Choosing a center

Skye

New member
All of you out there who have been through this please help. I am really frustrated today<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You would think that with all of the issues involved in considering a lung tranplant (ie medical, insurance, financing) that one of those things would have put me in tears first. No, I am a trooper. The thing that brought me to tears today was the rude scheduling person at the Cleveland Clinic who is so short and unaccomodating when I try to schedule a follow-up. I am still well and not desperate. I am considering this early so it is not at emergency level<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Cleveland just schedules your couple of days and sends the appointment DHL. I am very very flexible and usually only have one or two places in a month that I can not make the 4-5 hour drive. The woman there is totally not compassionate about a re-schedule. Is this the way all centers work?? I have nothing to compare it to. I can also count on sitting in their waiting room for sometimes at least 2 hours to see the physician and extra waiting time for all other things. Is that to be expected?

I know Cleveland has an excellent reputation but I just wonder what other people have experienced. I am also considering Duke University. I wanted to go to Chapel Hill but they are not in-network for me. Does anyone know anything about Duke? I am concerned about having to move near Duke before transplant. That sounds soooo difficult. Cleveland has air transportation so you can live at home up until time. Am I making too big of a deal out of having to move before surgery. I just have a picture of me living by myself away from my husband and daughter for 4 or more months. Is that what happens? Also, does anyone know what the wait time is like at Duke?

Please anyone that has been to Duke University or Cleveland, I would love your input!
 

Skye

New member
All of you out there who have been through this please help. I am really frustrated today<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You would think that with all of the issues involved in considering a lung tranplant (ie medical, insurance, financing) that one of those things would have put me in tears first. No, I am a trooper. The thing that brought me to tears today was the rude scheduling person at the Cleveland Clinic who is so short and unaccomodating when I try to schedule a follow-up. I am still well and not desperate. I am considering this early so it is not at emergency level<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Cleveland just schedules your couple of days and sends the appointment DHL. I am very very flexible and usually only have one or two places in a month that I can not make the 4-5 hour drive. The woman there is totally not compassionate about a re-schedule. Is this the way all centers work?? I have nothing to compare it to. I can also count on sitting in their waiting room for sometimes at least 2 hours to see the physician and extra waiting time for all other things. Is that to be expected?

I know Cleveland has an excellent reputation but I just wonder what other people have experienced. I am also considering Duke University. I wanted to go to Chapel Hill but they are not in-network for me. Does anyone know anything about Duke? I am concerned about having to move near Duke before transplant. That sounds soooo difficult. Cleveland has air transportation so you can live at home up until time. Am I making too big of a deal out of having to move before surgery. I just have a picture of me living by myself away from my husband and daughter for 4 or more months. Is that what happens? Also, does anyone know what the wait time is like at Duke?

Please anyone that has been to Duke University or Cleveland, I would love your input!
 

Skye

New member
All of you out there who have been through this please help. I am really frustrated today<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You would think that with all of the issues involved in considering a lung tranplant (ie medical, insurance, financing) that one of those things would have put me in tears first. No, I am a trooper. The thing that brought me to tears today was the rude scheduling person at the Cleveland Clinic who is so short and unaccomodating when I try to schedule a follow-up. I am still well and not desperate. I am considering this early so it is not at emergency level<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Cleveland just schedules your couple of days and sends the appointment DHL. I am very very flexible and usually only have one or two places in a month that I can not make the 4-5 hour drive. The woman there is totally not compassionate about a re-schedule. Is this the way all centers work?? I have nothing to compare it to. I can also count on sitting in their waiting room for sometimes at least 2 hours to see the physician and extra waiting time for all other things. Is that to be expected?

I know Cleveland has an excellent reputation but I just wonder what other people have experienced. I am also considering Duke University. I wanted to go to Chapel Hill but they are not in-network for me. Does anyone know anything about Duke? I am concerned about having to move near Duke before transplant. That sounds soooo difficult. Cleveland has air transportation so you can live at home up until time. Am I making too big of a deal out of having to move before surgery. I just have a picture of me living by myself away from my husband and daughter for 4 or more months. Is that what happens? Also, does anyone know what the wait time is like at Duke?

