Back from the derm a little while ago. He basically said there wasn’t much he could do based upon the extent and the continued progression. No news there. The reason for the visit was completion of the documentation including the blood draw for the National AA Registry (NAAR). The doc wasn’t familiar with the registry or the requirements but everyone in the office (Dermatology Associates of Rochester) get a gold star in my book for effort. They asked to hold onto the paperwork, and let me tell ya that the folks at the registry killed some trees putting the questionnaire together, for another day or two to dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘T’s. Kudos to them for the extra effort and interest to make sure the information is complete. Refreshing to see that this was as important to them as it was to me and many others.

The blood draw was a bit more of a challenge seeing an outside lab service would do the draw. Fortunately, the lab was quiet and I was able to talk with the phlebotomist one on one. Gotta tell ya, good thing I would in healthcare for a long time. She had worked at the hospital where I was a Director so we knew many of the same people. Honestly, I’m not sure if they would have done the draw otherwise, especially since I took the full tubes with me as the samples and paperwork needed to be mailed together. The NAAR supplied all the shipping labels and packing materials complete with the required Biohazard Label. Still, me transporting the samples isn’t considered copasetic. Word to the wise, if you volunteer for Stage II of the registry, make certain your doc will do the draw at the office – or – contact the lab first to make certain they can handle the request including the mailing. Regardless of the impact on my time and all the running around, completing the requirements for the registry were well worth the effort. Today is a feel good day for me. It’s wonderful to be able to turn a not so good situation into something positive. Hope everyone is having a good day too!