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Visit to National Jewish Health in Denver, CO

Posted by rozie83 @rozie83, Nov 1, 2025

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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spider109 | @spider109 | Apr 29 6:40am
In reply to @smtdoc "My last day at NJH, head home this afternoon. There is a vast difference between how..." + (show)
Profile picture for smtdoc @smtdoc

My last day at NJH, head home this afternoon. There is a vast difference between how I felt when I arrived and how I feel today. First, treatment is focused ,based on imaging, so two of the most side effect prone medications have been stopped. One of the most important aspects has been correct instruction on airway clearance, something that had never really happened before. So I leave with fewer side effects, better PFTs, and improved oxygen saturations, even with the higher altitude! Several important studies are pending, including CF genetics, but they lead to better treatment so worth the wait. I am already scheduling 6 month follow up here.

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@smtdoc I totally agree on the instructions on PROPER airway clearance techniques. I believe over time we all develop small but ineffective habits doing airway clearance!!! And without good respiratory therapists available to help correct us in our techniques, we gradually keep fighting a losing battle. I wish I could make an appointment to have a 1 on 1 with a qualified respiratory therapist every 3-6 months maybe to help me correct any bad habits I may have developed. I know at the hospital I go to they seem to have most of their respiratory therapists performing PFT, 6MWT, and other machine oriented tests, which they are not allowed (so to speak) to interpret to the patient. Although these test are extremely important, I think any treatment modalities that become ineffective for whatever reason, does more harm to the patient both mentally and physically. Thank you

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smtdoc | @smtdoc | Apr 29 7:16am

I now have my first NJH follow up schedule for Sept. including airway clearance, and swallowing studies.

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