La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
I had a dermatology appointment yesterday. Just to make sure all is well. My skin has aged and changed a lot since my diagnosis of membranous nephropathy. Honestly, I had hoped to find a dermotologist who would say, if we do this, your skin will look 20 years younger. It looks about 10 years older than it did before my illness. I found a highly qualified specialist with an impressive background, and he accepts my insurance. He obviously knew his stuff but clearly tries to get insurance patients in and out as quickly as possible. I have a feeling if I were paying out of pocket, he would spend more time with me. It was a 30-minute walk, so I took a taxi there in the heat of the late afternoon. He spent all of 3 minutes with me. I had to stop him and insist he take a look at a couple of spots. “Nothing to worry about,” he said. He recommended two products, one to protect my skin and another to treat the damage. I was grateful for at least that.
I have an appointment in December at the medical center I use for private care. I was going to cancel that once I got this appointment, but I’ll keep it in the hopes that that dermatologist will have more than 3 minutes for me.
Anyway, I had a nice walk home. It was wonderful to be able to walk that much even in the heat (only mid-30s˚C/mid-90s˚F. I have loads more photos to share.
Elena is still here cleaning. This is her last week before Merchi returns. She’s been a pleasure and we’re grateful to Merchi for having someone to cover for her. We went out for coffee and second breakfast this morning and had the pleasure of sitting outside. It was actually cool. And although the temperature has climbed considerably since then, it will remain a bit cooler today than yesterday. Tomorrow is supposed to be even more comfortable.
The Kid Brother’s Rite-Aid store has closed. Last Tuesday was his final day. Fortunately, he turned 65 this year, so he’s not required to have some kind of work to stay in his apartment. Most residents are in sheltered workshops. He was lucky to have an independent job in a private company (that signed paperwork to be considered a sheltered workshop for him). I hope the adjustment won’t be too difficult. Although he had worked full-time for a number of years, he had only been working one day a week for nearly the last 15. He did tell me last night (his normal work day) that it was a boring day with no store to go to. Still, he always said the commute on the bus of more than an hour each way and then stocking and organizing was tiring him out, so I hope he’ll appreciate the break. I suggested he replace his work day with a museum day. He liked that idea, although he had initially expected he would be offered another job immediately. This is his second Rite-Aid store. The first closed as part of restructuring and they immediately assigned him to another store, for which I’ll be forever grateful. However, this was I’m told the final Rite-Aid to close in Brooklyn.
Ayer tuve una cita con el dermatólogo. Solo para asegurarme de que todo estuviera bien. Mi piel ha envejecido y cambiado mucho desde que me diagnosticaron nefropatía membranosa. Sinceramente, esperaba encontrar un dermatólogo que me dijera: “Si hacemos esto, tu piel lucirá 20 años más joven”. Parece unos 10 años mayor que antes de mi enfermedad. Encontré un especialista altamente cualificado con una trayectoria impresionante, y acepta mi seguro. Obviamente, sabe lo que hace, pero se esfuerza por atender a los pacientes asegurados lo antes posible. Tengo la sensación de que si pagara de mi bolsillo, me dedicaría más tiempo. Era un paseo de 30 minutos, así que tomé un taxi allí en el calor de la tarde. Me dedicó solo 3 minutos. Tuve que detenerlo e insistir en que me revisara un par de granitos. “No hay de qué preocuparse”, dijo. Me recomendó dos productos: uno para proteger mi piel y otro para tratar el daño. Al menos agradecí eso.
Tengo cita en diciembre en el centro médico que utilizo para atención privada. Iba a cancelarla en cuanto consiguiera esta cita, pero la mantendré con la esperanza de que el dermatólogo tenga más de 3 minutos para atenderme.
En fin, tuve un agradable paseo a casa. Fue maravilloso poder caminar tanto incluso con el calor (solo mediados de los 30°C/mediados de los 90°F). Tengo muchas más fotos para compartir.
Elena todavía está aquí limpiando. Esta es su última semana antes de que regrese Merchi. Ha sido un placer y estamos agradecidos con Merchi por tener a alguien que la cubra. Salimos a tomar un café y un segundo desayuno esta mañana y tuvimos el placer de sentarnos afuera. La verdad es que estaba fresco. Y aunque la temperatura ha subido considerablemente desde entonces, hoy seguirá siendo un poco más fresco que ayer. Se supone que mañana será aún más agradable.
