MDA day

Today we got up at a eye opening 4 am to drive to Mt. Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. The weather at the start was raining when we set of around 4:40 am. I like to think of myself as a good driver, but when driving in the dark in the rain....well, my nerves get fried real quick. We needed to arrive by 8, and thinking we have enough time, we take 95 instead of Rt 301. Once we got to Woodbridge, we ran into trouble.
Now, for those who do not know this, driving in Washington D.C. traffic is different. Different as in you are stuck in rush hour traffic jams at very odd hours. It is 5:50 in the morning, and we are at a standstill on I95. I have learned my lesson. Take 301. It may be a bit longer as far as mileage, but the traffic is not nearly as bad.
We arrived about 15 minutes late, but Joan had not yet started the class and people were filling out paperwork. There were 3 presenters; Joan, LaMonte, and Joe. We found out they are known as "Patient Advocates" who help the patients with any needs and get answers to questions. These folks are quite good at what they do.
The class we attended is called MDA day, (Multidisciplinary Assessment Day). It is designed to provide the patient with a opportunity to learn about their surgery, ask questions, and find out about rehabilitation - while in a supportive setting. The class takes about 2 hours, and after words Susan had some blood work done. Afterwards, Joan and LaMonte took us across the street to the Hackerman - Patz House. This is where we will be staying in between surgeries.
The manager of Hackerman - Patz House is Bill Turner. When you first meet him, you get a big hello, and a great smile. He took the time to show us around, and really made us feel right at home. I really liked the place, for it is right across the street from the hospital, and it is small, just 10 rooms. We heard stories of who had stayed there - one woman came all the way from Hong Kong. In the foyer there is a map of the world with push pins all over it. Each push pin showed where someone came from. China, Africa, Europe, you name it, it had a pin. It was amazing.
After the tour, Susan and I got lunch from the hospital cafeteria. The food there is quite good. We then drove home, arriving home to lonely but very happy dogs. What a day!

-m