Please anyone that has been to Duke University or Cleveland, I would love your input!
 

Skye

New member
All of you out there who have been through this please help. I am really frustrated today<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You would think that with all of the issues involved in considering a lung tranplant (ie medical, insurance, financing) that one of those things would have put me in tears first. No, I am a trooper. The thing that brought me to tears today was the rude scheduling person at the Cleveland Clinic who is so short and unaccomodating when I try to schedule a follow-up. I am still well and not desperate. I am considering this early so it is not at emergency level<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Cleveland just schedules your couple of days and sends the appointment DHL. I am very very flexible and usually only have one or two places in a month that I can not make the 4-5 hour drive. The woman there is totally not compassionate about a re-schedule. Is this the way all centers work?? I have nothing to compare it to. I can also count on sitting in their waiting room for sometimes at least 2 hours to see the physician and extra waiting time for all other things. Is that to be expected?

I know Cleveland has an excellent reputation but I just wonder what other people have experienced. I am also considering Duke University. I wanted to go to Chapel Hill but they are not in-network for me. Does anyone know anything about Duke? I am concerned about having to move near Duke before transplant. That sounds soooo difficult. Cleveland has air transportation so you can live at home up until time. Am I making too big of a deal out of having to move before surgery. I just have a picture of me living by myself away from my husband and daughter for 4 or more months. Is that what happens? Also, does anyone know what the wait time is like at Duke?

Please anyone that has been to Duke University or Cleveland, I would love your input!
 

Skye

New member
All of you out there who have been through this please help. I am really frustrated today<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You would think that with all of the issues involved in considering a lung tranplant (ie medical, insurance, financing) that one of those things would have put me in tears first. No, I am a trooper. The thing that brought me to tears today was the rude scheduling person at the Cleveland Clinic who is so short and unaccomodating when I try to schedule a follow-up. I am still well and not desperate. I am considering this early so it is not at emergency level<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Cleveland just schedules your couple of days and sends the appointment DHL. I am very very flexible and usually only have one or two places in a month that I can not make the 4-5 hour drive. The woman there is totally not compassionate about a re-schedule. Is this the way all centers work?? I have nothing to compare it to. I can also count on sitting in their waiting room for sometimes at least 2 hours to see the physician and extra waiting time for all other things. Is that to be expected?

I know Cleveland has an excellent reputation but I just wonder what other people have experienced. I am also considering Duke University. I wanted to go to Chapel Hill but they are not in-network for me. Does anyone know anything about Duke? I am concerned about having to move near Duke before transplant. That sounds soooo difficult. Cleveland has air transportation so you can live at home up until time. Am I making too big of a deal out of having to move before surgery. I just have a picture of me living by myself away from my husband and daughter for 4 or more months. Is that what happens? Also, does anyone know what the wait time is like at Duke?

Please anyone that has been to Duke University or Cleveland, I would love your input!
 

Liza

New member
Hi Skye, I don't know how much help I will be but here's my little bit of input.

I am not familiar with Cleveland but seems to me that if you are having this much trouble scheduling a follow-up and the coordinator is lacking in bedside manner then maybe that is not the place for you. We ourselves but alot of importance on bedside manner and ease of use. I have to say, my daughter's clinic is not like that. They are very quick at responding. Now to be honest we never really had to contact them pre-transplant after the initial evaluation. They told Anna she was not ready to be listed YET. That was Thanksgiving last year. By New Year's she was back in the hospital with her pft's not coming back up after two weeks. Her CF doc called the transplant center and they were quick to respond that they wanted to see her back ASAP. While waiting for her call, we never had to call to make any appts., she was followed by the CF clinic who reported to the TX clinic. She was visited each time she was admitted though. Just to touch bases, we know you're in here, how ya doing that kind of thing.

Relocating... UGH, tough one. We knew we had to do it. My husband and younger daughter stayed home and just Anna and I moved. It was a hard 5 months and 2 weeks. We'd do it again but it was hard. Just so you know, Anna went to school in NE, we live in Texas and relocated for transplant to CA. The closest family was my sister and her young family 5 hrs away. We were not allowed to travel more than 4 hrs away. Anna had to be able to get to the hospital in 4hrs.

