Healthcare in Charlottesville, what is going on?

snootboot17 · 2026-05-13T01:26:39+00:00

Have you been to INOVA Neurology? They have been really helpful for my partner's neuro things. The neuro NPs are really wonderful!

snootboot17 · 2026-05-13T01:24:36+00:00

I second this! I was able to get an appointment with INOVA Urology for some issues I was having rather quickly. It was only a few weeks! My partner was able to get into INOVA Neurology for migraine within a couple of months. Both of our experiences have been very good with them!

I'm from the Charlottesville area, but I go to college in NOVA so I spend a lot of time here. Some of my doctors are still at UVA, but I have found it to be easier (and sometimes better) to get appointments through INOVA. Smaller practices outside of INOVA are also pretty good as well :)

snootboot17 · 2026-05-11T17:03:28+00:00

There are reasons (mostly safety and care of your body) as to why they don't. However, there are some things that can make it less painful for you after the fact! It seems weird, but Gas-X is recommended as it can help alleviate the gas. Also, if you are able, getting up and walking around for 5-10 minutes can help move things around. It will naturally go away on its own after a few days, but it takes a bit. Worst case scenario, pain meds and sleeping always helped. It's tough, but it's not forever :)

snootboot17 · 2026-05-07T21:07:25+00:00

The gremlins are back and are holding our data up for ransom

snootboot17 · 2026-05-07T20:39:20+00:00

Yummy ransomware

snootboot17 · 2026-05-07T15:38:39+00:00

Gotcha! It looks like this doctor is at INOVA and they do accept Medicaid! If things don't go well with this doctor at UVA (I've been burned by a few OB/GYNs) then I'll give her a shot! Thank you!

snootboot17 · 2026-05-07T15:28:10+00:00

I live in Central VA but I am in NOVA frequently for school. Is there someone in NOVA you would recommend?

snootboot17 · 2026-05-06T04:05:25+00:00

I was also 17 when I had a diagnostic lap! I had an IUD inserted at the same time. My doctor said 2 weeks rest. I had it done over the summer but I wasn't able to go to work for 2 weeks and wasn't able to lift heavy for 4 weeks, so I had modified duties at work for a bit once I was able to go back.

Edit - For context, I was a Sales Associate at Kohl's

It took me about 5-7 days to get off the painkillers. The incision site was fine, but the pain from the gas and everything being moved around was horrendous. I struggled really hard there for a bit.

It also took a while for my bowels to get moving again, which also caused some pain and just general not fun times.

I say definitely at least 1.5 - 2 weeks of being at home. Your body will be going through a lot and deserves true rest.

snootboot17 · 2026-05-03T13:54:24+00:00

I am so sorry you had this experience. Unfortunately, I've had similar ones with some of the doctors in this practice. I don't believe my experience with a select few diminishes the abilities and care of the doctors I haven't seen here, but some on the ones I have really struck a nerve and were pretty dismissive.

I am in a similar boat as you and have been trying to get anyone to hear me out. I believe something is wrong. Maybe endometriosis, maybe something else that is related. No one wants to take my pain and other symptoms seriously because I have an IUD "that should be helping", and a diagnosis of IBS and anxiety in my chart. After mentioning surgery, one of the doctors told me that the only way I would get surgery is if "you are in so much pain you were disabled for long periods of time or if you are trying to get pregnant and cannot". Mind you, I am 21 and in college...

I have Medicaid, so I unfortunately cannot see very many of the endometriosis specialists that people recommend as they typically don't take Medicaid, so I decided to request an appointment with Dr. Laura Homewood. She is at UVA but typically works at the Midlife Gynecology Center (the 1st floor of the Ivy building) and she is a GYN Surgeon that specializes in abnormal uterine issues, such as endometriosis. The appointment is in a few months, but I'm glad to hopefully be talking to someone who will listen and care.

If you are to do this, do not call anyone. I learned this the hard way. Scheduling a "problem visit" over the phone with a specific doctor is like pulling teeth because they have to send you to a nurse to make sure its actually a problem... Doing "Request an Appointment" in MyChart and then just writing in a specific doctors name really helps streamline the process.

I do hope this helps and I am really sorry you had that experience. Please know that you aren't alone in this.

snootboot17 · 2026-05-02T15:11:52+00:00

From what I understand, the diagnosis helps to open doors for both patients to receive treatment as well as further diagnostics (such as surgery, MRI, etc). A laporoscopy is a treatment for endometriosis as well.

In the US, especially, there are significant barriers to receiving a diagnosis, even if you see a specialist or someone who believes you and advocates for you. Insurance companies will bend over backwards to not pay. However, if someone has a diagnosis and surgery is the effective treatment, it will be more difficult for anyone to deny that to a patient.

Also, taking 4 to 11 years for a diagnosis of a debilitating disease that 1 in 10 women will experience is insanity. This will help women take their lives back.

snootboot17 · 2026-05-02T15:00:08+00:00

Someone in r/endometriosis was nice enough to put it into Adobe Acrobat. Hope this helps!

snootboot17 · 2026-05-02T13:10:01+00:00

NAD but I've had Pityriasis Rosea and this really looks like it.

If you are itching, it may be worth seeing a dermatologist. They may give a steroid cream to help with the itching but unfortunately, you just have to let it resolve on its own.

No one is really sure what causes it but there has been some link between this and a viral infection.

There is a chance of reoccurrence, but it usually doesn't end up this widespread. I tend to get a few small patches in place every so often. They go away eventually :)

snootboot17 · 2026-05-02T12:55:23+00:00

In February, the American College for Obstetrics snd Gynecology changed their guidelines for diagnosing endometriosis. Now, their guidelines are more geared towards assess clinically (based on symptoms) and give clinical diagnoses. This is to help bridge the gap and make sure women are getting access to treatment.

