Hi Jill- Had not seen a post of yours recently and had thought of you and wondered how you are doing.?
Not sure I have any "hacks' .
However, one of the things I think is good for us is to ask for a review of the daily tests at the end of each day rather than the way I received the test results. My review of all the many tests was given to me on the last day of my visit, all the tests results at one time. Too much information to digest all at once verses getting the results at the end of each day. If that is possible. One person on this site, Mayo, said that they did get results at the end of each day. Getting the results at the end of each day will allow you to digest and reflect or search info in the evening about what you were told, to understand all and possibly think of questions you might need answers to for clarification.
The other thing that I feel they needed to do is to dedicate more time to teaching the proper use of the Aerobika, nebulizing and the Huff Coughing Method to be sure you truly understand the methods and are doing them correctly.
Sorry to say no one mentioned or showed me Airway Clearance Techniques nor did they take the time with a Respiratory Therapist to make sure I was helped to get a good sputum culture while I was there.
Due to distance I changed from NJH to Tyler, TX. While at Tyler, TX on my first visit Dr. McShane had the Respiratory Therapist come in and do the Nebulizing, Aerobika, Postural Drainage and Huff Cough with me. Just before I did the huff cough the Respiratory Therapist did percussion clapping on my lower lungs. I really produced a good specimen, but, they forgot to label it and I found that out after having left Tyler. The specimen had to be discarded with it not having a label on it with my name etc. Things happen. Dr. McShane on my first visit gave me information on Air Way Clearance and sites to go to to learn how to do Air Way Clearance at home.
So, my disappointment after my visit at NJH, for me, was that they, someone, did not demonstrate, discuss, tell me about or do with me the Airway Clearance Methods. Between Dr. McShane and this Mayo site I learned about Air Way Clearance Methods.
Also, I was not able to have direct contact with the gastroenterologist before leaving NJH and received a prescription for a medication after I was home. He was suggesting I start a medication without being fully informed as to why it was prescribed. Perfection regarding communication etc. is impossible no matter where no matter when. I had to look up on the internet what the medication was typically prescribed for. I didn't like the possible side affects and did not start it. I'm doing fine.
I have made decisions for myself knowing myself and what I feel is best for me in the big picture. As I said am doing fine in the big picture, at least for now and have been for the last couple of years after learning about this journey with Bronchiectasis and the MAC infection.
My worst problem is the constant need to clear my throat of what comes up nearly all day long. No aches or pains and that's a good thing.
Hope this helps in knowing what you can do to help yourself, while there, when it comes to that all important thing called 'communication.'
P.S. The Cherry Creek Area is very convenient to everything. Have you decided where you are going to stay?
Barbara