We had to go to Flagstaff again this week for my follow up appointment with the surgeon. They took out more of the stitches but not all. There is one place that is a skin fold that is not healing as quickly as the rest of the incision. I have lost another 3 pounds since last week, for a total of 39 pounds lost since this ordeal began. My doctor wants me to loose about 46 more pounds. I hope I can. We made another appointment in two weeks for them to look at it again. Other than that one place, everything looks great and I am doing quite well, considering the extent of my surgery.
Because Travel Lodge messed up our room reservation last time and were not very accommodating about it, we decided to try a different hotel. This time we chose Springhill Suites by Marriott. I called the location in Flagstaff directly instead of calling the 800 number or reserving online, because I wanted to be sure that I got a handicap accessible room that would sleep three adults, because Becky is here taking care of me. I even spoke to the general manager, and he assured me that we would have a room with grab bars in the bathroom and a shower large enough to fit my shower chair.
When we arrived, the room did have the handicap accessible amenities that I needed, but it only had one king bed. Fabgrandpa was very upset and told them in no uncertain terms that it was not acceptable. They finally did accommodate us, by giving us the adjoining room for Becky at no additional charge. There was a door between the rooms that made it easy to just walk back and forth between the rooms. However, the A/C unit in our room did not work. It was hot and uncomfortable.
Becky went down and talked to the people at the desk, and they offered to move us to another handicap accessible room one floor up. So, Becky kept the room she was given to start with, and Fabgrandpa and I moved up one floor.And we found out that when making a reservation for a specific type of room, you have to ask the clerk you are talking with to “block” the room. If a room is blocked, they can not change you to another room. Personally, I do not understand how a hotel or motel can change your room from a handicap accessible room to a different kind of room. Who is going to specifically ask for a handicap room if they don’t need it? I certainly wouldn’t and never have.
After all that was done, and we were situated, I have to say that it was a very nice room. The bathroom was large, with grab bars by the toilet and in the shower stall.
Their was also a built in shower chair, which was very nice to have. There was a telephone next to the toilet, too. The sleeping room was huge! And what a comfortable bed!
Even with all the hassle at check in and with the non working A/C in the first room, I would stay there again. The regular rate for this hotel is $129 a night, but with a medical discount it came to $84 plus tax, making it $92.
While we were in Flagstaff, we went to New Frontiers for some groceries and supplies. I love that store! They always arrange their produce to be so pretty! I got some chard, which I love, and some basil and fresh mozzarella cheese. I took advantage of their electric cart to get around the store:
Looks like a spacious room. Glad they came through after they messed up, twice. I’ve been looking at Mariott’s for my Chicago visit in September. Mostly because I’ll earn points towards discounts and flight miles.
Really like the little flag on your cart. 😉
I’ll stop by Friday if that’s OK.
Having traveled a fair amount this last year we have had some difficulties with reservations sometimes too. Maybe being sure to write down the full name (if they will give it) of the person taking your reservation, plus the time and date, etc. will be of some use. I have found that asking for the name, etc. in dealing with the phone answering folks in other areas of business, seems to have an effect. I guess they better understand that if you want their name, maybe they better get it right?
You have certainly been through an awful ordeal!! Hope things will improve in the future!! I am wondering if you had celiac disease that caused this problem? We have gluten issues in our family.
I have been eating a gluten free diet since 2006, but have never been tested for celiac because I have no health insurance. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me I was celiac because I had many symptoms of it. I was told that I have colitis and diverticulitis, so who knows what really caused my problem. I know I am getting better and am really really glad to be alive.
You look great! I hope you are feeling as well as you look.
You are looking well, Karen! I’ve always had pretty good luck with Marriott properties and I’m glad they were able to get you into another room with working A/C.