Dr. Pimple Popper - General Discussion

[auntjess]

13 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

TLC Website says tonight has 2 new episodes. Could this be right?

One of the promos I'm seeing, looks like she is interviewing potential patients via zoom.

 

 

[Cowgirl]

One episode was another "pop up" and the second was new, with her doing telemedicine consultations.  Patients would send her a video, which she'd watch, then she'd video call them.  Most people had someone else there to move the lump around to show Dr. Lee whether it was stuck down or not.  Looks like she'll have some interesting and extreme cases when she gets back to the office!

[auntjess]

I'm looking forward to seeing the new season now, with the ones she telescreened.
The next show of this type, is listed as a half-hour one, so that's disappointing, because the ones from the promo that weren't on yet, really looked interesting.

[GaT]

A couple of "before the pop" shows recorded tonight, so I watched them. Boy, was this a stupid idea. It's basically her sitting in front of screen saying soothing things & then when they're done she's says something about flying them out just as soon as people are allowed to travel again. Seeing the problems without seeing any resolution is boring.

[xls]

14 hours ago, GaT said:

A couple of "before the pop" shows recorded tonight, so I watched them. Boy, was this a stupid idea. It's basically her sitting in front of screen saying soothing things & then when they're done she's says something about flying them out just as soon as people are allowed to travel again. Seeing the problems without seeing any resolution is boring.

I cant wait to see her start working on some o these especially the poor guy with the huge growths on his face😢

[bilgistic]

How, and I do mean HOW does that guy live with the human-head-sized lipoma on his upper back? That is CRAZY. I fully get not being able to afford a medical procedure, as I currently badly need an eye exam and new glasses but don't have insurance (and am not going to Walmart vision center during a pandemic), but DUDE, COME ON. Pay the doctor $10 a month for life to get that enormous thing causing pain(!!!) taken off your back. "I don't like doctors" is a ridiculous excuse.

The woman with the cyst on her face... yeah, I'd have cut into that thing myself long ago.

[auntjess]

I was watching a few more of her youtubes, and then some earwax removal ones.  

 

[Back Atcha]

On 9/5/2020 at 9:51 PM, GaT said:

Boy, was this a stupid idea. It's basically her sitting in front of screen saying soothing things & then when they're done she's says something about flying them out just as soon as people are allowed to travel again. Seeing the problems without seeing any resolution is boring.

OUCH!  I've enjoyed all the shows...doing the best they can under "quarantine" conditions.  Dr. Lee is doing her best diagnoses  without seeing/touching the patients.  I got an idea of what the likely problem was in each case.  It was touching to meet the patients and hear them describe their despair. The show is well-produced; I can't be the only one who appreciates it.

[Ashforth]

On 9/14/2020 at 9:31 PM, bilgistic said:

How, and I do mean HOW does that guy live with the human-head-sized lipoma on his upper back? That is CRAZY. I fully get not being able to afford a medical procedure, as I currently badly need an eye exam and new glasses but don't have insurance (and am not going to Walmart vision center during a pandemic), but DUDE, COME ON. Pay the doctor $10 a month for life to get that enormous thing causing pain(!!!) taken off your back. "I don't like doctors" is a ridiculous excuse.

This was the guy whose lipoma weighed like 13 pounds? I think what happens is that people are afraid that they will get a diagnosis of cancer and then the longer they wait, and the bigger it gets, anxiety paralysis takes over. They're terrified. It's a reason that so many of them have to be pressured by family and friends to finally get help. Plus, don't a lot of the patients who have big lipomas or cysts say that they saw doctors who said, eh, nah, nothing I can do for you? Of course, one never knows what is real on a "reality" show.

I may have said this before, but what has bothered me a lot with this show is that they do procedures without having the patients change from their street clothes into gowns. For Pete's sake, when I go to the gyno, they have me strip off and put on a gown, and they aren't cutting into me. Dr. Pimple Popper is like, hey, I'm going to just pull your shirt down a little bit and slice your skin open and manipulate this mass out of your body while blood streams out. Let me know if it's hurting you!

