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Visit to National Jewish Health in Denver, CO
I have read that some people on this site are interested in the value of visiting National Jewish Health in Denver, CO. I spent 6 clinical days there in October. I had consults with 5 physicians. That was decided by my pulmonologist and presented to me with a schedule. I am 84 years old and went alone although most people had a family member or friend with them. I was busy for at least 5 hours every day with testing and consults. I had two procedures requiring anesthesia, both at the same time. I stayed at a hotel as there are no inpatient facilities and traveled back and forth using Uber.
I am new to treatment and still have a lot of questions. I will continue with my pulmonologist in Scottsdale where I live. I could return for scheduled consults there if I choose. I also could have my pulmonologist or any other physician there as my primary.
The Infectious Disease physician was very thorough and suggested I nebulize with Aerobika. The pulmonologist said I only needed to use the flutter device for now. I have been doing that but find
I then have mucus for hours after use, so I am probably going to try nebulizing .
I can keep in touch with the physicians there using MyChart.
I just called up NJH and told the very helpful person on the line that I wanted to arrange a visit. It took about 6 weeks from then until I stepped off the plane.
I'll be happy to answer any questions. No question is not a good one.
Roz
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@mtinderscott2626 Here's a relatively cheap way to visit Denver: Take an Uber from the airport (about $40-50 depending on the time of day). There are no hotels or restaurants near NJH but there are several decent short term rentals (Airbnbs) that are within walking distance. There's also a Sprouts store across the street. You can buy what you need and eat in at your rental or take a metro bus downtown or anywhere to a local restaurant.
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1 Reaction@mtinderscott2626 I didn't rent a car. I'm 84 years old and drive around my area but wouldn't drive in Denver. I did use Uber. It is tax deductible, I think. I stayed at a hotel in Cherry Creek. It was very pretty walking around there, but I don't recommend staying there. NJH has a list of places nearby, some with kitchens. I had a driver from the airport. The cafeteria is adequate. I have a lot of food intolerances, so I didn't eat there much. Is someone going with you? I went alone and did meet people also at NJH. If I think of anything else, I'll write to you. Getting ready to meet a group for a 3 mile walk. Are you going to be there for a week? They want me to come back this spring. I'm not sure I'm going to do that. The airport can be crowded. You take a train from the plane to the airport itself. People are helpful if you ask. I took too much clothing. You can get a hotel that has washers. Good luck. Ask any questions and you'll get answers. Many people on this site have gone. They sent me a box with instructions to send a sputum culture before I went. I was unsure what to do but figured it out. It's expensive to send it back overnight mail. Roz
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I head there next week. On the NJH site I found a suite style hotel about one mile south where a “to and from” Lift voucher is provided for each day. The hotels listed on site provide a price break for NJH patients
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3 Reactions@smtdoc That sounds perfect. You'll be busy during the days. Is someone going with you? I didn't have anyone with me. I did have scheduled a bronchoscopy and endoscopy that required sedation. They wouldn't let me stay alone in my hotel that night, so I had a room at a children's hospital that they use for people like me for that night only. I was worried, but it worked out perfectly.
Good luck. Roz
Please list what procedures you had done.
@ssieber The procedures that required sedation were endoscopy and bronchoscopy. They did them the same time so it was only one session with anesthesia.
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1 ReactionMay I ask what protocol they put you on.
@ssieber I'm not sure what you're asking. You want to know why they did those procedures?
@rozie83
A kind friend is helping me out by flying up and staying for the first 4 days so that will help me get up and get settled. The last 3 days are fairly light. I understand that more may be tacked on as we go.
@smtdoc How nice. I took pills with me as precaution to altitude sickness, but I never took any.
You'll meet with your primary pulmonologist the first day. He or she can add or eliminate tests etc after they talk to you. Mine added on a swallow evaluation for the last day. You meet with your primary at least two more times. One time is the last morning. I scheduled my departure for the day after since I was told they could add something on. And he did. Getting to the airport can take a while.