← Return to Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@cacoon6

Well everyone I made it to Mayo. I am back in my hotel room holding back the tears...I had a neurology appt at 830am and neurosurgeon appt at 11am. I took the shuttle in early. I had a rough night got in late and only had a bag of pretzels for dinner so my headache is a 10 out of 10. The neurologist was nice. He spent an hour with me, showed me my scans and said he didnt recommend treatment. But gave me 6 meds (which I dont really want to take) I said I came all the way I might as well see neurosurgery (as I am hoping for more aggressive approach) stereo radiation gamma knife. Waited 1 and half hours...neuro surgeon spent less than 10 min. Said what did neuro reccomend? He is surgeon right? I tried to engage, he couldnt be bothered. Wouldnt even order scans when he said he couldnt even verify what kind of tumor was on my pituitary. I left on the verge of tears...after talking to family. I thought I have come a long way. I called the number to ask for a second opinion through the office. They seemed irritated and after 4 hours waiting in the hospital and not eating. They called me and scheduled me for 245pm tomorrow. Sad with my experience..I was hopeful. I am sure they marked my chart "that patient" you would think no one has ever asked for another opinion.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Well everyone I made it to Mayo. I am back in my hotel room holding back..."

@cacoon6 I am so sorry you had such a rough day, but i am so glad you asked for a second opinion. Like @jolinda said, have your questions ready and make your case. You got this!
Blessings,
JoDee

What a terrible first day. There is a dept called Patient Experience that you can contact if you feel you did not get care you were expecting. See their web page: https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/patient-experience

I am quite sure that no Mayo doctor just dismissed you, but did he give you any information about why you have symptoms? If not I would ask that directly of your second doctor. If there is something on your scans, then what might be done to treat, or alleviate symptoms. I can tell you that sometimes they don’t really have a better solution, but I am not afraid to ask a doctor, “are you sure?”

@cacoon6 I am sorry that you had such a miserable day. I think even the best medical facilities can have some doctors who tend to be more abrupt than helpful. As others have said, I agree that the advice from @jolinda is the best.

I hope things go better tomorrow and that you get the help you are seeking. I’ll be looking forward to hearing how it goes.
JK