La tienda Rite-Aid de El Hermanito ha cerrado. El martes pasado fue su último día. Afortunadamente, cumplió 65 años este año, por lo que no está obligado a tener algún tipo de trabajo para quedarse en su apartamento. La mayoría de los residentes están en talleres protegidos. Tuvo la suerte de tener un trabajo independiente en una empresa privada (que firmó el papeleo para ser considerado un taller protegido para él). Espero que la adaptación no sea demasiado difícil. Aunque había trabajado a tiempo completo durante varios años, Solo había trabajado un día a la semana durante casi los últimos 15. Anoche me dijo (su día de trabajo habitual) que era un día aburrido sin tienda a la que ir. Aun así, siempre decía que el viaje en autobús de más de una hora de ida y vuelta, y luego abastecerse y organizar, lo estaba agotando, así que espero que agradezca el descanso. Le sugerí que reemplazara su día de trabajo con un día de museo. Le gustó la idea, aunque inicialmente esperaba que le ofrecieran otro trabajo de inmediato. Esta es su segunda tienda Rite-Aid. La primera cerró como parte de reestructuración y de inmediato lo asignaron a otra tienda, por lo que le estaré eternamente agradecido. Sin embargo, me dijeron que esta fue la última Rite-Aid que cerró en Brooklyn.
• La línea de productos que uso. El médico asintió rápidamente en señal de aprobación.
• La sala de espera.
• Fuera del consultorio de dermatología.
• Jardines Juan Carlos I. No tan bien cuidado como los parques de nuestro barrio. Aun así, es bonito.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
I hate it when doctors don’t appear to give a shit – even if it’s your insurance picking up the bill, he’s still going to be charging them the full whack, so you should expect better. Anyhow, at least walking the pretty streets of Cordoba is back in the equation. Jx
Jon:
I’ve found many doctors (especially in the States) who prefer people who pay out of pocket. Insurance companies have standard rates they will pay for many services. So doctors get less money for insured patients than out-of-pocket. I have a feeling that’s the case with this doctor, so he hustles insured patients out as quickly as possible. So maybe he made €100 for 4 minutes.
I’m sorry about the dermatologist acting so nonchalant about your issues. As Jon said, insurance or not they’re still getting paid!
I’ll bet Chuck has been a stellar employee. A museum day once a week sounds like fun! I hope he’ll do that.
Jennifer
Jennifer:
They tend to get paid less because insurance companies have their own rate charts. I think that’s why he hustled me out so quickly. He made good money for 4 minutes. I’ll tell the story soon about Chuck when he first started working. Yes, he was stellar.
I’ve seen CeraVe advertised on TV. You are dedicated to good skin care! I had such beautiful skin when I was young and then when I turned 40, it all went to ratshit. Oh well, c’est la vie.
Debra:
I’ve always been kind of obsessed with skin care… for all the good it did!
I’m noting that product line. I have extreme dry skin, in the DNA, which has been proof against every moisturizer I’ve tried on my derma’s recommendation. This is one I haven’t, so I will. I’ve found that friends have been as helpful at times as doctors.
The idea of a museum day is really great for your brother. I’m glad his home is secure despite his forced retirement.
That anonymous letter writer was me, boud. Aka Liz
Liz (there I finally said it!)… aka Boud:
CeraVe is excellent. I highly recommend it, based on my own experience and recommendations of doctors and other professionals. My mother had told me that once Chuck turned 65, he would be moved into a retirement facility. I dreaded that. Then I spoke myself with the powers that be and that was not the case. As long as he was in good health and could live independently in one of their residences, he could stay. What a huge relief!
Any doctor who only spends 3 minutes with you, doesn’t engage you, is not worth going to. He’s wasting your time, not his, to get that insurance payment. CeraVe was recommended to me. I have really dry skin and I like their daily moisturizing lotion. Now if I could only get in the habit of using it every day.
ellen abbott:
I was scouting for San Geraldo, too. I told him not to bother. I do use the CeraVe every day. I should use the body lotions, too, but they sit in the cabinet. I just started using the facial cleanser and love it.
CeraVe is the best! My sister, a make-up artist, recommended this to us. And it works!
I am hoping KB will find something that will ‘fill his days’ and that he not get bored. The museum would be a good start.
The header photo of underwear is missing one of the ‘days of the week’!! lol
Jim:
I love that your sister recommends CeraVe. It’s got a great reputation with professionals. There was another pair of underwear that I cropped out because the six I’ve shown are the new ones (three to a pack). I didn’t think about the days of the week!
I wanna know more about the panties! Oops, did I write that out loud?
Deedles:
Those are my six new pair, freshly washed and ready to wear!
Loaded for bear with nary a tear!
That’s a bummer about the Kid Brother’s Rite-Aid. I hope he is able to adjust and doesn’t mind the leisurely day too much. What is it about dermatologists? It seems that everywhere in the world, it takes months to get in to see one.
Steve:
The truth is, it was time for him to stop. He’s got a problem with his leg (a “minor” injury in 1989) and it really pains him at the end of the day (another doctor appointment coming up). I was surprised to be able to quickly get an appointment with the dermatologist I saw Tuesday. No wonder!
So many pretty parks to walk through.
David:
Everywhere. It’s beautiful.
Here Rite Aid is closing down their stores. I think they’re in bankruptcy. They bought a lovely local drugstore chain here about 4 years ago, and dragged it down with them.
