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What to expect and chances of getting in?

Visiting Mayo Clinic | Last Active: Jul 18 3:06pm | Replies (25)
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@sbtheplumber1

@jenniferhunter sorry you went thru so much I’ve been turned away by 4 Neuro surgeons. The one that done my L4 -S1 fusion says everything is structurally sound no scar tissue, no pinched nerves (liar my pain doctor just pointed out Monday my MRI from October shows a pinched nerve at L3 so he has left me miserable with severe pinched nerves ) last 4 visits never got me out of a wheelchair to check my back. I hope to hear from Mayo sooner than the 4-6 weeks since the nerves are getting pinched more everyday. Not sure which way to go if not accepted since the other 3 surgeons don’t want to redo his work and not sure if I want him to redo his work honestly . Now the issue I hope some of you can answer if I’m accepted at Mayo it’s a 9 hour drive that I’m not sure I could do in one day. If I get a hotel not sure how I would sleep since I’ve not been able to sleep in a bed for 3 weeks so finding a place to stay with a comfy recliner is going to be hard. If I fly which I’ve never done not sure how I would handle any delays or lay overs let alone get around in an airport since I can’t walk very far . If anyone has any suggestions do I can start checking into accommodations when I get the phone call ( I’m believing and praying I’m going to) I can be prepared and not stressed out Thanks in advance for any help

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Replies to "@jenniferhunter sorry you went thru so much I’ve been turned away by 4 Neuro surgeons. The..."
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 26 5:30pm

@sbtheplumber1, I'm confident that @jenniferhunter will have suggestions for you. She is so helpful, especially in back issues.

With respect to your finding a suitable hotel with a recliner in Rochester or other Mayo Clinic location, I recommend contacting Mayo Clinic's Concierge Services.

@cheyennepeterson and her colleagues can recommend options for you:
Concierge services
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
By phone 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday: 507-538-8438
Email: concierge@mayo.edu

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Jun 26 11:08pm

@sbtheplumber1 I am doing well. Even though I was turned down by 5 spine surgeons prior to coming to Mayo, it was the right thing because those surgeons missed the diagnosis. They didn't have confidence in knowing what was causing the symptoms, so they should not operate if they don't completely understand the issues.

From what I understand, your spine surgery was a year ago. You are having L3 nerve issues, but the operated levels were L4 to S1, correct? It is possible that further surgery could make you worse off than you are now, and only a specialist can make that call. Prior to my spine surgery, my physical therapist was buying me time by doing myofascial release and using a Dolphin Neurostimulator on the nerve roots in my neck to disrupt pain signals. That prevented pain for about a week. All surgery creates scar tissue, and myofascial release may be something to try to see if it helps loosen the tight tissue. I have done a lot of work on my scar tissue both from my cervical spine surgery and surgery for a fractured ankle. It has helped a lot. Time helps too, and perhaps a year isn't long enough. Another surgery will add more scar tissue. I am 4 years out from the ankle fracture and have just recently improved a lot, and I'm now walking without pain.

If you do get an appointment at Mayo, I would recommend looking at Candlewood Suites for accommodations. They do have kitchens and recliners in the room and you can add pillows as needed to make it comfortable. I would recommend requesting a handicap accessible room that has a roll-in shower. Those are usually on the first floor, and I stayed in rooms like that with my ankle fracture when I could not weight bear at all. You would need someone to accompany you to drive. In Rochester, there is a hotel shuttle to Mayo (and most Rochester hotels have them). My drive between my home and Mayo was 5 and a half hours, and I did fine right after my surgeries coming home in the car. I was uncomfortable because of the surgery, and the drive didn't make it any worse. If you do get to go to Mayo, you'll find a way to figure out the travel part of it.

Here is our discussion where you can learn about Myofascial Release which is a type of physical therapy.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

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