > She seemed very rushed and I don't think she read the notes from > the > > prior appointment. She at least cleared up my face without > > irritating it and I was set to see her again, but she moved her > > practice across town and left UCSF. > > > > > I like the style of the above dermatologist. First combining an oral > sulfonamide (bacrim) with a topical sufonamide (na sulfacetamide) > gets some points from me! And then using azelex once a day only is > great. I find that if I use azelex twice a day at the outset, > irritation is to follow. For those who want to use azelex twice a > day, at least use it hs for 2wk before thinking about doing bid. Or > else just use once a day only. > > Another note. cea should be heard and not seen... Think about > this. Once rosacea is not seen anymore, the flush is gone due to > great treatment, the papules are gone, etc., the only way to tell if > someone has it is if they relate it to you by history. Your > treatment was excellent and worked so it looked like you did not have > rosacea. > > > > > I decided to try someone else at UCSF. I went to see a derm who was > a > > full professor at UCSF and had published in a lot of medical > > journals. He was not on the NRS list. He diagnosed me with > rosacea. > > I was a bit pink with some bumps, but not bright red. I had stopped > > the Bactrim a few months before and was using Novacet as a topical. > I > > had to stop the Azelex since it turned me red after about four > months > > of use. When I asked him about acne, he said I didn't have > comedones > > so I didn't have acne. I had the typical rosacea bumps. When I see > > him, he always remembers that I have rosacea, or at least he reads > > the notes he made on me from previous visits. He also takes a close > > look at my skin. He is an exceptionally bright doctor and > > professional. > > > > I went to four different doctors in the space of 18 months and had > > different diagnoses for the same problem. It was really > frustrating. > > > > > Once again, my hat's off to you and/or your insurance for being able > to afford non network/non HMO dermatologists... If only the common > man could afford to do this, then we'd be in utopia... Or, Canada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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