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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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@rozie83 You are one year ahead of me, I'm 83.
You have had some very difficult periods that in my mind were probably quite difficult and stressful periods .....and as we live life have to learn that all is a part of living life. Reality can be so surreal.
I have not had children but I do know enough to know how difficult it is when we have a loved one in poor health and the horrible heartache we live with....... with the loss of a loved one.
Yes it is hanging over his head at such a young age and also 'hanging over your head'. May you both, and all, find your ways to managing it all in all ways.
Barbara
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1 Reaction@blm1007blm1007
Thank you, Barbara, for your lovely and loving message. Gotta get ready. Already did airway clearance and breakfast and it's only 5:30. Enjoy your day. Roz
Roz, I just want to say congratulations for going to NJH and and especially for doing it all by yourself, it definitely take mental and physical resources. Well done! Sounds like you have a great health care team. All the best !
Thank you for the hug.
His checkup today was better than expected. He has another year until his next colonoscopy. I am very relieved. Hugs back
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2 ReactionsI was diagnosed with MAC 2 years ago. I visited an infectious disease Doctor who said it was too early for treatment. Now my pulmonologist has said my CT looks worse but is perplexed because I am not really having any symptoms. He thinks I should be having more. Since I just turned 80 he is concerned that if i wait too long to have the treatment it might be harder to cure. My infectious disease doctor has retired. Since I go to Nevada for the winter, he had suggested I might want to get an opinion at NJH It seems from some of the posts that not only can they advise me, but they can discuss the best treatment for me. Is it correct thatwhen i see them I will follow up my own infectious disease doctor for the day to days with NJH overseeing my care. Does anyone know what the normal stay is? Can anyone give me an idea of the cost? Thank You
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1 Reaction@activeaura
When I went to NJH, they scheduled me for 6 days of tests/treatment/ consults. Of course, they do nothing on the weekends, so my stay was 8 days. I assume you have Medicare. The financial department told me they bill Medicare and the secondary, and I'm responsible for the rest. Honestly, I have no idea what that would be. When you do the oral interviews on the phone, your primary doc there...maybe pulmonary, infectious disease or there, determines what you should have for testing and who you should see. You are assigned an Ambassador who makes the schedule. You are provided a copy of your schedule. It often changes. The people who answer the phone for your initial contact are very knowledgeable and kind. You can keep your doctor there for your care, or you can see your local docs. I know a woman who has a local doc but uses her doc at NJH primarily. I will not go back there unless I feel the need. It takes energy to get there, stay there, get back and forth, etc. Good luck. Any specific questions you can ask them or this site.
Roz
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2 ReactionsSorry just a follow up. How does that work between the scheduling person that interview you (I am told i will get a call in 3 - 5 business days) and the doctor who is assigned to me there? When do they determine how long you should stay? What do they use to determine that? How is your treatment going?
@rozie83
I too may have to go to NJH. How far in advance do you have to start booking? Example, my pulmonologist in Phoenix is 3 months out.
I appreciate all of this good info about what to expect.
Thank you.
Dian
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1 Reaction@djwork1
Glad I can help. I booked 6 weeks out, but I heard it can be 3 months. You can always cancel after you book. Or change the date. Good luck. Glad I can be of help. Roz
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1 Reaction@activeaura
No reason to be sorry. You call. Someone calls you back to get information. They determine how long you should stay depending on which tests and consults your doctor there orders. Then the Ambassador who works with you schedules the tests and consults and they sets everything up and lets you know your schedule. Sometimes the schedule is changed. My schedule was a Monday through the following Monday. So I had 6 days scheduled and the weekend off. I went in on Saturday so my body could adjust to the altitude, which wasn't necessary, but it gave me time to organized my room. They recommend you plan your flight home the day after your last appointment so you don't have a conflict in case the doctor runs over (last day was follow up of everything) or he adds some testing. They do like to do a lot of tests. I thought some were unnecessary. One I cancelled but they talked me into doing it and it showed all normal. I hope I've answered your questions. It can be very confusing. Keep asking and I'll keep answering. I did call the Ambassador several times with questions.
Good luck. Roz