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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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Dinner sounds great. My husband is supposed to arrive by 7 but one never knows....plane from Philadelphia could be delayed. Let's plan on turkey sandwiches....yum!
It was great to meet @bernese53! Good to have a fellow fan of Mayo to swap stories with! And oh boy, did we swap stories!
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1 ReactionIt was wonderful to meet you, chicagomichelle. Many of our swapped stories are about physicians who fail to look at us as human beings with complex medical conditions. These physicians prescribe meds for one condition never thinking about other conditions.....sometimes the other stuff gets much worse. Mayo physicians take the time to listen and treat you as a person, not just a collection of medical conditions. The Mayo doctors are wonderful.
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1 ReactionAND...the big question is...did you both get the hot turkey sandwich? @bernese53 and @chicagomichelle Glad your meetup went well and that you're continuing to connect on Connect 🙂
One of us did, but one of us couldn't wait and had it the day before 😉
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3 ReactionsIt is amazing that certain places and food quickly become 'must haves' when returning to Rochester! It sounds like you had fun. By the way, I hope that you both, @chicagomichelle and @bernese53 got some good reports. Please keep in touch with us. Rosemary
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1 ReactionHa yes! I've been trying to get ahold of some Bunny cake since I got here, to no avail! I've heard 3 people talk about it so far. I guess I'm not meant to have it. I have lost 20# since my last visit so that's good. I had appts all day Monday and only one scheduled every other day so lots of downtime at the Kahler reading and sleeping, but I'm not complaining.
I made sure to get a remodeled room this time and it's MUCH nicer. I will always request it when booking here now, though will only stay here when flying, as I need to be across the street. Not a big fan of hotel shuttles as I like to come and go as I please. When I drive, the comfort suites is fantastic and half the cost and I just valet park.
I got great news on my teeth, which I feared losing. I see a reconstructive dentist next month and get to take Dr Sood's coarse, which I'm very excited about! Also got knees drained and steroid shots so I can actually walk now. I hope it lasts. A few other specialists were scheduled too, plus, they even ordered a mammogram as I'm due for one. I love this place and could not be more grateful for the fantastic care I am getting here. If only there were more healthcare facilities who adopted the Mayo philosophy, this world would be a much healthier place.
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1 ReactionYAY on the great news about being able to see a reconstructive dentist and I am so glad that you can walk without too much difficulty. It was so good to meet you last Saturday. Please stay in touch.
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2 Reactions@chicagomichelle, I've not had any of that cake either. Either too full after the meal, or fasting in preparation for next day.
Wow! I hope your weight loss was intentional. My sense reading your posts is that it was intentional, congratulations. That is an awesome accomplishment.
I stay at the Gift of Life Transplant House and my husband and I use the door-to-door shuttle. On a nice day, we will walk to and from the house (April).
I am happy for you that you are making progress and receiving the treatments that you need. Enjoy your downtime! We know that Mayo can and will put you through a marathon of appointments and procedures if you need them.
Stay warm. And enjoy a good night sleep. How early do you start tomorrow?
Rosemary
No, not really intentional. I was on arava for a month and pretty much lost my appetite. I was literally force feeding myself noodles. The drug was a nightmare and made me much worse. My appetite is still very poor after a month off, but I'm not complaining, I needed to lose as the extra weight was not good for my knees anyway.
I drink a cvs protein shake every morning and eat a banana so at least I'm getting some nutrition. My body has been seriously resistant to drugs and I get allll the side effects, and then get side effects from the drugs they put me on for the side effects. I see the pharmacological dept next month, so hoping they can help.
Need to be in at 8 tomorrow as a checker and then a 9:45 appt. And then, back to the Kahler. Hopefully the kids who have been screaming at the top of their lungs in the hallway as they run laps up and down will be checking out in the morning!