Anna did all of her own research and decided where she wanted to go. UNC Chapel Hill was her number one choice, but for us they were out of Anna's region. In network but out of region which would have meant switching back and forth for each time they wanted to see her. The way it turned out, it wouldn't have been neccesary, the switching, except for the evaluation. But you never know. Anna says she would probably still be waiting though. So she said, fine, I'll go to my second choice which was Stanford. They were in her region. As for Duke's transplant program, I have no idea. All I know about Duke is they had a great CF clinic back in 1990-1991, which was the last time we were there. We were stationed in NC when Anna was diagnosed and Rachel was born. Great doctors, great experience with the hospital staff. But that's all I know.

Anna took alot of things into consideration when she looked at centers. Success rate, number of TX's done in a year, number of TX's that were CF, outlooks at 1 yr, 5 yr & I believe 10 yr. We are very pleased with her choice and as hard as it was to be there just us two, we know that that is where we were supposed to be.

I wish you great luck in your decision on where to go. Stay as healthy as possible pre-transplant and just when you think you've had enough and feeling just about ready to give it up remember that they are looking for the best lungs possible for YOU.
 

Liza

New member
Hi Skye, I don't know how much help I will be but here's my little bit of input.

I am not familiar with Cleveland but seems to me that if you are having this much trouble scheduling a follow-up and the coordinator is lacking in bedside manner then maybe that is not the place for you. We ourselves but alot of importance on bedside manner and ease of use. I have to say, my daughter's clinic is not like that. They are very quick at responding. Now to be honest we never really had to contact them pre-transplant after the initial evaluation. They told Anna she was not ready to be listed YET. That was Thanksgiving last year. By New Year's she was back in the hospital with her pft's not coming back up after two weeks. Her CF doc called the transplant center and they were quick to respond that they wanted to see her back ASAP. While waiting for her call, we never had to call to make any appts., she was followed by the CF clinic who reported to the TX clinic. She was visited each time she was admitted though. Just to touch bases, we know you're in here, how ya doing that kind of thing.

Relocating... UGH, tough one. We knew we had to do it. My husband and younger daughter stayed home and just Anna and I moved. It was a hard 5 months and 2 weeks. We'd do it again but it was hard. Just so you know, Anna went to school in NE, we live in Texas and relocated for transplant to CA. The closest family was my sister and her young family 5 hrs away. We were not allowed to travel more than 4 hrs away. Anna had to be able to get to the hospital in 4hrs.

Anna did all of her own research and decided where she wanted to go. UNC Chapel Hill was her number one choice, but for us they were out of Anna's region. In network but out of region which would have meant switching back and forth for each time they wanted to see her. The way it turned out, it wouldn't have been neccesary, the switching, except for the evaluation. But you never know. Anna says she would probably still be waiting though. So she said, fine, I'll go to my second choice which was Stanford. They were in her region. As for Duke's transplant program, I have no idea. All I know about Duke is they had a great CF clinic back in 1990-1991, which was the last time we were there. We were stationed in NC when Anna was diagnosed and Rachel was born. Great doctors, great experience with the hospital staff. But that's all I know.

Anna took alot of things into consideration when she looked at centers. Success rate, number of TX's done in a year, number of TX's that were CF, outlooks at 1 yr, 5 yr & I believe 10 yr. We are very pleased with her choice and as hard as it was to be there just us two, we know that that is where we were supposed to be.

I wish you great luck in your decision on where to go. Stay as healthy as possible pre-transplant and just when you think you've had enough and feeling just about ready to give it up remember that they are looking for the best lungs possible for YOU.
 

Liza

New member
Hi Skye, I don't know how much help I will be but here's my little bit of input.

