1. < Visiting Mayo Clinic

Need Patients' Experience with Mayo Clinic. Is it worth it?

Posted by David @nycdave7, Jan 19, 2019

Hello, I was wondering if there is a substantial difference in quality between a top 1 hospital compared to a top 10 or 20 hospital in the nation. So I am a 25 year old, 135 lbs, 5'10'' male who eat well, sleep well, and exercise. 2 Years ago, I had laser eye surgery where I was a very healthy individual have not gotten sick or the cold for 14 years. Part of the recovery regimen was using corticosteroids for 6 weeks and I developed systemic effects. Immediately, I had the swollen face & angioedema. One month later, I had a blood pressure of 160/100 with a heart beat of 100 at rest. Stopped since then (a bit over 2 years) and I still have the symptoms ( chest pain, headaches, light headedness , and concentration problems). I went through various doctors (about 25), including endocrinologists and neurosurgeons at Weill Cornell, Mt. Sinai, and NYU Langone in addition to private practices. I have some lab tests that showed slight to moderate elevated cortisol levels via. the 24 hour urine cortisol test and midnight salivary test. The doctors here seem to not care and are not really helping. i was wondering if it is worth the time and money to go out of network to the Mayo Clinic at Rochester, Minnesota or keep on trying in NYC. Losing hope and starting to get depressed.I have also had 1 slightly elevated reading of ACTH and morning Serum cortisol

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EES1 | @ees1 | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @bosombuddy "My experience has been awesome at JAX. So much so that I scheduled a bit of..." + (show)
@bosombuddy

My experience has been awesome at JAX. So much so that I scheduled a bit of a tricky surgery at Mayo in a couple weeks. I have done my research locally (doctors and oncologists) but continue to be amazed at the level of caring and professionalism at Mayo. It would have been more convenient to do it where I live (out of state) but I feel I have one chance to get it right and I’ll deal with a little inconvenience to go there. Good luck, what do you have to lose?

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I’m trying to decide whether to get a second opinion at Mayo in Rochester or Jacksonville. I’m five hours from Jacksonville and 986 hours from Rochester.

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2 replies
bosombuddy | @bosombuddy | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @ees1 "I’m trying to decide whether to get a second opinion at Mayo in Rochester or Jacksonville...." + (show)
@ees1

I’m trying to decide whether to get a second opinion at Mayo in Rochester or Jacksonville. I’m five hours from Jacksonville and 986 hours from Rochester.

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You’re in great hands either way. I prefer sunshine and warmth 😉

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1 reply
EES1 | @ees1 | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @bosombuddy "You’re in great hands either way. I prefer sunshine and warmth ;-)" + (show)
@bosombuddy

You’re in great hands either way. I prefer sunshine and warmth 😉

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Thank you!

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @bosombuddy "My experience has been awesome at JAX. So much so that I scheduled a bit of..." + (show)
@bosombuddy

My experience has been awesome at JAX. So much so that I scheduled a bit of a tricky surgery at Mayo in a couple weeks. I have done my research locally (doctors and oncologists) but continue to be amazed at the level of caring and professionalism at Mayo. It would have been more convenient to do it where I live (out of state) but I feel I have one chance to get it right and I’ll deal with a little inconvenience to go there. Good luck, what do you have to lose?

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@bosombuddy, I just happened to be strolling thru messages today, and saw your post. I extend a virtual handshake and a sincere welcome to Mayo Connect. I am also amazed at the level of care and the professionalism at Mayo. I received my organ transplant - my life - at Mayo in Rochester. I also live out of state (800 miles).
I would like to invite you to browse thru the Groups and the Pages on Connect. You will find many other patients who are sharing their experiences and supporting each other along their health journey. Feel free to join in anywhere.
If you would like assistance to locate a particular topic of conversation, let me know.

Blessings to you and your surgical team as you embark on your surgery.

