Losing a Trusted Doctor is Like Losing a Limb
It took a long time for me to find a dermatologist who made me comfortable. Years, in fact. Others I’ve had have been nice enough, but Dr. Kwon got me and HS. Being in stage 3 is a nightmare, so having a patient ear helped in my darkest of times.
When I couldn’t get anyone to get me on Remicade, she helped right away. She kept me up-to-date on all the new things available to HS sufferers. And when my labs came back crazy, she called me while she was on vacation to get me to the ER. This lady is the kind of doctor all of us deserve.
I hoped she would stay with the derm team at the hospital, but she’s leaving for private practice in another state. When I found out I cried so much a lady in the lobby offered to hug me. That was a tough day.
Looking back, I’m a little embarrassed about it. Dr. Kwon is awesome, so I should have just been happy to hear she was graduating. Hell, that is one heck of an accomplishment, right?
The Ups and Downs of the Last Visit
I’ll admit, internally I was a mess about having my last appointment with Dr. Kwon. I know she wouldn’t throw me to the wolves of the dermatology clinic. And she didn’t. She gave me a healthy list of names of her partners to see once she departs for good at the end of the month.
I thanked her for being a great doctor. For listening to my woes. For trying her hardest to find the best solution to at least ease my suffering. Did I get through it without crying? Hell No. But, she cried a bit, too. It was an emotional time, broken up by multiple shots of steroids in my netherbits.
It was a weird day.
At the end of the day, I sucked in a breath and put my Big Girl panties on and gave the doctor a final farewell. Unfortunately, when I went to check out, things went wrong. That’s a story for another day, though.
HS Sufferers Deserve a Dermatologist Who Listens
My fellow HS sufferers, do not put up with providers that don’t listen. You should be heard. Your dermatologist should be your cheerleader, helping you through this painful journey with tenacity. If your doctor doesn’t know what HS is, make sure you put your foot down and show them the resources available. Hopefully, you shouldn’t have to.
More importantly, know you’re not alone. If you have any tips and tricks, know any doctors who rock, or just want to complain about HS, drop it in the comments.
And those of you in Houston, if you’re looking for a dermatologist, look up Dr. Christina Kwon in the next few months. I promise you’ll be in excellent hands!
In the meantime, my friends, Keep your Mind in the Gutter.
