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Getting your first appointment
I have so many questions about this. Do I have to have a PCP referral to make an appointment? How about health records? I have many problems, the most prevalent right now is swollen legs and feet and have been seeing a few doctors in my area but no one seems to be able to help. I have had sonogram tests (blood movement is fine with no clots), an echocardiogram (heart is working well), but my legs stay swollen and stiff. I also have terrible pain in my knees due to osteoarthritis and neuropathy in both legs (I have to use a walker). Must I diagnose myself? - how do i know which department at Mayo to start with? This is in addition to if they will take my Medicare and BCBS. Mayo has such a great reputation that I just feel they could help me get my life back. Thanks to anyone with any answers or ideas.
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Thank you so much for sharing your story. Much of what you said truly resonated with me. I have never met medical personnel who are as caring and as kind as those at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I have had doctors apologize for keeping me waiting and that has never happened outside the Mayo Clinic. I really do want to encourage anyone who has lost hope with their current medical treatment(or lack of it) to seek help at the Mayo Clinic. You do not need a referral....sometimes you need to just show up!
You are welcome @bernese53! Have you also noticed that it can be intimidating for your home doctors? That's where I am right now. After experiencing Mayo, it almost feels like some of my medical care has been 3rd world-ish. It's really troubling but then, that's how I ended up at Mayo to begin with. It is hard to go back to less than.
No kidding! I am in Rochester now having a bunch of tests done....mainly follow-up. If only I could come to Mayo for routine care!
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1 ReactionThat's exactly what I hope to do! How long are you there? I'm flying in Saturday (due to threat of ice storms) for a week, possibly 2. Maybe you can join me for a turkey sandwich at Kayler if still in town!
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1 ReactionI am staying at the Grand Kahler and am leaving Sunday. When are you coming in on Saturday?
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1 ReactionI should be there by 3! Dinner?
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1 ReactionThank you, @chicagomichelle, for sharing your personal experience. As I read it, emotional tears filled my eyes, because I lived some of the same sights and sounds and caring at Mayo, Rochester. Mayo is indeed a special place. It is almost impossible to explain it; it has to be experienced to be believed!
I hope that your upcoming appointments go well for you.
Stay safe. Rosemary
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1 Reaction@chicagomichelle, @bernese53
Enjoy! Enjoy your dinner, and a new friendship!
If you two need to exchange personal contact information, you can do so thru private messaging by clicking on the envelope icon on top of this page.
Rosemary
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1 Reaction@rosemarya, thank you so much. It is quite true, without actually experiencing it, it's hard for people to even imagine what happens at Mayo Clinic. It's unfortunate that all medical facilities will not/can not adopt their philosophies. My primary medical care has been at what are touted to be 2 of Chicago's finest medical institutions, and what has happened to me is a sin. I'm writing a book which will contain my entire story, as it simply needs to be told. No longer will I accept such complete and total incompetence. While it is hard to go "against the establishment," what I have experienced has been much harder. I am so grateful for the compassionate care Mayo has offered me and will forever be indebted to them, along with the friend who told me, "just show up.".
Thank you, I will! Although I'm a pretty easy person to find, @bernese53, I will send you my cell number. If you let me know yours, I will text you when I arrive.