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1 reply
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @ees1 "I’m trying to decide whether to get a second opinion at Mayo in Rochester or Jacksonville...." + (show)
@ees1

I’m trying to decide whether to get a second opinion at Mayo in Rochester or Jacksonville. I’m five hours from Jacksonville and 986 hours from Rochester.

Jump to this post

@ees1, In 2009, my transplant team in Kentucky wanted me to get treatment at Mayo in Rochester - in February!
My husband asked, "Why not Jacksonville?"
"Because the doctor you need to see is in Rochester" was his reply.

Here is contact information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/contact

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bosombuddy | @bosombuddy | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "@bosombuddy, I just happened to be strolling thru messages today, and saw your post. I extend..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@bosombuddy, I just happened to be strolling thru messages today, and saw your post. I extend a virtual handshake and a sincere welcome to Mayo Connect. I am also amazed at the level of care and the professionalism at Mayo. I received my organ transplant - my life - at Mayo in Rochester. I also live out of state (800 miles).
I would like to invite you to browse thru the Groups and the Pages on Connect. You will find many other patients who are sharing their experiences and supporting each other along their health journey. Feel free to join in anywhere.
If you would like assistance to locate a particular topic of conversation, let me know.

Blessings to you and your surgical team as you embark on your surgery.

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Thank you, Rosemary. I am new to this forum and the whole breast cancer adventure. I appreciate the hugs and the info to prepare for surgery. It is invaluable!

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1 reply
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @bosombuddy "Thank you, Rosemary. I am new to this forum and the whole breast cancer adventure. I..." + (show)
@bosombuddy

Thank you, Rosemary. I am new to this forum and the whole breast cancer adventure. I appreciate the hugs and the info to prepare for surgery. It is invaluable!

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This forum can be confusing when you first get started. I have no breast cancer experience to share or to enable me to walk with you. I will be available to answer and help you in any way that I can, though. By using @rosemarya, I will get a notification - but I have a feeling that you will find others who are familiar with what you are facing if you look at what I am sharing below. Just click, and you are there.

Breast Cancer Discussions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/
Cancer Education Center - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/cancer-education-center/

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1 reply
bosombuddy | @bosombuddy | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "This forum can be confusing when you first get started. I have no breast cancer experience..." + (show)
@rosemarya

This forum can be confusing when you first get started. I have no breast cancer experience to share or to enable me to walk with you. I will be available to answer and help you in any way that I can, though. By using @rosemarya, I will get a notification - but I have a feeling that you will find others who are familiar with what you are facing if you look at what I am sharing below. Just click, and you are there.

Breast Cancer Discussions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/
Cancer Education Center - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/cancer-education-center/

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That is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much, Rosemary!

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JK | @contentandwell | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @bosombuddy "My experience has been awesome at JAX. So much so that I scheduled a bit of..." + (show)
@bosombuddy

My experience has been awesome at JAX. So much so that I scheduled a bit of a tricky surgery at Mayo in a couple weeks. I have done my research locally (doctors and oncologists) but continue to be amazed at the level of caring and professionalism at Mayo. It would have been more convenient to do it where I live (out of state) but I feel I have one chance to get it right and I’ll deal with a little inconvenience to go there. Good luck, what do you have to lose?

Jump to this post

@bosombuddy this is exactly how I feel about MGH. I now go there for everything except my PCP. Its definitely worth the time. MGH is about 55 miles from me, to go there mid-day we leave 2 hours for travel. The doctors there are all wonderful though.
JK

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1 reply
dandl48 Dave | @dandl48 | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@bosombuddy this is exactly how I feel about MGH. I now go there for everything except..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@bosombuddy this is exactly how I feel about MGH. I now go there for everything except my PCP. Its definitely worth the time. MGH is about 55 miles from me, to go there mid-day we leave 2 hours for travel. The doctors there are all wonderful though.
JK

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@contentandwell , what does MGH stand for?

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