I am not familiar with Cleveland but seems to me that if you are having this much trouble scheduling a follow-up and the coordinator is lacking in bedside manner then maybe that is not the place for you. We ourselves but alot of importance on bedside manner and ease of use. I have to say, my daughter's clinic is not like that. They are very quick at responding. Now to be honest we never really had to contact them pre-transplant after the initial evaluation. They told Anna she was not ready to be listed YET. That was Thanksgiving last year. By New Year's she was back in the hospital with her pft's not coming back up after two weeks. Her CF doc called the transplant center and they were quick to respond that they wanted to see her back ASAP. While waiting for her call, we never had to call to make any appts., she was followed by the CF clinic who reported to the TX clinic. She was visited each time she was admitted though. Just to touch bases, we know you're in here, how ya doing that kind of thing.

Relocating... UGH, tough one. We knew we had to do it. My husband and younger daughter stayed home and just Anna and I moved. It was a hard 5 months and 2 weeks. We'd do it again but it was hard. Just so you know, Anna went to school in NE, we live in Texas and relocated for transplant to CA. The closest family was my sister and her young family 5 hrs away. We were not allowed to travel more than 4 hrs away. Anna had to be able to get to the hospital in 4hrs.

Anna did all of her own research and decided where she wanted to go. UNC Chapel Hill was her number one choice, but for us they were out of Anna's region. In network but out of region which would have meant switching back and forth for each time they wanted to see her. The way it turned out, it wouldn't have been neccesary, the switching, except for the evaluation. But you never know. Anna says she would probably still be waiting though. So she said, fine, I'll go to my second choice which was Stanford. They were in her region. As for Duke's transplant program, I have no idea. All I know about Duke is they had a great CF clinic back in 1990-1991, which was the last time we were there. We were stationed in NC when Anna was diagnosed and Rachel was born. Great doctors, great experience with the hospital staff. But that's all I know.

Anna took alot of things into consideration when she looked at centers. Success rate, number of TX's done in a year, number of TX's that were CF, outlooks at 1 yr, 5 yr & I believe 10 yr. We are very pleased with her choice and as hard as it was to be there just us two, we know that that is where we were supposed to be.

I wish you great luck in your decision on where to go. Stay as healthy as possible pre-transplant and just when you think you've had enough and feeling just about ready to give it up remember that they are looking for the best lungs possible for YOU.
 

Liza

New member
Hi Skye, I don't know how much help I will be but here's my little bit of input.

I am not familiar with Cleveland but seems to me that if you are having this much trouble scheduling a follow-up and the coordinator is lacking in bedside manner then maybe that is not the place for you. We ourselves but alot of importance on bedside manner and ease of use. I have to say, my daughter's clinic is not like that. They are very quick at responding. Now to be honest we never really had to contact them pre-transplant after the initial evaluation. They told Anna she was not ready to be listed YET. That was Thanksgiving last year. By New Year's she was back in the hospital with her pft's not coming back up after two weeks. Her CF doc called the transplant center and they were quick to respond that they wanted to see her back ASAP. While waiting for her call, we never had to call to make any appts., she was followed by the CF clinic who reported to the TX clinic. She was visited each time she was admitted though. Just to touch bases, we know you're in here, how ya doing that kind of thing.

Relocating... UGH, tough one. We knew we had to do it. My husband and younger daughter stayed home and just Anna and I moved. It was a hard 5 months and 2 weeks. We'd do it again but it was hard. Just so you know, Anna went to school in NE, we live in Texas and relocated for transplant to CA. The closest family was my sister and her young family 5 hrs away. We were not allowed to travel more than 4 hrs away. Anna had to be able to get to the hospital in 4hrs.

Anna did all of her own research and decided where she wanted to go. UNC Chapel Hill was her number one choice, but for us they were out of Anna's region. In network but out of region which would have meant switching back and forth for each time they wanted to see her. The way it turned out, it wouldn't have been neccesary, the switching, except for the evaluation. But you never know. Anna says she would probably still be waiting though. So she said, fine, I'll go to my second choice which was Stanford. They were in her region. As for Duke's transplant program, I have no idea. All I know about Duke is they had a great CF clinic back in 1990-1991, which was the last time we were there. We were stationed in NC when Anna was diagnosed and Rachel was born. Great doctors, great experience with the hospital staff. But that's all I know.

Anna took alot of things into consideration when she looked at centers. Success rate, number of TX's done in a year, number of TX's that were CF, outlooks at 1 yr, 5 yr & I believe 10 yr. We are very pleased with her choice and as hard as it was to be there just us two, we know that that is where we were supposed to be.

