Three follow-up visits in and I've already got a whole saga to tell. I'm not entirely sure if I've just been lucky or if I'm simply the kind of guy who's impossible to forget (probably because I talk too much and lean hard into the cheesy jokes), but the staff recognizes me the moment I walk through the door. Which, honestly, feels pretty good.
The timing of all this couldn't have been more fun. My wife had to leave for a business trip right after my first emergency surgery post-op appointment, because apparently life doesn't believe in easing you in gently. On both visits since, staff members have asked how she's doing. Unprompted. That's not something you expect, and it's not something you forget.
Everyone I've dealt with, the folks at check-in, the people taking my vitals, whoever happens to glance at my chart, has been genuinely, actually kind. Not the performed kind. The real kind. I live in Annapolis and can't drive right now, so I've been at the mercy of my insurance company's non-emergency transport, which I can only describe as "adventurous." The staff has never once made me feel like a hassle when I need to reschedule because my ride situation decided to improvise.
At my last appointment, my PA had real concerns about how my wound was healing and was seriously weighing readmission. The doctor opted to give antibiotics another shot, but both of them were crystal clear: fever, anything off, call an ambulance. Don't wait, don't overthink it. They're well acquainted with my transportation adventures at this point. The antibiotics seem to be holding up their end of the deal, and knowing they were that invested in keeping me safe meant more than I expected it to.
Back again next week.
My wife and I have had more hospital experience than either of us would like since moving here, mostly because of her ongoing health issues. This place has been different. Usually getting a straight answer from a medical team feels like a hostage negotiation, but during my ICU stay they kept my wife informed every step of the way. Because of them, I still have my leg. That story deserves its own review, and it'll get one.
For now, I'm just really glad to be in hands this good.