← Return to Worth visiting Mayo Clinic for evaluation of idiopathic neuropathy?

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Without going through all my old files, I can tell you that it was a complete soup-to-nuts evaluation, starting from scratch, that went on for four days. They looked at previous MRIs, EMGs, blood work, etc., but didn't rely on anyone else's work, and did every relevant and appropriate test themselves. The first two days, I think there were 4 or 5 tests each day. There were two neurologists looking at the test results as they went along. On the fourth day they discussed having me come back for another nerve biopsy, but they ultimately decided to try IVIG first, since any nerve biopsy is going to do some degree of permanent damage.
I left Rochester very impressed with the thoroughness of the testing and evaluation. One great advantage is that the team is all there on the scene and are talking to each other. (Most of us have had, or know of, experiences where lack of communication between members of the treatment team has caused problems. The way the comprehensive visits to Mayo are structured, this is not an issue.)
My only "complaints," if you can even call them that, is that the treatment approach was very conservative based on my age at the time (76), and I wish there had been more discussion of a physical therapy and exercise program. But what Mayo focuses on is diagnosis, especially of difficult or idiopathic disorders -- and they are very good at that. Once you have an accurate diagnosis, there are many local options available for treatment programs.

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@edva1943 And, by the way, as others have indicated, Medicare pays for almost everything. As I recall, the only think they didn't pay for was the PSA test, since I had already had one recently. I didn't argue with that.

@edva1943 thank you for your response. This is very helpful!

@edva1943 Absolutely right! When I left Mayo in Rochester, I felt that with the testing and immediate results available, it is a great place to go to get answers. They can tell you what you have but likely not tell you why you have PN. My dx was idiopathic and like many others it was suggested that I follow up with my neurologist. And now 6 years later, all my test results are still on-line. They just don't have answers on how to fix people with PN. Ed