Let's Face It

For those of us of a certain age, time is no longer our friend. Every year we have survived shows on our faces in the cracks and crevices, as well as the changes of complexion color from peaches and cream to absolutely ruddy. What used to be a charming "bright-eyed" appearance is now a chin forward squint as we struggle not just to keep our eyes focused, but also to elevate the drooping skin folding onto the eyelids from the forehead. The desert sun is particularly brutal, especially when added to a youth spent on the white sand beaches of the SoCal coast, the only "free" entertainment for a tribe of five blonde-haired, blue-eyed children separated in age by six years.

Today was annual skin check-up day, this time with a new dermatologist recommended by my primary care physician. The line of patients was way out the door, with the inside seating area a standing room only event. I offered as I stood in line for the check-in to rebook my appointment to a more convenient time, but I was assured that there were many practioners available and it would not be a long wait.

"Long wait," however, is dependent on the person who is doing the waiting. I arrived, as directed, by 9:30 am to complete the paperwork for my 10:00 am appointment. At 10:30 am, I was still waiting outside to be called for my turn to see the doctor. I asked a couple of other waiting patients if this was typical, and two of them assured me they had never seen this many patients in line for an appointment. The good news is that when it was my turn, I was seen by the head doctor, the one who runs the clinic.

My check-up was fine, with a precancer on my nose blasted with the freeze spray and 3 prescriptions: one for the rosacea, another for the bacterial infection that causes rosacea, and a third for the constantly very red, very dry, very tender skin on my arms. It goes without saying that the dermatologist's mantra, "wear sunscreen," was the see you next time slogan. I also signed up for a consultation with the skin cosmetic specialist next week to see what we can do in an on-going treatment of the rosacea once it's under control. Thankfully, the $50 "I'm going to keep my appointment" payment is applicable to the purchase of product, but, on the other hand, that makes it some pretty expensive product.

All in all, my skin is doing just fine for a woman my age who has spent 1/3 of her life on the beach and 2/3 of her life in the harsh desert sun. I go back in 6 months for a check-up and renewal of the prescriptions if I need to continue them. I also signed up to see about facial filler for the Mariana trenches between my eyebrows because next month there's a special: 1/2 price! I'm willing to pay to lose the scowl, even if it only lasts about 9 months!!

Tomorrow, it's off to the eye doctor for an exam as I literally cannot see the writing on a TV screen and have to work to read my daily doese of TRN's. No insurance means it's on me, but whatever: I have to be able to read!