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Mary Ellen
08-27-2007, 11:39 AM
Hello All,

I would like to share my experiences and advice regarding the Cleveland Clinic. Everyone was so helpful in offering their advice and it really came in handy when I took my mother there recently.

Travel from airport: I would highly recommend using a car service, especially if you are traveling with a senior patient or if you are having mobility issues. I used the service the CC recommended, Shima: Cleveland: 216.481.1888
Toll Free: 888.546.6288. They were prompt and professional. The cost was only around $40. and they pick you up right at baggage claim.

Hotel: We stayed at the Cleveland Clinic Guest House: 877-707-8999 reservations 216-707-4200 hotel direct line. It is literally across the street from the clinic. The rates are very reasonable. If you find that your stay will be longer sign up for their extended weekly/monthly rates immediately (they won't do it retroactively)...saves about $20. per day. Call ahead if you need special accommodations for your room. They were great. When I was there a few weeks ago, they were completely booked...so call as soon as you can. They also have laundry rooms on each floor and refrigerators in the rooms.

Food: The little Chicago Deli, in the hotel, was surprisingly good and inexpensive. They serve all three meals. And, to all of the HCMA members who suggested the desserts, they are THE BEST. They are delivered to the restaurant fresh every morning and are gone by mid-day. I would suggest the carrot cake and any one of the fabulous cheese cakes. If you do not feel like going out, the best delivery pizza is Denatos....they deliver to the hotel (the front desk has coupons and info).
The cafeteria at the hospital is also quite nice. It has fast food restaurants and a nice variety of fresh foods and things that you can get to go.

Daily travel to the Clinic: The hotel always seems to have a few wheel chairs in the lobby. If you are traveling there with someone, it is just out the back door and across the street. The hotel has shuttles that come frequently. Ask for maps at the front desk...each shuttle has a "color" that takes you to different buildings.

At the Clinic: There are greeters at every main entrance called “transporters.” If you are traveling alone, they have wheel chairs and will take you to the registration desk. After each test, they will call a transporter to take you to the next test or building.

Clinic in general: The staff at the Cleveland Clinic is so well trained and personable. EVERYONE was pleasant and treated my mother with dignity.
Also, the medical consierge desk at the clinic will give you recommendations about travel, etc: 1-800-223-2273 or 216-445-5580.

Dr. Harry Lever: My mother saw Dr. Lever, an extremely intelligent and knowledgeable professional, if not just a bit quirky. If you are seeing Dr. Lever, come prepared with specific questions and you will receive direct answers. He is a very compassionate person and I would recommend him highly.

Everyone here at HCMA has been so great. Lisa Salberg spent so much time with me; helping me choose the right physician and facility for my mother.

If anyone has specific questions, PLEASE feel free to email me.

Wishing you the best,
Mary Ellen

Reenie
08-27-2007, 02:40 PM
Thank you for posting this. I'm happy to see you had a good visit with Dr. Lever. Your comments will undoubtedly help someone else who is a newbie to the Cleveland Clinic scene!

Cocoliso
09-05-2007, 10:27 PM
Thanks for the info Mary Ellen. I'm leaving for CCF on the 29th of October. I did have one question though which I have already emailed to Dr. Lever about knowing how long the stay is. I know it's difficult to know beforehand how much time I'll need or if they will perform any other evaluation or something else right away but since I'm coming from such a long way (Panama) I'm trying to get my timetable down pat and see if all gets done so I don't have to fly back. Did they specify how long a stay for your Mom or did you just go for the appointment and testing.
Thanks for any info.
Mari:confused:

Lisa Salberg
09-06-2007, 06:33 AM
You are taking a long trip, and I do think your health is worth it! A few keys to knowing how long it will take will be to think about the options available to you. If surgery is an option, you should plan on a 2 week stay to have testing and surgery at the same time but you really should call the office and let them know in advance that surgery is in your sights and to please book it now. If your gradient is over 50mmhg and meds are not working and your symptoms are increasing these are good indications that surgery may be an option.

If you need an ICD (check the list of high risk factors). Then I would plan on a week, not for everyone but just for those traveling in from other countries.

Most appointments for evaluation and management planning take one or two days. Given the distance I would plan on 2 days and if it is shorter there are some museums to visit if you feel up to it.

Best wishes,
Lisa

Cocoliso
09-06-2007, 11:47 AM
Thanks for the heads up Lisa! I'm planning for 10 days since I'll probably get an ICD but if not then Hooray! for me and I'll do some sightseeing in the area!
Mari