I wish you great luck in your decision on where to go. Stay as healthy as possible pre-transplant and just when you think you've had enough and feeling just about ready to give it up remember that they are looking for the best lungs possible for YOU.
 

Liza

New member
Hi Skye, I don't know how much help I will be but here's my little bit of input.

I am not familiar with Cleveland but seems to me that if you are having this much trouble scheduling a follow-up and the coordinator is lacking in bedside manner then maybe that is not the place for you. We ourselves but alot of importance on bedside manner and ease of use. I have to say, my daughter's clinic is not like that. They are very quick at responding. Now to be honest we never really had to contact them pre-transplant after the initial evaluation. They told Anna she was not ready to be listed YET. That was Thanksgiving last year. By New Year's she was back in the hospital with her pft's not coming back up after two weeks. Her CF doc called the transplant center and they were quick to respond that they wanted to see her back ASAP. While waiting for her call, we never had to call to make any appts., she was followed by the CF clinic who reported to the TX clinic. She was visited each time she was admitted though. Just to touch bases, we know you're in here, how ya doing that kind of thing.

Relocating... UGH, tough one. We knew we had to do it. My husband and younger daughter stayed home and just Anna and I moved. It was a hard 5 months and 2 weeks. We'd do it again but it was hard. Just so you know, Anna went to school in NE, we live in Texas and relocated for transplant to CA. The closest family was my sister and her young family 5 hrs away. We were not allowed to travel more than 4 hrs away. Anna had to be able to get to the hospital in 4hrs.

Anna did all of her own research and decided where she wanted to go. UNC Chapel Hill was her number one choice, but for us they were out of Anna's region. In network but out of region which would have meant switching back and forth for each time they wanted to see her. The way it turned out, it wouldn't have been neccesary, the switching, except for the evaluation. But you never know. Anna says she would probably still be waiting though. So she said, fine, I'll go to my second choice which was Stanford. They were in her region. As for Duke's transplant program, I have no idea. All I know about Duke is they had a great CF clinic back in 1990-1991, which was the last time we were there. We were stationed in NC when Anna was diagnosed and Rachel was born. Great doctors, great experience with the hospital staff. But that's all I know.

Anna took alot of things into consideration when she looked at centers. Success rate, number of TX's done in a year, number of TX's that were CF, outlooks at 1 yr, 5 yr & I believe 10 yr. We are very pleased with her choice and as hard as it was to be there just us two, we know that that is where we were supposed to be.

I wish you great luck in your decision on where to go. Stay as healthy as possible pre-transplant and just when you think you've had enough and feeling just about ready to give it up remember that they are looking for the best lungs possible for YOU.
 

Skye

New member
Liza,

Thank you for taking the time to reply! The coordinator at Cleveland has always been good to return my calls and answer any questions<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It is the one person in the scheduling department that just "rubs me wrong". I have handed that part over to my husband and he is going to deal with her from now on. The fact that we don't have to relocate is a big draw for us. We don't have extendend family in this part of the country to help us out. It is just my husband and I and 8-yr. old daughter. The rest of my family is in KS<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Congratulations to Anna!! What you a beautiful family you have!

I also talked to Duke yesterday and they said I would have to redo most of all of the pre-transplant testing I have already been through and stay there for 5 days to do it. That with the relocating and also talking with a young woman who went through Cleveland and loved them made up my mind for me.

Thank you again,
 

Skye

New member
Liza,

Thank you for taking the time to reply! The coordinator at Cleveland has always been good to return my calls and answer any questions<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It is the one person in the scheduling department that just "rubs me wrong". I have handed that part over to my husband and he is going to deal with her from now on. The fact that we don't have to relocate is a big draw for us. We don't have extendend family in this part of the country to help us out. It is just my husband and I and 8-yr. old daughter. The rest of my family is in KS<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Congratulations to Anna!! What you a beautiful family you have!

I also talked to Duke yesterday and they said I would have to redo most of all of the pre-transplant testing I have already been through and stay there for 5 days to do it. That with the relocating and also talking with a young woman who went through Cleveland and loved them made up my mind for me.

