patrick.net

Molestation and abuse of children and adults has exploded during the covid era. Lockdowns are doing all the dirty work of isolating victims from support networks.

Another consequence of lockdown:

I had too many blistering sunburns when I was a kid. I have been fighting skin cancer for a decade. Basal cell cancer not melanoma. Typically I go in every six months, the doctor inspects my skin and freezes off with liquid nitrogen any small cancers. It is not fun but it beats the alternative.

I got a reminder to make an appointment from my dermatologist back in February. By the time I called the lockdown had started and my doctor was shutting down until the end of July. In August I noticed a growth on my back. I called up my Dr. only to find out that since my insurance had changed (union stuff) I could no longer see him. I called my primary care Dr. and got a referral to a new dermatologist and had to wait another 6 weeks.

By the time I actually got to see my new doctor the tumor had to be surgically removed. I have a 7 inch wound on my lower back held together by about 20 stitches that come out next Tuesday.

Anecdotal, I know, but how many other medical problems are undiagnosed and untreated because we "flattened the curve" so hospitals were not overwhelmed?