[bilgistic]

He was on one of the telemedicine shows. Dr. Lee was just like, "Welp, I hope to see you soon." Like there aren't doctors in Arizona or wherever. I quit watching these "virtual" shows because the whole concept is ridiculous. I guess these were filmed early on during the pandemic when people were still acting like they had some sense and things were locked down, but I had to go to the podiatrist in May when I messed up my toe in a fall. Doctors were working.

Dr. Lee should find these folks local doctors who will help them. They won't be on TV if they go to a local doctor (imagine the horror of not being "famous"), but she should try to work out a plan for these folks--financially, too, since part of the deal of them being on the show is free treatment. Dr. Lee is getting paid for being on the show.

[AZChristian]

37 minutes ago, bilgistic said:

Doctors were working.

Dr. Lee should find these folks local doctors who will help them. They won't be on TV if they go to a local doctor (imagine the horror of not being "famous"), but she should try to work out a plan for these folks--financially, too, since part of the deal of them being on the show is free treatment. Dr. Lee is getting paid for being on the show.

True, doctors are working (I've had to have sinus surgery in the midst of all this) . . . but some of the shows are not willing to pay for participants to be on airplanes to travel.  Dr. Phil has gone "virtual" primarily for that reason.

Many folks haven't had their issues attended to because they can't afford to.  For a lot of dermatological issues, insurance companies (if the patients even HAVE insurance) call them "cosmetic" and refuse to pay for them.  So the situation just keeps getting worse until it CAN'T be ignored.  Dr. Lee isn't a referral service to help find local doctors to treat people for free.  She gets paid to treat patients for the show.  During Covid, she's being paid for consultations in expectation of treatment on future episodes. 

It's sad, but true.  Low-income people simply don't have the range of choices that folks with better jobs and better insurance might have.

[bilgistic]

I have been extremely poor, so I fully understand the situation these folks are in. I have lifelong mental illness and have had to advocate for and acquire my healthcare no matter my financial situation. It's INCREDIBLY hard. Dr. Lee makes money just for being on the show, full stop. Even while filming during the pandemic. If she's agreeing to treat these patients--even "virtually"--she needs to help them no matter what. It's part of her oath and ethical duty as a physician. If she and the show can't physically do it, it's still her duty to make sure they are cared for. She's taking on that responsibility when she sees them in a telemedicine capacity. It's no different ethically from meeting in person. They are still her patients.

I see my psychiatrist and therapist via telemedicine. They treat me just as they did before the pandemic. We just aren't meeting in person. My therapist treats me pro bono because of my finances/job situation. There are providers who will help patients with financial need.

[SunnyBeBe]

I hope she does not treat the woman with broken, stretched out earlobes if she intends to keep stretching them. That’s just ridiculous.  This is a waste of time and energy that could go to a person who is not destroying their body.  

[Back Atcha]

I never watched Dr. Lee's YouTube videos and thought I'd "never" watch a show called "Dr. Pimple Popper," but I'm an avid viewer.  This is just my opinion, but it seems that many of the patients we see on television were perhaps "lost causes," (some have even expressed that)...people who have seen many doctors...all kinds of doctors...and were either not treated (some doctors aren't willing to go that extra mile--or do any research at all), given no hope ("There's nothing more we can do."), or given such scary diagnoses and treatment estimates that there was no way they could afford to even start.

It's surprising to me that after watching ALL the patients who have been helped by Dr. Lee, some are criticizing her for the virtual visits she is doing in the current COVID season.  She is at least giving MANY people hope!  She is creating interesting and informative television for lots of us. Perhaps it's true that "No good deed goes unpunished."   

Also, since Dr. Lee has become so popular, I'll bet there are doctor-viewers who realized THEY TOO can help some of these patients they would have turned away under "normal circumstances."    

