Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19

@migizii Oh, fever is not good! PLease let me know how you're doing over the next few days.
Sue

@sueinmn Thanks so much for your concern. It seems to be going up and down now in the normal to mid 99’s, which is progress, so they are less concerned now. However, pain continues at a high rate so will need to continue pain medication until I have name follow up next Thursday. I’ll let you know if anything changes for the worse, but hopefully it will get better from here!

Hello, my father and I are scheduled to come to Mayo Rochester in March and then rescheduled to July 5-11 because of Covid. The visit is for my father and his chronic leg pain - he is 65 and has Stage 3 chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, but otherwise healthy. We are from Texas, and given the increase in cases in our area, I am highly concerned about us traveling (by plane on American Airlines) to Rochester. His PCP and Kidney Specialist say all should be fine with precautions being taken.

I am not worried about our actual visit at Mayo due to the amazing feedback I have read on this forum, but have apprehensions about the flight. It seems most that posted on this forum have driven, but that's not an option for us. I'm not sure what feedback I'm looking for (ha!), but any is appreciated. Should we postpone again given the flight, are there opportunities for remote evaluation until we do ultimately make a plan to drive or go once Covid cases trend down? