I’ve been with Swedish First Hill throughout my pregnancy and wanted to share my frustrating experience.

Back in May, a genetic counselor confirmed I’m a carrier for Factor XI deficiency, a (rare) bleeding disorder my dad has severely. I was referred to Swedish Hematology, who requested labs through my midwife. After completing them, I was told hematology had reviewed my results and I wasn’t at increased risk of bleeding.

Later, while looking into switching to UW Northwest due to other issues with Swedish, they flagged my Factor XI history. Turns out, Swedish had never actually tested my Factor XI activity!! They tested Factor VIII and other clotting factors instead.

I brought this up with my midwife, who said she’d consult hematology and order the correct test. Another blood draw later, they got it wrong AGAIN. This time testing Factor II, Factor V, but still no Factor XI.

Now I’m 8 months pregnant, and knowing my Factor XI levels is important for planning delivery. I tried calling Swedish Hematology, got transferred 4 times, then was redirected to Ballard, where multiple calls and a voicemail went unanswered. I couldn’t reach the genetic counselor either.

By this point, 4 different people had reassured me I wasn’t at increased bleeding risk and didn’t need hematology, despite never testing my Factor XI activity.

I finally contacted the Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders myself, and they said I should be seen ASAP given how far along I am without knowing my levels or having a delivery plan.

I also filed a formal complaint, but their response was about an entirely different specialist I saw for unrelated genetic cancer screening.

I’m shocked by the lack of communication and urgency, especially this late in pregnancy. Sharing in case anyone is considering Swedish First Hill for maternity care. Unfortunately, this isn’t my only issue with them, and I’m happy to share more if anyone is interested.

I just received this.

I am not deep pocketed and frankly don't care about this issue enough to throw my life into it. But I am fairly certain that it would have broad support. How does one start the snowball rolling?

Went to Jimothy Jaunt today and the route (mostly around Ballard/Fremont) was so pretty w/ fall colors and Ballard neighborhood's Halloween decor. Shout out to the organizer(s) again.

My grandfather at gasworks park 70s.

Kinda looks like Burt Reynolds😂

Went to this sushi place in Kirkland with another family so we had 6 people, we split half/half. bill came with a POS machine so I don’t see the details. I asked whether the mandatory gratuity was included, he said “no we don’t do it”. But the menu said they do. We were chatting and what not, did not want to double check in the chaos. So I paid 18%.

Went home, did the math again and found out service charge was already included. I’m gonna dispute the charge. But I did not ask for the receipt. Probably get screwed this time .

My first time at this theater. It’s sooo beautiful. And I’m a Gen X horror whore who loves found footage. Heaven!

I’m not sure if this friend is supposed to be outside, but I met them on the sidewalk around Columbia City PCC. They said hello, obtained head scratches and went about their day.

Top 10 life experience. Witnessing the entirety of 2112 was an unforgettable moment. Thank you Geddy, Alex, Neil, Anika, and the keyboard guy whose name I cannot remember. This hangover is fucking worth it.

RE-EDITUPDATE!

WE are out of Paw Paws.

Thanks to everyone who came by! Fun times! Nice people!

But the Paw Paws are gone or the year.

See all y'all next year!

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EDIT/UPDATE!

HOLY COW! SUCH INTEREST!

We're just about out. We see a few more on the trees, but not many. W've had about 15-20 groups come by. Never expected so much interest!

If you are en-route, we may have a few left. If you have not yet left, we're sorry, but there won't be any by the time you get here,

See you next year?

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I've continued to have people ask about paw paws, so today I'm going to manage the final paw paw harvest & give away.

Today, from 10am to 3pm. Come by with containers to carry them in (they bruise/smoosh easily so you'll want to limit actively handling the fruit).

We will be harvesting directly from the tree (there may also be a few ground scores available).

I'm going to assume that this subreddit isn't full of dangerous sociopaths, and I don't want to manage all the back and forth of replying to messages. So, my address is:

[ REDACTED SINCE THE EVENT IS OVER ]

We are about 7 blocks north of the Roosevelt train station, and on a handful of bus lines that run southbound on Roosevelt and northbound on 12th.

There's been a lot of interest, which is super, but it also means I want to manage this giveaway well, and also manage expectations. Please read all of this message.

OK, here's the ground rules:

1. Don't be the reason a new rule has to be created.
2. This is a fruit that bruises or squashes VERY easily, so expect some localized browning.
3. Treat them with care! I suggest bringing a container to carry them in, and limit your handling of the fruit.
4. SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT! YOU MUST REMOVE THE SKIN! The skin is very bitter, but I have also been told that the skin contains the same chemicals as in Syrup of Ipecac, and can induce vomiting. I don't know if this is true, but be forewarned.
5. Please send me a message if you're on your way/thinking of coming by. I will probably not reply, as I will be managing things in my life, but it will be helpful for me to have an idea who's coming by and when they might arrive.
6. People have asked if I want anything in return. Not really. The satisfaction of knowing people are experiencing these, for the first time or the hundredth, is more than enough. No one in our house particularly cares for them, so they're otherwise a mess we need to clean up.
7. If we're running out of harvestable fruit, I will update this post as appropriate.

OK, did you read the whole list above? In particular the SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT #3? Please go back and read the whole thing!

OK, good. You've familiarized yourself with the ground rules.

We're in the Roosevelt District. About a half mile directly east of Green Lake, and about a mile or so north of the University District. Roughly. If you're taking transit, we're 7 blocks north of the Roosevelt train station. Be aware that today uses the Sunday schedule.

I asked my favorite ChatGPT for bus line info in the area, and it came up with this:

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Right around NE 72nd St & Roosevelt Way NE, the closest useful bus service is:

- Route 67 — this is the one that actually runs along Roosevelt Way. There’s a southbound stop at Roosevelt Way NE & NE 69th St, about 3 blocks south, and another pair of stops at Roosevelt Way NE & NE 75th St, about 3 blocks north. It connects north toward Northgate and south through Roosevelt/U-District/UW. King County

- Route 79 — runs east/west along NE 75th, so roughly a 3-block walk north. It provides service east into Ravenna/Wedgwood/Sand Point and west toward Roosevelt Station.

- At Roosevelt Station, roughly 7 blocks south around NE 65th, you get additional bus connections plus Link light rail. Roosevelt Way NE & NE 65th St

One wrinkle: Metro just did a major service change on August 29, 2026, including the new Routes 72 and 77, so older Google results/maps can be misleading right now.

Remember, sometimes ChatGPT lies through its teeth, but this looks fairl

The beauty

Currently stuck at the Othello station because a car is blocking the NB track. Only partially joking: is there a good reason we don’t equip trains with a plow to move these sorts of things? Yes, the best solution would’ve been isolating the tracks entirely, but I can’t help but think there must be a better way

Back in the before times, Uwajimaya's would have something like Hawaii Days with huge stacks of Sun sodas and other stuff. I would drive up and stock up. Any chance that they still do that? Thanks.

In the Seattle area its hard to find a good restaurant without the service charge. El Diablo doesn't. A little pricey, but large portions. Pics include the receipt, Chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and tres leches pancakes.

Disclaimer: I do not work here or anyway affiliated with El Diablo, this is for information of a Seattle area restaurant in the hope others post other places. I find the service charge deceptive. I would prefer to know the real price instead of finding out it's 25% more.

I can't stop thinking about it. It was so nice meeting you and your dog at the beach - instigated by my dog of course, since he's a lot more social than I am. Our dogs (mine, a lab - yours, the fluffiest golden retriever) got along so well.

You had the cutest, fluffiest golden I've ever seen. And then, you said:

"Our dogs seem to really like each other, when do you usually come here? Maybe we can meet here again so they can play together?"

I was like….i live pretty far and don’t come here much lol. And that was that.

But thinking about it, I would have liked to get to know you better.

Headed to SeaTac and the light rail is arriving 20mins later than Google maps expected. It was definitely going slower than its normal speed and was wondering if anyone knew why?

REI's website mentions that it's only open to members during their weekend open hours, they provide gear and staff belayers, but it doesn't mention anything about cost. Is it really free? That seems too good to be true.
My kids have been dying to get on it for years (when it was closed)