Edited October 10, 2020 by Back Atcha
"deed"

[auntjess]

Too, as we know from following her earlier seasons, she has found doctors to treat people for things she couldn't do, and has found them doctors in their locales, for things that needed ongoing treatment.
A lot of the people are blue-collar people, whose work is impeded by lumps and bumps, because they need to be able to climb, or work in or under confined places.  Some are day laborers, too, and these and lots of people nowadays, don't have insurance, even it something would be covered.
There are the ones with disfiguring conditions, also ones with painful conditions that itch and/or shed.
She's given several patients Cosentyx, and I believe that would be fairly expensive, and she sends them off with a fair amount.
I just think she saw a need, and she fills it, and if she has a tv show in return, she earned it.

 

[Back Atcha]

On 10/4/2020 at 8:02 AM, AZChristian said:

Dr. Lee isn't a referral service to help find local doctors to treat people for free. 

EXACTLY!   She has a thriving practice with her dermatologist husband. She has two teenage boys. She lives close to her parents and has a life.  She has an extremely popular YouTube channel. She has a television show.  She's obviously heavily involved in the research of the various maladies and in the vetting of the patients for every aspect of her practice.  Are there enough hours in her days?

[Ashforth]

On 10/4/2020 at 11:55 AM, bilgistic said:

If she's agreeing to treat these patients--even "virtually"--she needs to help them no matter what. It's part of her oath and ethical duty as a physician. If she and the show can't physically do it, it's still her duty to make sure they are cared for. She's taking on that responsibility when she sees them in a telemedicine capacity. It's no different ethically from meeting in person. They are still her patients.

I respectfully disagree. A doctor who can't treat a certain condition has no duty to "make sure" that the patient gets treatment from a doctor who can. Referrals? For sure.

But if I go to a dermatologist for a bump that turns out to be cancerous, the dermatologist has no responsibility to find an oncologist who is in my area, who takes my insurance if I am lucky enough to have it, schedule my appointments, get me a ride, etc., even if the reason for the initial appointment is because I made the choice to participate in a medical reality show (unless it's part of the contract, which I am certain it's not, because, no way).

[Back Atcha]

 

On 10/4/2020 at 9:55 AM, bilgistic said:

If she's agreeing to treat these patients--even "virtually"--she needs to help them no matter what. It's part of her oath and ethical duty as a physician.

I don't think so.

Edited October 10, 2020 by Back Atcha

[SunnyBeBe]

Does anyone know when these new episodes were filmed?  They are talking like things are shutdown, but, things have opened up and doctor's offices have been open for several months.  I guess they have to be careful with air travel for the patients still, though.  I would imagine they would perform covid tests on them right before the procedure. 

[CrazyMoon]

On 10/10/2020 at 12:29 PM, Back Atcha said:

 

I don't think so.

I do...a good doctor treats the whole patient...When the hubby was diagnosed with cancer (by a general surgeon), we were directed to either of the two local teaching hospitals...the cancer surgeon assembled the team of radiation oncologist, medical oncologist & other assorted participants (none of whom practiced at his facility...). I googled him...#1 surgeon in his specialty in the world...he was easy to talk to during a horribly stressful time. Caring, kind & resourceful....

[Back Atcha]

12 hours ago, CrazyMoon said:

When the hubby was diagnosed with cancer (by a general surgeon), we were directed to either of the two local teaching hospitals...the cancer surgeon assembled the team of radiation oncologist, medical oncologist & other assorted participants (none of whom practiced at his facility...). I googled him...#1 surgeon in his specialty in the world...he was easy to talk to during a horribly stressful time.

A cancer diagnosis is different from a dermatology diagnosis  In many cases it does take a team and the doctors are used to working with/as a team.  My son had a liver transplant a year ago...following a rare bile duct cancer (with little chance of survival).  He did have a wonderful and LARGE team.   A dermatologist, a podiatrist, an orthopedist, etc. are responsible for their patients and their specialties.  If they're stumped, they can suggest other paths, but they are not obligated...at least in my state.

Edited October 17, 2020 by Back Atcha

[AZChristian]

8 hours ago, Back Atcha said:

A cancer diagnosis is different from a dermatology diagnosis  In many cases it does take a team and the doctors are used to working with/as a team.  My son had a liver transplant a year ago...following a rare bile duct cancer (with little chance of survival).  He did have a wonderful and LARGE team.   A dermatologist, a podiatrist, an orthopedist, etc. are responsible for their patients and their specialties.  If they're stumped, they can suggest other paths, but they are not obligated...at least in my state.

