She said “ok let me get someone to give you a tour, please sign in”. My heart began beating faster again as I imagined this could have very well been my day to check in as a patient, I said “I’d like to get more information on your program”. Through the front door I entered into a small reception area that had a fake electric fireplace, a couple of chairs, reception desk and a person behind the desk, she asked what she could do for me. The building looks like it is in the shape of a wide “V” and was not as 1965 looking as I thought it would be, there are two floors but being built on a hill you walk into the top floor and the next floor is below you. My heart started to beat a little faster for some reason as I parked in front of the entry door and was keenly aware of people looking at me as I got out of my car, probably just a natural reaction for them. The first thing I notice is a young woman in front wearing what looked like pajamas and a robe, she was smoking while talking on a cell phone. As you drive down the steep driveway you are immediately visible to the staff at the reception desk and offices that are in front with large windows. The property is a steep hill and the building is built on that hill. The neighborhood looks like a lower economical class neighborhood but I just kept reminding myself that it was built in 1965 and back then it was probably just trees, birds and squirrels in a more remote location. I was dropping a friend off at SeaTac airport and it was only about 8 minutes from there. It is located in the very southern part of Seattle very close to Burien’s city limits off of Ambaum which is a busy 4 way street running north and south. Really I was trying to get a feel for it and pick up on some vibes about making a commitment to go there to turn my emotions inside out with strangers. So today I decided to stop by the hospital unannounced to see first hand what the facility and staff are like. This is a long one…sorry but I’ve tried to keep this entry objective to give you a better picture as to what you might expect. Later that night the nurse came into my room to check my BP again and give me meds for anxiety, high BP and something to sleep. Then back to my room where I said good bye to my wife about 9pm, there were no tears just hugs and kisses. We sat in my room and talked for a while until a nurse came in to do an initial medical intake such as blood pressure, body temp, height, weight, a test for TB, medical history, drinking habits and history. All in all my wife got a very good feeling about this place and so do I. I’m lucky because I dont have a room mate now but tomorrow I get transfered out of detox and will most likely get a roommate.Īfter Lisa showed us where my room will be she took us around the first floor and we saw the nursing station, sleeping rooms, snack area, TV Lounge, exercise room and smoking area. There is a shared closet and a shared bathroom that connects to the other room. We were led to my detox room that has a nice open view of thick trees, two beds, two chairs, two night stands with lamps. When the initial paperwork was done Lisa gave me my set of scrubs, a bathrobe, T-shirt and a pair of socks. One interesting note is that all the doctors are independently contracted to the hospital and not employees, not sure why? There is a mountain of paper work and you sign your name to everything then you get your picture taken. Lisa was the person that went through the check in process with me. It was about 7pm on a Thursday when we walking into the front reception area and greeted by Mac at the front Desk. That was all I needed to hear and I knew things were going to be fine for me and for us. She pulled in front, turn off the car and said this is it, I love you. Since I was hung over and nervous about checking in we did not have much conversation in the car on the way there. God bless her for being able to handle me when I need it. The night before my check in I had a pretty heavy bender that scared me and my wife so she said no more waiting, you’re going in now. I have a rotator cuff injury and my tooth has been bothering me, I thought those should be taken care of first. I was ok with the decision to go in but thought I would have more time to get ready for it mentally and physically. Yesterday my wife drove me to the Schick Schadel Hostpital to check me in as a patient.
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