Afraid of coming to Mayo, but I need a diagnosis
I'm currently waiting to see if I can get an appointment with Mayo. I have a variety of issues and my doctors in my hometown don't have any answers for me. My cardiologist suggested that I go to Mayo. But the more I think about everything that could potentially be wrong, the more scared I get. Then I get more anxious and feel physically worse. Which then leads me to do more Google searches, find more obscure syndromes and conditions and the cycle continues. I want an answer and yet I don't know if I can emotionally handle it. I'm afraid of being 4 hours from my family and being told something is seriously wrong. Just the thought of that alone is enough to make me cry. I'm working myself into a panic attack and can't seem to stop these thoughts.
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Hi Jennifer,
They listen to you and give you a voice in your own care. I never felt like I was being treated as a guinea pig or a number at Mayo. Not one doctor or department I was referred to for testing ignored me as a patient. When they talk to you they look at you, they hear you and they are not closed off to suggestions or questions from a patient. They truly have patient care at the top of the list.
I too must post my enthusiasm for Mayo Clinic. I have been a patient at Mayo Jacksonville since 2006. I watched it grow from just Davis building to a hospital) and a dozen other buildings built since then.
I have the same heart failure and EP doctors that I saw in 2006. We have grown old together.
What I really love is when one specialist wants to do a new medication, they will say I have checked with your other medical providers, and they concur with the recommendation. They have what the call team approach to care. Their motto is "Patients First."
I also like the fact that I can have lab and x-rays done in the morning and when at an appointment in the afternoon the results are there.
The only drawback to Mayo 2006 and Mayo 2025 is the growth. If you go in the mornings, make extra time to find a parking space.
I am not a rich man, but I am a member of Legacy Program at Mayo Clinic and will be leaving a donation on death in my will. I donate to Mayo Clinic almost every month. One of my favorites is the Samaritan Fund. This fund is set up for those who do not have insurance to come to Mayo Clinic.
JC76,
I beg to differ, you are a rich man. You only have to look at the two best friends pictured to see that!! Thank you for sharing the information about the "Samaritan Fund."
I love, love Mayo I had a health issue, the Doctors work together so well. Some people may prolong their stay long after recovery. Because it's beautiful with chandeliers, the Dietary personal they are friendly they dress like upscale restaurants personal.Food is good too. My opinion if you have an illness, other hospital or Doctors can't seem to get to the root of it Mayo is where you want to go. I Thank Mayo for helping me
I went to the Mayo Clinic 2x in 2019. A close friend went with me as my advocate. It was a wonderful experience considering why I was there. I wanted to know what was wrong so I could be prepared for what was to come. Can you take someone with you as your advocate? I highly recommend them. The team of doctors I was assigned were wonderful. After a week there I went back for radiation on a brain tumor. They have kept in touch with me ever since. I have many unexplainable health issues that none of my local specialist can explain. Best wishes for you.
Mayo is literally the most magnificent health care facility I’ve ever seen. From the soothing music and art to every single member of their staff—Mayo makes you feel better as soon as you arrive on campus.
You are going to the right place. Be blessed in all that you do, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
@babyblues262 I know it feels like your concerns may have taken a back seat to people praising Mayo Clinic. Circling back to your concerns about getting to Mayo Clinic, worrying about something being wrong, have you gotten an appointment, yet? How are you feeling these days?
Ginger
Hi I had the best experience at Mayo Scottsdale. I have seronegative autoimmune disease which my local docs were unable to diagnose so I was unable to get any treatment. My quality of life had deteriorated so much, and I was desperate to find out what was wrong and get treatment. The docs/staff were so kind and good listeners. The processes were efficient. I stayed by myself at a local hotel for a week at a time during the testing. Not knowing and knowing are both scary. At different points in my disease, I have taken an antidepressant and or anxiety meds to help me get through difficult times. Before my disease, I was on Pepcid and all of a sudden, I was faced with taking scary drugs. Then medicine became my friend as it has helped me get part of my life back that I lost. I'm sorry you are feeling scared. As already suggested, you could take someone with you. I've also put my doc on speaker with family members when I've had to go alone. Sending support.
@shiver
Wow did you hit the nail on the head to me with your post.
Yes I love those two others in my picture. Both have brought so much joy and happiness to me. I sometimes look at them and wonder what I can do to make their lives more enjoyable. I am so lucky to have them, and I think that every day.
The care my wife and I have gotten at Mayo has improved our quality of life. I try to help others have that ability to come to Mayo. Whenever I see the lotto get high (and yes I do play) one of the things I think off (after family) if I won is what could I do for and at Mayo to help others deal with their illness and get the standard of treatment everyone deserves.