Good response.  This has been my experience and observation as well.  To suggest other paths is common, but to help find other physicians who will work for free or within a patient's financial limitations is NOT the job of the diagnosing physician.

[Mothra]

My ultimate tribute to Dr. Lee:  after watching her scrape the little blackheads off that guy's nose with a metal-loop tool, I went to Amazon and bought one.  Works like a champ.

[CruiseDiva]

2 hours ago, Mothra said:

My ultimate tribute to Dr. Lee:  after watching her scrape the little blackheads off that guy's nose with a metal-loop tool, I went to Amazon and bought one.  Works like a champ.

I got one at Walgreens. They do the job nicely ☺️

[PrincessPurrsALot]

Popettes, Let's remember the be civil rule and assume positive intent.  It is very easy to misread someone's intent on the internet.  If you have an issue with a specific post, please use the report button. 

[howiveaddict]

Do we know when we will get new shows where she actually treats the patient?  I want to see her remove and pop things again.  

[Back Atcha]

1 hour ago, howiveaddict said:

Do we know when we will get new shows where she actually treats the patient?  I want to see her remove and pop things again.  

My doctors (AZ) are still treating patients via telemedicine; no change in the foreseeable future here.

[howiveaddict]

2 hours ago, Back Atcha said:

My doctors (AZ) are still treating patients via telemedicine; no change in the foreseeable future here.

Where I work, the oncologists are doing mostly in the office appointments. It seemed problematic doing televisits with some of the patients.  I do see patients have other appts scheduled per televisits though.  

[CrazyMoon]

15 hours ago, howiveaddict said:

Where I work, the oncologists are doing mostly in the office appointments. It seemed problematic doing televisits with some of the patients.  I do see patients have other appts scheduled per televisits though.  

As long as you aren't having to 'palpate' something, telemedicine is fine. I also watch "My Feet Are Killing Me". They are also doing initial evaluations online. They look, have the patient walk, discuss it all and prepare to see them in the office. The patient can do some of the prep while they wait for the in office visit. It's a great tool in many circumstances. 

 

[Back Atcha]

18 hours ago, howiveaddict said:

Where I work, the oncologists are doing mostly in the office appointments. It seemed problematic doing televisits with some of the patients.  I do see patients have other appts scheduled per televisits though. 

I have a pain doc and I "see" the nurse practitioner today. It's just a monthly meds evaluation, but "in the office" I have to pee in a cup every month.  Guess I have Covid-Absolution.

[Mothra]

2 hours ago, Back Atcha said:

I have a pain doc and I "see" the nurse practitioner today. It's just a monthly meds evaluation, but "in the office" I have to pee in a cup every month.  Guess I have Covid-Absolution.

I've seen most of my doctors in person.  I guess I'm the patient with the It Factor they can't live without <--sarcasm.  They have you call the office from the parking lot when you arrive, you wait in the car until they tell you to come it.  Wear a mask, get your temp taken, no other patients in the waiting room.  You get seen right away and go home.  Lots of hand-washing.

I wonder if this is the way of the future.  I think a lot of complaints--I know a lot of mine--could be taken care of over the phone, maybe with a Zoom picture.  People who actually need to be seen could have a less-hurried visit.

For the record, I would have been happy to be treated over the phone, but my visits involved in-person testing that couldn't be done not in person.

[CrazyMoon]

6 hours ago, Mothra said:

I've seen most of my doctors in person.  I guess I'm the patient with the It Factor they can't live without <--sarcasm.  They have you call the office from the parking lot when you arrive, you wait in the car until they tell you to come it.  Wear a mask, get your temp taken, no other patients in the waiting room.  You get seen right away and go home.  Lots of hand-washing.

I wonder if this is the way of the future.  I think a lot of complaints--I know a lot of mine--could be taken care of over the phone, maybe with a Zoom picture.  People who actually need to be seen could have a less-hurried visit.

