Doctor Questions (WWYD?) UPDATED

[partiallysunny]

I'm going to my OBGYN. I'm having some issues, but not vagina related (there is a mole and a skin tag I want checked out and maybe get removed and I'm having joint pain). Would you talk to your OBGYN about those types of issues or just suck it up and make an appointment with your PCP (primary care physician)?

I feel dumb. I'm almost 30. Shouldn't I know what is appropriate in this situation?

[tiramisu]

I'd see my PCP for a referral to a dermatologist.

[Deleted]

Do you have a dermatologist? They might be the better one to assess a mole/skin tag. I'm weary about going to the PCP about specific issues when there's a doctor who specializes in those issues just because I've been mis-diagnosed a few times by a PCP.

[cuddlyevil]

Where are the mole and skin tag? My derm told me last week to make sure to mention my family history of melanoma so they could let me know if there is anything unusual happening down there.

I would talk to your PCP about the mole/skin tag--those can be handled by a dermatologist or a surgeon (possibly in a clinic). But talk to your GP and have them refer you (if you're not already in the care of a dermatologist).

[Chirp]

If you're already going there for the skin stuff, mention the joint pain while you're in there. If they can't/won't handle that, they'll tell you to schedule with a specialist.

I tend to go to the gyn for just vagina and boob issues. I go to my PCP when I'm sick and a specialist if I can pinpoint the issue (digestive issues = gastroenterologist). If I can't pinpoint the problem (random muscle pain for example) I'll start with the PCP and they'll refer me out to the appropriate specialist.

[partiallysunny]

I don't have a dermatologist and I think I'd need a referral for insurance purposes. So I'd have to go to my PCP for that, right?

The mole is on my pelvis/genital region. I've had it my whole life, but when I was pregnant it got larger and is sort of ugly now. I think I just want it gone. The skin tag is on my butt, where it meets my leg. It started out small and has gotten bigger and I'm really self conscious about it. I also just want it gone.

The joint pain is something I've also had for a long time, but it's gotten worse. I'm just wondering what I can do about it, if anything.

Now you know more about me than you ever wanted to know.

I guess I was hoping maybe the OBGYN could give me a referral for the skin stuff and maybe some tips on the joint pain with out having to miss work for another doctors appointment.

[cuddlyevil]

I would mention the mole/skin tag issue to your OBGYN, but you may still have to see your PCP for a referral to a Dermatologist. You can talk to them about the mole, they may be able to refer you to someone.

[captainmel]

A few weeks ago my endocrinologist referred me to a gastrointerologist. My insurance counted that so maybe your gyno can refer you to a seem and they will count that.

[partiallysunny]

It's worth a try then. I'll see what she says.

[imoan]

I don't see either of these issues as OB/GYN related so I would go to my PCP and get a referral to a dermatologist.

[partiallysunny]

UPDATE (in case anyone was dying to know):

I waited till the end and she asked if I had any question or concerns. I said I did but didn't know if I should go to my PCP for them or not. She said to try her. I mentioned the skin tag and she said she could remove it for me. I think I jumped up and down and squealed. Then SHE mentioned the mole and said she could do that one too.

I have an appointment next month to get them both removed. I'm so excited!

In my excitement, I forgot about my joints. I will make an appointment with my PCP for that in the next couple of months.

[captainmel]

Excellent! I am getting a mole shaved in a couple weeks and every time vi see it I resent it.

[tiramisu]

Yay! That's great!

Ugh, Mel, mole shaving is no fun. Where/how big is the one you're having removed?

[captainmel]

May 21, 2013 8:39:13 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

Yay! That's great!

Ugh, Mel, mole shaving is no fun. Where/how big is the one you're having removed?

It is on my upper thigh right where they rub together and it is about 1/8 of an inch. It isn't too big but it is tall and not uniform in color. I am not looking forward to this day at all. I kind of want to cancel my appointment because I am really good at being irresponsible.

[tiramisu]

May 21, 2013 8:46:15 GMT -5 captainmel said:

It is on my upper thigh right where they rub together and it is about 1/8 of an inch. It isn't too big but it is tall and not uniform in color. I am not looking forward to this day at all. I kind of want to cancel my appointment because I am really good at being irresponsible.

Don't cancel! You'll feel better once it's gone. I had one on my back removed and it felt funny for months, but I'm still glad I got it removed and biopsied. The relief when I got the results was worth the pain of healing.

[partiallysunny]

Don't cancel captainmel! You'll be so happy to get rid of it and have it over and done with.

[captainmel]

You all are making me feel obligated to go. I DON'T WANNA GO!!!! (Indignant foot stomp)

[cuddlyevil]

Don't cancel the appointment, it's not something you want to screw around with. Says the lady who went from having no spots to two spots that need to be tracked in less than a year.

DD's going to the doctor this afternoon to have a lump in her neck checked out, it's probably a cyst but given it's location we're not taking any chances. She's scared but she's going to buck up and go. If she can do it at age 7, you can do it

[partiallysunny]

I hope your daughter's okay cuddlyevil

[cuddlyevil]

Thanks PS. We're fairly sure it's a cyst, but it's in a weird spot on her neck and her pedi wanted us to bring her in if it hadn't gone away by now. She's nervous though because she's afraid she'll have to have surgery.