National Jewish Health: Denver

Oct 1

I recently made the trip to Denver to visit with the sarcoidosis team at National Jewish Health (NJH) Denver, Colorado.

Overall Care

The entire process; from scheduling my week-long appointments, to meeting the team and developing a plan exceeding my expectations. I was assigned a care liaison, and they coordinated my initial set of appointments and tests, and served as a point person during my stay.

I met with my sarcoid specialist on the first and last day of my trip, which was a new and welcome approach for me.

The entire team was well versed in the complicated nuances of sarcoid, and provided a clear plan for follow-up testing and potential treatments. They also took a human approach; noting how rare my presentation is, and the fact that they may not have all the answers.

A team of medical specialists working together and generating a care plan with the goals and objectives of the patient may seem like common sense. However, it’s simply not the case, and I’m grateful for the team at NJH. For the first time in years, I felt the entire team was working on a shared goal, rather than being siloed in their individual specialties.

My version of sarcoid is unique. and having a complicated disease, with a complicated presentation is by no means easy to treat or manage. At the same time, I appreciate the collaborative approach the NJH team took with my care.

Flights

I elected not to rent a car, and took the train from DIA into the city, then took an uber to my Air B&B, with a total trip cost of $20. I took an Uber directly from the hospital back to DIA during rush hour on a weekday, and the total trip was around $45.

Lodging

There are not many hotels within short walking distance to the hospital. I usually like to stay as close as possible, so I can walk to the hospital and also go back to my room and rest between appointments.

I stayed at an Air B&B, a few blocks from NJH. It was really convenient and the dedicated suite was incredibly comfortable and provided a private space after appointments.
If you prefer hotels, I’d consider the Cherry Creek or Glendale, as there are a number of hotels and restaurants in those areas.

NJH does offer free valet parking, so if you do need to stay a few miles away, parking is convenient and easy.

Food

For me, part of the appeal of an Air B&B is cooking my own food. As an ostomy patient, sometimes eating out can introduce new or adventurous dishes that don’t always agree with me. Plus, cooking provides a bit of stress relief during my time away from family.

Sprouts Market and Trader Joes are all within a close proximity to the hospital.
There is a Chick-fil-A across the street from the hospital, as well as a cafeteria in NJH in case you need something quick.
I’ve heard great things about Fox Run Cafe, as well as 9 Thai Restaurant, which are also right around the corner.
For coffee, I stopped at Lula Rose each morning (and sometimes during lunch) before my appointments. The drip coffee and breakfast sandwich food options were fantastic. Plus it’s a comfortable spot to sit and relax, and the people were truly kind.