"I described in detail my actual stay, but to add some more... the ER was filthy...blood stains on the walls, filthy bathrooms. The staff was mixed. There were some excellent nurses with every desire to see that you were comfortable, but there were others that lacked in that extra spark. The facility is old and out dated. Most doors do not open manually or have handicap buttons so if you are going anyplace it's a start and stop fest. The curtain dividers in the ER and both my rooms were so nasty, I wonder if I contracted my UTI from touching them. There were missing "things" like personal TV's, clocks, working remotes/call buttons and such. When I was first discharged...I was handed my papers and basically patted on the back. I had to stop and rest three times before I got to the out door on the first floor. (I had been walking, but not 10 minutes worth all at once...hadn't built up to that) My surgeon is a dream and I would still go with him knowing the condition of the hospital. The did know to bring the shakes up and I never saw a tray so no temptation! "
"My first actual look at Dr. Pohl was at the Post Opp support group held on the third thursday at Roger Williams Hospital. I (info was lost so I'm picking it back up from here) went to the first consultation with my husband. We both had specific questions in mind and Dr. Pohl was able to answer then with ease and confidence. He laid it all out on the line and went over the standard opperating proceedures. He also voiced all the "what ifs" and problems that could arise from this surgery. My husband has not been a part of my research so most if it was new to him. Me on the other hand, knew just about everything that came out of Dr. Pohl's mouth so I just nodded my head and kept quiet. I did learn a thing or two though. Like they reconnect the main stomich to the lower intestines so that the juices can meet up with what little food you eat and help digest it!
I went to the appointment with most of my pre op testing scheduled so that I could have a quicker surgery date. After my appointment, I was so eagar to have a date for my last pre op test that I called back to Dr. Pohl's office three times to clarify, ask questions and double check. The lady who answered the phones was constantly curtious, polite and very knowledgable. That's such a breath of fresh air.
Some things I wished I knew before going to Dr. Pohl. He is young. Like mid 30ies. He's been doing this surgery for 2 1/2 years. As of May 2003 he's preformed about 200 of these surgeries, with only one lost. That patient was two month post op and to date Dr. Pohl does not know what the patient died from as he's yet to see an autopsy. He does about 5 surgeries a week. He attends his support groups, or at least try to make an appearence. He's from Germany, has a small accent and has a cut and dry sense of humor. He can come across very shy or reserved, but if you engage him in conversation, he will respond. He's also is very serious about this proceedure, asks lots of questions about all aspects of your life, from what your eating pattern is to medical history.
I will update about his aftercare, surgery and support as time goes on. Feel free to email me about Dr. Pohl."