For the record, I would have been happy to be treated over the phone, but my visits involved in-person testing that couldn't be done not in person.

I've been to the dentist (where they've changed some protocols) and been to the gyn (same parking lot protocol, not a fan). I did my back specialist over the phone and did a cursory visit with the primary care...He likes to do his own tests, doesn't have a medical assistant, so isn't a big fan of telemedicine, but it is what it is. There is a lot of hand washing, but that's a no brainer for me anyway.

[auntjess]

I had a televisit with my primary care's PA, but it was just a check-in for Rx refills, as I hadn't been in over a year.
Hardest part for me was finding a place where no dust bunnies or dirty dishes were visible.

I think it's great!

[PrincessPurrsALot]

Poppers, We have a covid personal experiences thread if you would like to discuss your experiences during the pandemic.  Please keep this thread to Dr. Pimple Popper. 

[howiveaddict]

On 10/28/2020 at 11:44 AM, auntjess said:

I had a televisit with my primary care's PA, but it was just a check-in for Rx refills, as I hadn't been in over a year.
Hardest part for me was finding a place where no dust bunnies or dirty dishes were visible.

I think it's great!

Did you read about the lady

setting up outside for her husband’s televisit?    She got bit by a poisonous snake!

[BMGepinniw]

I've noticed a few of you are looking for other pop shows.  I've searched here, and I don't see any mention of this British doctor who has quite a following on YouTube:  Dr. Khaled Sadek (177K subscribers).  He does live virtual streaming a couple of times a week, as well as a library of previous videos.  I've run out of Dr. Lee's videos as well, and Dr. Sadek's are quite decent - primarily cysts and lipomas.  Apologies if my search wasn't thorough enough and you've seen him before, and/or this should have been placed elsewhere. 

[GaT]

Looks like the show is back starting next week. I watched the Christmas episode last night, but I don't know if it was new or not. I don't remember seeing it before, but nobody is in masks or looks like they're doing any kind of covid protection, so it could be a repeat. I guess it will be clearer next week when the shows are definitely new.

[bilgistic]

I hadn't seen it before either. The guy who dressed up as Santa had an amazing cyst. It really did look like an egg.

[sempervivum]

So 'Season's Squeezings' was just as disgusting as advertised. Dr. Lee/office team set up a 'jolly' giant snowman to which they attached things that looked like cysts, pimples, etc. Then throughout the various operations, Dr. Lee would make 'holiday' comparisons, like the stuff coming out of a cyst 'looked like eggnog'.

Even ickier than usual.

[CrazyMoon]

4 hours ago, sempervivum said:

So 'Season's Squeezings' was just as disgusting as advertised. Dr. Lee/office team set up a 'jolly' giant snowman to which they attached things that looked like cysts, pimples, etc. Then throughout the various operations, Dr. Lee would make 'holiday' comparisons, like the stuff coming out of a cyst 'looked like eggnog'.

Even ickier than usual.

Not terribly unlike my sister & her friends (all dental office workers) who would sit around after lunch chatting while all flossing their teeth...some of it is just occupational fall out...I've worked in medicine for years so dinner table talk among the medicos in the family can be very strange...and not for the faint of heart..

 

[mamadrama]

No shit, my 9yo daughter inspects my back, legs, and scalp once a week, checking for something weird that she can nominate me to the show for. She's hopeful about a small piece of winer on my shoulder. 

[mamadrama]

On 12/22/2020 at 10:04 PM, BMGepinniw said:

I've noticed a few of you are looking for other pop shows.  I've searched here, and I don't see any mention of this British doctor who has quite a following on YouTube:  Dr. Khaled Sadek (177K subscribers).  He does live virtual streaming a couple of times a week, as well as a library of previous videos.  I've run out of Dr. Lee's videos as well, and Dr. Sadek's are quite decent - primarily cysts and lipomas.  Apologies if my search wasn't thorough enough and you've seen him before, and/or this should have been placed elsewhere. 

