Traveling to NJH

Posted by busybeans @busybeans, Oct 27, 2022

I've just read that Omicron subvariants are resistant to key antibody treatments for those of us who are immunocompromised. Thinking that I'd had every booster known to man and that I was relatively safe, I made travel arrangements to fly to Denver to see my doctor at NJH instead of renting an RV as I have every six months since the pandemic began. Is anyone else traveling by air right now, or have I completely lost my mind? Your thoughts? I can always cancel...I have two weeks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Since covid began, have masked most of the time when we are indoors except while eating/drinking. I always mask while traveling—in airport, airplane and transit. It seems prudent.

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@lilianna

I hope it’s not inappropriate to ask but what was courtyards cherry creek discount per night? Thank you

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I was just there and it was $179 per night but I am also a Bonvoy member.

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@hicopd

Can’t remember but think it was maybe $150/nite or so but nearly a decade ago.

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Thank you

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Will anyone go to NJH in mid-December? I have an appointment on Dec 10-21. However I have done many tests locally like sweat test, blood work, vision/hearing, celiac disease, PFT, Cystic Fibrosis genetic test, Auto immune disease test, etc. Sounds that it is possible that NJH does not need to repeat all the tests I have done so I can leave earlier?

I don't have any auto immune issues or other underlying lung conditions except mild bronchiectasis in MAC area and gluten intolerance. My only concern are my two small cavities. Some doctors say they won't close up as there is no blood circulation in cavities, while some patients say their cavities close up. I also see some articles say cavities can close up.

I have been on antibiotics for four months and they helped shrink the cavities so far. If they can close up, I probably won't need a surgery. But I also heard that antibiotics won't cure MAC - only with surgery to remove bronchiectasis. Everything is pending with uncertain outcome. With all of these questions in mind, I really feel I need a second opinion.

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@helen1000

Will anyone go to NJH in mid-December? I have an appointment on Dec 10-21. However I have done many tests locally like sweat test, blood work, vision/hearing, celiac disease, PFT, Cystic Fibrosis genetic test, Auto immune disease test, etc. Sounds that it is possible that NJH does not need to repeat all the tests I have done so I can leave earlier?

I don't have any auto immune issues or other underlying lung conditions except mild bronchiectasis in MAC area and gluten intolerance. My only concern are my two small cavities. Some doctors say they won't close up as there is no blood circulation in cavities, while some patients say their cavities close up. I also see some articles say cavities can close up.

I have been on antibiotics for four months and they helped shrink the cavities so far. If they can close up, I probably won't need a surgery. But I also heard that antibiotics won't cure MAC - only with surgery to remove bronchiectasis. Everything is pending with uncertain outcome. With all of these questions in mind, I really feel I need a second opinion.

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NJH generally repeats all tests and add in a few more. Did njh assign a pulminologist for your visit?

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@roz14

I found NJH when I was frustrated by the doctors here in Tucson and knew that my Bronchiectasis with Pseudomonas was getting worse. I went for 5 days saw Dr. Balkissoon and Dr. Griffith and had an array of tests. Went back 4 months later because they found a nodule that was suspicious for cancer. Dr. Balkissoon
set up my surgery with in a few days and I am now cancer free according to the tests and the surgent. This was last June and I am doing fine. Dr. Balkissoon saved my life! I have a terrible fear of flying and with Covid it was and has been a fear to the utmost. But....I felt I had to get there and get there fast. I will be flying there in March and as was written by others taking every precaution to stay safe.

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Hi i also live in Tucson and had MAC 10 yrs ago. Then last year Pseudo surfaced.
Would love to connect.
Glad you are feeling better.
I feel so isolated here in Tus.
But my doctors got me through so far.

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@rstel7272

NJH generally repeats all tests and add in a few more. Did njh assign a pulminologist for your visit?

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Thanks Rick! I did not know that they have to repeat all tests. That is a waste of money for insurance company! My pulmonologist recommends Dr. Darly and Dr. Shannon. I choose Dr Shannon as she is a female doctor with good reputation.

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@helen1000

Thanks Rick! I did not know that they have to repeat all tests. That is a waste of money for insurance company! My pulmonologist recommends Dr. Darly and Dr. Shannon. I choose Dr Shannon as she is a female doctor with good reputation.

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You will probably see the Doctor first before all testing is begun.
I take it your previous test results have been sent to NJH? If so....maybe on that first Doctor visit and discusssion of what they are going to schedule for you at NJH....if you feel comfortable doing so..... you might ask what ones have to be repeated...etc. etc. and why if you want to know. I had not had the tests they did for me at NJH before going to NJH other than the local CScan with my PCP that showed BE.
It is again a great deal of information to take in while you are there. I would be interested in knowing if you see your lead doctor at the end of each day of testing for a review of the tests. I only got to see my lead doctor the first day and last day for discussions. It would help to see the doctor each day, if at all possible.
Barbara

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@blm1007blm1007

You will probably see the Doctor first before all testing is begun.
I take it your previous test results have been sent to NJH? If so....maybe on that first Doctor visit and discusssion of what they are going to schedule for you at NJH....if you feel comfortable doing so..... you might ask what ones have to be repeated...etc. etc. and why if you want to know. I had not had the tests they did for me at NJH before going to NJH other than the local CScan with my PCP that showed BE.
It is again a great deal of information to take in while you are there. I would be interested in knowing if you see your lead doctor at the end of each day of testing for a review of the tests. I only got to see my lead doctor the first day and last day for discussions. It would help to see the doctor each day, if at all possible.
Barbara

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Yes Barabara, that is a very good reminder. I should ask her whether I need to repeat those tests. I don't want to repeat everything I did. I have faxed them all the reports and will bring a copy for all of them too. In that way, it will be efficient. I will keep your question in mind too. Thsnk you.

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@pegs

Hi i also live in Tucson and had MAC 10 yrs ago. Then last year Pseudo surfaced.
Would love to connect.
Glad you are feeling better.
I feel so isolated here in Tus.
But my doctors got me through so far.

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Hi Pegs, I too live in Tucson - well, Catalina a bit north of Tucson. I was just diagnosed last week with MAC. Had pseudomonus last year. I am trying to decide what to do. My pulmonologist told me of the 'cocktail' of 3 antibiotics but I'm hesitant to start that. I''m 85 years old, have lead an active life, hiking, etc. Now scoliosis/stenosis limits my mobility. I've had asthma since my teens. Cheering you on as you journey through your life. Just being connected to this support group has helped me not feel so isolated. Thanks for sharing.

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