25 years of having an autoimmune disease called Hidradenitis Suppurativa. 25 years of being blown off by surgeons and regular doctors. One visit with Hamzavi Dermatology and I was diagnosed. Hard enough having a skin disease you cannot control but having doctors in the regular medical field be insulting is even worse. I have never felt more comfortable in a doctors office as I was at this dermatologists office. They showed kindness, compassion and willingness to help me. Something no other doctor has. When medical doctors think you are an IV drug user because of the scarring, you give up. When they tell you to make sure and shower at least daily, you give up. When they blame your weight, you give up {I have been overweight, normal weight and underweight and it was always still there}. You already shower daily and you have never used a syringe on your body in your life. I went to my ex primary care physician as I had 2 more flare ups. I had to show him other area's on my body where scarring is as he did not want to give me a referral for a dermatologist. I was sent to a surgeon for 2 incisions and drainages on my inner butt cheek. He asked if poo ever leaked out of my flares. I was insulted and angry at his ignorance. That made me change primary care doctors and finally I didn't have to fight a doctor. I was asked why I wanted to go and I was asked what I thought I had. I've known it was HS for years but medical doctors know nothing of the disease. I wanted to cry when I left Hamzavi Dermatology. Tears of joy. Finally an office that treated me the way all patients should be treated. With dignity, respect and not making me feel that this disease is my fault. The knowledge they have and the research Dr Hamzavi does is amazing. I will never change dermatologists. I don't have to be embarrassed when I am at the office. That is something I have never felt before. I am just beyond amazed at the difference the whole experience is there. Give the office a try. It is definitely worth it.
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