Valley Medical Center

July 9 I had total right knee replacement surgery performed by Dr. Barrett. I was terrified, having had a really bad experience with replacement of my left knee at Virginia Mason in Seattle, nine years earlier. It seems that I fall within the 1% of lucky (not) people who rapidly lay down scar tissue before physical therapy can get the knee manipulated. I have obstructive sleep apnea, so am also not able to be anesthetized under general anesthesia. I have lousy, small, rolling veins, and, in past hospital procedures have been dealt much misery with the IV and blood draws.



What a wonderful surprise, from start to finish! The competent, friendly intake nurse (Lola, I think) was able to draw the blood and install the IV needle with NO PAIN. Competent, friendly, caring would be adjectives to describe every person I interacted with at Valley from start to finish. The nurses were all responsive and kind, and, in my opinion, go above and beyond for the patients' comfort. I regard Dr. Barrett as a miracle worker.



The food was excellent--I, too learned that you'd better get your orders in between those 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. hours, but that was a minor blip.



Personally, I can't think of enough good things to say about my whole experience with this surgery. I am nearing the end of my physical therapy, also at Valley, and, again, have nothing but praise for my care and treatment.

The number they have listed just rings and rings... the phone number I found that actually works is

425-228-3440.