There's a guy who's part of a religious group who travels to Africa and removes jiggers from people's feet. They're volunteers and do it basically with pocket knives. It's amazing. I feel so sorry for the people. I got into that from watching this. 

https://youtube.com/c/JimNduruchiRUS

 

[CrazyMoon]

I also like "My Feet Are Killing Me"...I've worked in medicine for decades, so am curious about it all...

[Back Atcha]

On 12/26/2020 at 11:42 AM, CrazyMoon said:

I also like "My Feet Are Killing Me"...I've worked in medicine for decades, so am curious about it all...

I was married (technically*) for 20yrs.  The first 10 he was an unhappy podiatrist.  When I see some of the things on this show, I'm SURE he would have sent those patients for a "second opinion."  He was very squeamish.  The second ten he was a stockbroker (but living with his secretary for five years).  We finally caught up with his INCOME and he finally started paying child support.

[mmecorday]

That poor woman with the crusty birthmark on her face. If I had that, I'd be picking at it all the time. I was really hoping that Dr. Lee would whip out some heretofore unknown type of scalpel/cauterizing tool and just slice all those unsightly bumps off in one fell swoop. I wonder if air brush makeup would have helped cover it.

I am so excited about this season!

[seasons]

I have to admit that I get pissy when people have these lumps for years that become gigantic and then are so disappointed if dr lee might not be able to help them right away.

Maybe don't wait nine years to let the lump grow?

[ethalfrida]

On 12/22/2020 at 7:04 PM, BMGepinniw said:

I've noticed a few of you are looking for other pop shows.  I've searched here, and I don't see any mention of this British doctor who has quite a following on YouTube:  Dr. Khaled Sadek (177K subscribers).  He does live virtual streaming a couple of times a week, as well as a library of previous videos.  I've run out of Dr. Lee's videos as well, and Dr. Sadek's are quite decent - primarily cysts and lipomas.  Apologies if my search wasn't thorough enough and you've seen him before, and/or this should have been placed elsewhere. 

Thanks, I checked him out. Dr. PP is definitely neater, lol. His wipe ups barely cleans up The squirts.

But with respect to her medical learning, she makes me nervous when she removes her mask and then the patient does also. One would think more respect would be shown medical advice to not do that. 

[Quof]

I find a lot of things about Dr. Lee unprofessional besides the sloppy mask wearing, including being overly familiar such as hugging patients and starting out on a first name basis.  But the worst is the disregard for sterility; she is cutting into patients, yet they just roll up their sleeve or pant leg instead of changing into a clean johnny shirt, family members sit inches away in their street clothes...

[ethalfrida]

46 minutes ago, Quof said:

I find a lot of things about Dr. Lee unprofessional besides the sloppy mask wearing, including being overly familiar such as hugging patients and starting out on a first name basis.  But the worst is the disregard for sterility; she is cutting into patients, yet they just roll up their sleeve or pant leg instead of changing into a clean johnny shirt, family members sit inches away in their street clothes...

You are so right. Dr. Sadek spends a lot of time sterilizing the area. Have to agree with you on your points.

[CrazyMoon]

3 hours ago, Quof said:

I find a lot of things about Dr. Lee unprofessional besides the sloppy mask wearing, including being overly familiar such as hugging patients and starting out on a first name basis.  But the worst is the disregard for sterility; she is cutting into patients, yet they just roll up their sleeve or pant leg instead of changing into a clean johnny shirt, family members sit inches away in their street clothes...

I think you are overanalyzing...first, our society has morphed into a very casual first name arena...she introduces herself as "Sandra", setting the tone for first names. Second, the patient's body area of concern is properly prepped for whatever surgery is being performed. Most of the time it isn't shown on camera. The patient's family members are wearing a mask, sit far enough away & don't touch anything...they're fine. Very often the patient's clothing is covered by a sterile, fenestrated drape (it has a hole in the middle to view the operating site)...these dermatologic surgeries do not invade the body cavities, they are superficial, her instruments are sterile, laid out on a sterile surface, she's wearing sterile gloves...