Thank you again,
 

Skye

New member
Liza,

Thank you for taking the time to reply! The coordinator at Cleveland has always been good to return my calls and answer any questions<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It is the one person in the scheduling department that just "rubs me wrong". I have handed that part over to my husband and he is going to deal with her from now on. The fact that we don't have to relocate is a big draw for us. We don't have extendend family in this part of the country to help us out. It is just my husband and I and 8-yr. old daughter. The rest of my family is in KS<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Congratulations to Anna!! What you a beautiful family you have!

I also talked to Duke yesterday and they said I would have to redo most of all of the pre-transplant testing I have already been through and stay there for 5 days to do it. That with the relocating and also talking with a young woman who went through Cleveland and loved them made up my mind for me.

Thank you again,
 

Skye

New member
Liza,

Thank you for taking the time to reply! The coordinator at Cleveland has always been good to return my calls and answer any questions<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It is the one person in the scheduling department that just "rubs me wrong". I have handed that part over to my husband and he is going to deal with her from now on. The fact that we don't have to relocate is a big draw for us. We don't have extendend family in this part of the country to help us out. It is just my husband and I and 8-yr. old daughter. The rest of my family is in KS<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Congratulations to Anna!! What you a beautiful family you have!

I also talked to Duke yesterday and they said I would have to redo most of all of the pre-transplant testing I have already been through and stay there for 5 days to do it. That with the relocating and also talking with a young woman who went through Cleveland and loved them made up my mind for me.

Thank you again,
 

Skye

New member
Liza,

Thank you for taking the time to reply! The coordinator at Cleveland has always been good to return my calls and answer any questions<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It is the one person in the scheduling department that just "rubs me wrong". I have handed that part over to my husband and he is going to deal with her from now on. The fact that we don't have to relocate is a big draw for us. We don't have extendend family in this part of the country to help us out. It is just my husband and I and 8-yr. old daughter. The rest of my family is in KS<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Congratulations to Anna!! What you a beautiful family you have!

I also talked to Duke yesterday and they said I would have to redo most of all of the pre-transplant testing I have already been through and stay there for 5 days to do it. That with the relocating and also talking with a young woman who went through Cleveland and loved them made up my mind for me.

Thank you again,
 

coltsfan715

New member
I know my post is a little late, but I wanted to say I am happy you have made the decision that seems best for you.

I also wanted to add that the next time you talk to your coordinator you may want to mention the difficulty you had with scheduling. I know that when I call my center they are very flexible with scheduling. I actually asked for specific dates for my evaluation and they were more than accomodating. Typically they call me to tell me when they have scheduled something, or when they need to schedule something (like lab work) and ask me the time I would like to come or the day IF it is negotiable from the doctors standpoint. If they do not call I usually get a schedule in the mail a few weeks before my next appointment.

I only say bring this up to your coordinator because they may not be aware of this woman/mans attitude. I know I had an issue with another patient shortly after my surgery (like 2 days after my surgery) and I told the nurse about it (I was still in hospital) and the next thing I knew the doctor was in my room asking me what happened. I don't know HOW it was handled but I know it was addressed with the other patient shortly after it occured. The doctors mode of thinking at my center is the less stress for the patient the better. Stress can cause all kinds of reactions within your body that you may not be prepared for, so they like to keep things simple and as easy as possible.

I hope that things go smoothly for you from now on. Best of luck in waiting and getting called when that time does come.

Love Lindsey
 

coltsfan715

New member
I know my post is a little late, but I wanted to say I am happy you have made the decision that seems best for you.

I also wanted to add that the next time you talk to your coordinator you may want to mention the difficulty you had with scheduling. I know that when I call my center they are very flexible with scheduling. I actually asked for specific dates for my evaluation and they were more than accomodating. Typically they call me to tell me when they have scheduled something, or when they need to schedule something (like lab work) and ask me the time I would like to come or the day IF it is negotiable from the doctors standpoint. If they do not call I usually get a schedule in the mail a few weeks before my next appointment.