Also, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/business/drugstores-closing-pbm-pharmacy.html.
And medical insurers! They have so changed medical practice here.
Glad you included the colorful undies to lighten the post 🙂 I see you, Deedles!
Olivia
Olivia:
Yes, Rite-Aid is in bankruptcy. A shame for Chuck, but it’s time for him to stop really anyway. The insurance companies tend to have standard rates they’ll pay for services. So doctors often get less from the insurers than they would for self-pay. This guy got paid well for 4 minutes. Those are my new undies! Three to a pack. I’m wearing a pair now!
That underwear is hung perfectly. I say that because it’s the exact same way I hang our underwear. So obviously- perfect!
I’ve had two friends with dermatology stories recently. One was the story of a doctor who did not take enough time and missed something that could have gotten way worse if my friend hadn’t trusted his gut and gone to another doctor.
The other one is a friend who had what looked like a tiny freckle on the crown of her head and a very sharp NP saw it and decided to get it biopsied. Turned out to be something that needed immediate attention.
I don’t trust the doc you saw but you’ll be going again in December so that’s good.
I use the Cera Ve cream on my skin every night before bed. I’m not sure it’s doing anything but I suppose my skin could look even worse. Hard to believe, though.
All of this is way more information that YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW! Sorry.
Ms. Moon
Ms. Moon:
Oh I’m so glad you approve of the way I hang! I must admit I thought about what you would think. I do believe in CeraVe products. Reputable. Special ingredients that are especially effective for diabetics. No hype. The cleanser (new to me) is wonderful. And, yeah, I don’t want to think about what my skin would look like without it all. Worse than this? Seriously? And, yes, I look forward to seeing the next dermatologist.
That’s really frustrating about the dermatologist. I’m curious about the clientele in his clinic. At first I thought the toy lying down was like a “Stretch Armstrong”, but maybe they’re both plastic.
I hope your brother adjusts to his new routine. Getting out for a museum day sounds great to me!
Kelly:
The toy lying down was in fact one of those stretchy rubbery things. Dino was bouncy rubber. I didn’t touch either. Chuck has gone to the Brooklyn Museum on his own several times and loves it, so I hope he’ll start doing that again. In the past he would wait for me to visit.
Doctors; pfffffffft. For the most part, though I have a lovely, friendly, helpful, trusted one even though I realize that is odd.
Too bad about the Kid Brother’s job; I hope he finds a way to fill that void.
And a rainbow coalition of briefs!!!
.
Bob:
My dermatologist used to inspect my skin. This guy sat at his desk until I forced him to get up to look at my back. Kind of him to give me an extra 15 seconds. I hope Chuck does get more active. He was only working one day a week and that left him exhausted the next day. So, he should do OK. End of summer sale at El Corte Inglés. Two packages with 3 pairs per package. I took whatever colors there were.
“He obviously knew his stuff but clearly tries to get insurance patients in and out as quickly as possible. I have a feeling if I were paying out of pocket, he would spend more time with me.”
That’s odd. Most people, at least in the U.S., pay a doctor with insurance. Are things different in Spain?
Anyway, I hope your brother enjoys retirement. A Rite-Aid Store closed not too far from where I live.
Kirk:
For certain specialists, it’s not uncommon to pay out of pocket. While I wait for the next doctor who works for my private medical center, I should see if my doctor and public health will refer me to a public dermatologist. Rite-Aid has declared bankruptcy. Such a shame.
I go through the same stuff annually with my dermatologist. He or she (rotating doctors) usually relegate the full-body skin exam to the PA, then blow into the room for that 3-minute once-over. It’s when they go, “Hmmm…. biopsy.” and reach for the spray freeze and scalpel that I get nervous (happened a few times, all benign). I’ll accept the 3-minute once-over.
For the last 20 or so years, the morning ritual, regardless of the season, is to apply an SPF-30 or greater to any exposed skin. BIG yard hat for yard work, long sleeves, etc.
Don’t know about the rest. All I know is that when I look in the mirror… I see my dad looking back.
Rade:
My father only lived to 60, my mother 89. I used to see my father. Now I see my mother. And I’m nowhere near 89. Having a PA doing the full scan would be wonderful. No one did a full scan here.
When I lived in Beijing, I noticed that on any official photo people presented for a document like a passport or driver’s licence, everyone looked much younger with beautiful skin. How do they do it, the dermatologist use something called photoshop. Maybe that is the solution.
larrymuffin:
I won’t use Photoshop because then when people see me in person, they’ll be appalled. We had two acquaintances we hadn’t seen for a while. I marveled at how fit and young they both looked when they shared photos on Facebook. One came to Fuengirola to meet for lunch and I was shocked. He had aged about 30 years and had an enormous beer belly. They then both met us for dinner. His husband told us he doesn’t allow any photos of them to be shared until he has “fixed” them. Ridiculous!