Working With Amazing Medical Professionals

I just got off the phone with Dr. Salomonson's office manager, Debbie. We scheduled my first post-op appointment for the Friday after surgery when I will hopefully get my drains out before the weekend. My plan is to move my arms and torso as little as possible those first few days to keep the swelling to a minimum. It would be so nice to get the drains out Friday instead of having to wait until the following week. Debbie is an incredibly nice, pleasant and helpful person. I have called her many times with many questions, and she is always so patient and professional with me. Dr. Salomonson responds consistently and quickly to emails I have sent her about the specifics of my chest surgery. I feel fortunate to have ended up with a doctor and office like this one.

Dr. Knox is an amazing human being and doctor. She was actually very instrumental in me getting my job at the Center, as she is on the board of directors. I think she is a gynecological and surgical genius. She seems to know everything about everything and is pretty darn modest about it. I look up to Dr. Knox for many reasons and consider her to be a role model. Her office staff are pretty awesome too. Manya, who coordinates Dr. Knox's surgeries, has been very helpful and responsive to my many questions and inquiries. I am grateful that they are a part of my health care team.

I've also dealt some with Saint John's Health Center where I will be having my surgeries. I have dealt with the Admissions and Financial Counseling office numerous times as I've worked on gathering financial information and various contact information. The people I have spoken with on the phone have all been pleasant and helpful.

I can't think of a bad experience I've had so far. I feel very fortunate and am very grateful that the medical professionals I am working with are treating me with such dignity, respect and courtesy. I hear so many horror stories about people's trials and tribulations navigating the American health care system. I'm still 6 weeks away from my surgeries, so bad things could still happen, but I don't think that they will. Very few logistical details still need my attention, so I just can't imagine anything horrible happening. I expect that people will continue to be helpful and that my pre-op appointments will go smoothly as long as I come prepared with all of my questions and concerns. Saint John's has an excellent reputation, so I expect surgery day to run smoothly as well. If, when this is all said and done, I can talk about a truly positive experience with the American health care system, I will be so, so lucky. But I know that I have to continue to do my part and be a responsible patient.