I only say bring this up to your coordinator because they may not be aware of this woman/mans attitude. I know I had an issue with another patient shortly after my surgery (like 2 days after my surgery) and I told the nurse about it (I was still in hospital) and the next thing I knew the doctor was in my room asking me what happened. I don't know HOW it was handled but I know it was addressed with the other patient shortly after it occured. The doctors mode of thinking at my center is the less stress for the patient the better. Stress can cause all kinds of reactions within your body that you may not be prepared for, so they like to keep things simple and as easy as possible.

I hope that things go smoothly for you from now on. Best of luck in waiting and getting called when that time does come.

Love Lindsey
 

coltsfan715

New member
I know my post is a little late, but I wanted to say I am happy you have made the decision that seems best for you.

I also wanted to add that the next time you talk to your coordinator you may want to mention the difficulty you had with scheduling. I know that when I call my center they are very flexible with scheduling. I actually asked for specific dates for my evaluation and they were more than accomodating. Typically they call me to tell me when they have scheduled something, or when they need to schedule something (like lab work) and ask me the time I would like to come or the day IF it is negotiable from the doctors standpoint. If they do not call I usually get a schedule in the mail a few weeks before my next appointment.

I only say bring this up to your coordinator because they may not be aware of this woman/mans attitude. I know I had an issue with another patient shortly after my surgery (like 2 days after my surgery) and I told the nurse about it (I was still in hospital) and the next thing I knew the doctor was in my room asking me what happened. I don't know HOW it was handled but I know it was addressed with the other patient shortly after it occured. The doctors mode of thinking at my center is the less stress for the patient the better. Stress can cause all kinds of reactions within your body that you may not be prepared for, so they like to keep things simple and as easy as possible.

I hope that things go smoothly for you from now on. Best of luck in waiting and getting called when that time does come.

Love Lindsey
 

coltsfan715

New member
I know my post is a little late, but I wanted to say I am happy you have made the decision that seems best for you.

I also wanted to add that the next time you talk to your coordinator you may want to mention the difficulty you had with scheduling. I know that when I call my center they are very flexible with scheduling. I actually asked for specific dates for my evaluation and they were more than accomodating. Typically they call me to tell me when they have scheduled something, or when they need to schedule something (like lab work) and ask me the time I would like to come or the day IF it is negotiable from the doctors standpoint. If they do not call I usually get a schedule in the mail a few weeks before my next appointment.

I only say bring this up to your coordinator because they may not be aware of this woman/mans attitude. I know I had an issue with another patient shortly after my surgery (like 2 days after my surgery) and I told the nurse about it (I was still in hospital) and the next thing I knew the doctor was in my room asking me what happened. I don't know HOW it was handled but I know it was addressed with the other patient shortly after it occured. The doctors mode of thinking at my center is the less stress for the patient the better. Stress can cause all kinds of reactions within your body that you may not be prepared for, so they like to keep things simple and as easy as possible.

I hope that things go smoothly for you from now on. Best of luck in waiting and getting called when that time does come.

Love Lindsey
 

coltsfan715

New member
I know my post is a little late, but I wanted to say I am happy you have made the decision that seems best for you.

I also wanted to add that the next time you talk to your coordinator you may want to mention the difficulty you had with scheduling. I know that when I call my center they are very flexible with scheduling. I actually asked for specific dates for my evaluation and they were more than accomodating. Typically they call me to tell me when they have scheduled something, or when they need to schedule something (like lab work) and ask me the time I would like to come or the day IF it is negotiable from the doctors standpoint. If they do not call I usually get a schedule in the mail a few weeks before my next appointment.

I only say bring this up to your coordinator because they may not be aware of this woman/mans attitude. I know I had an issue with another patient shortly after my surgery (like 2 days after my surgery) and I told the nurse about it (I was still in hospital) and the next thing I knew the doctor was in my room asking me what happened. I don't know HOW it was handled but I know it was addressed with the other patient shortly after it occured. The doctors mode of thinking at my center is the less stress for the patient the better. Stress can cause all kinds of reactions within your body that you may not be prepared for, so they like to keep things simple and as easy as possible.

I hope that things go smoothly for you from now on. Best of luck in waiting and getting called when that time does come.

Love Lindsey
 
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