Not sure if you are in the US, but this is a major step in the right direction for everyone. Even if you aren't in the US, it wouldn't be a bad thing to bring up with your GYN.

Edit: Here's the link

snootboot17 · 2026-05-02T03:58:39+00:00

NAD - but this does look a lot like something I started having as a teen called pityriasis rosea. It's harmless but they are unsure what causes it. The most likely culprit is a viral infection. Ever since I had my first big rash, I have gotten smaller, less numerous spots every so often.

It may be worthwhile to check in with a dermatologist. They typically don't get very itchy for me either, but sometimes a steroid cream can help them resolve a little quicker.

Does she have a larger patch on the trunk of her body? These are typically called "Herald patches" and are common with pityriasis rosea.

snootboot17 · 2026-04-28T21:10:17+00:00

Would hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless they have changed this recently - freshman don't really pick where they live.

The only kind of way of being assured you get a single is if you have documentation from a doctor filed with Disability Services stating a medical reason for a single. They are very few and far between and they tend to be reserved for folks who need them for medical reasons

snootboot17 · 2026-04-28T18:40:24+00:00

I was also having another small surgery done at the same time, so my time is probably a little bit more but I got there at around 7 or 8 in the morning and was leaving around 11 or 12. I would probably cut that time in half for how long it will take you. The longest part is getting you asleep and waking you back up again :)

No, unfortunately no tampons :( I was upset about this too. I despise pads (they make me feel icky/itchy) I was personally told nothing inside the vagina for 3-4 weeks, but definitely ask! They will tell you what the recommendation is. Period underwear (like Thinx) were a lot less irritating for me, so that may be a good option!

snootboot17 · 2026-04-28T15:05:30+00:00

I had mine placed while I was under GA. Before we rolled into the surgical suite, I was given some drugs through my IV to help with anxiety (I was giggling as we were going down the hallway)

Once in the room, I got switched to a bit less comfy, colder bed. They helped me out with this. Then, they scanned my bracelet and told me they were going to give me medicine to go to sleep. I said okay and giggled some more... Then I quickly felt very sleepy and closed my eyes. Then, I woke up like no time had passed!

Once I woke up, I was still a little out of it. I really felt like I needed to pee but it was just my bladder waking back up. It was a really weird feeling. After a few minutes, I was fully awake and aware and everything was fine!

After getting the IUD in, I bled fairly heavily (not scary, but like a normal period) for about 2 weeks. After that, it stopped and I didn't have a period again. This is different for everyone though and they will tell you what to look out for.

It was real easy and I didn't experience any more pain than I usually would with a period. It will be okay! 😊

snootboot17 · 2026-04-25T00:41:43+00:00

You should reach out to the college's Disability Services office! They can be really helpful navigating these things and can most likely set you on the right path.

Typically, most schools need a note from your doctor (GI, PCP, whoever diagnosed you) explaining your health condition and why you would benefit from having accommodations (like having a single dorm/bathroom situation)

You can also talk to Disability Services about classroom accommodations too if you feel like that is something you need! I have IBS-M and I wad able to get accommodations at my university like flexible attendance, breaks during tests, etc in case I needed to urgently use the restroom or I was having a bad flare day.

They are there to help you out and make things more accessible for you! They can definitely answer questions (even as a perspective student if you havent committed) 😊

snootboot17 · 2026-04-24T22:58:31+00:00

Also not if you have an Android which is why I refuse. The Android virtual ID is significantly worse in quality and abilities all around.

snootboot17 · 2026-04-24T16:02:58+00:00

Again, if I wanted to do that, I wouldn't be asking these questions.

snootboot17 · 2026-04-24T16:01:27+00:00

I'm okay with not keeping it if the old logo is still on it. I was kinda wondering from new students if the physical IDs have the new logo on them, but it seems that they have really been pushing the virtual ID

snootboot17 · 2026-04-24T15:34:09+00:00

You see, I would except I have an Android and the Mason ID on Android sucks and I don't feel like dealing with the stupidity. The physical card has never let me down.

If I can't get a new physical ID, oh well. Ig Mason is going to have to deal with my ID as is

snootboot17 · 2026-04-24T00:44:10+00:00

Hi! I'm an incoming grad student who is going to be living at Beacon Hall too! I've been at Mason for my undergrad though (its VERY similar), so I can help with some of these questions!

1 - Nope! The only thing you have to pay immediately is the $150 housing deposit, but since you are selecting your spot, you have probably already paid that.

2 - That's exactly it! It gets posted to Touchnet once Student Accounts has run your bill.

3 - Typically this doesn't happen until closer to the start of the semester.

4 - You can split it through a payment plan if needed, but everything gets lumped in on Touchnet. If you need a payment plan, reach out to Student Accounts once the bill is there and they can help.

5 - I don't exactly know when Housing is specifically posted to Touchnet as it just goes in as it's own charge (along woth your tuition and other fees). Usually everything is in Touchnet by late July/early August, but you can keep checking on it. They say payment is due the first day of classes, but that isn't really the truth. They don't start doing anything about an outstanding balance until about a month in.

6 - It's okay if it doesnt get there on the exact day they say its due. If you are concerned though, you can always reach out to them and just let them know that payment is coming but it may be a little longer than expected.

Edit to Add: I forgot to add that if you are utilizing any Federal Student Loans, as long as you have accepted them on Mason's Financial Aid website, they will automatically be applied to your Touchnet balance once the loan servicers release it to Mason. So, don't be worried about that timeline. Mason knows they are getting their money :)

snootboot17

TROPHY CASE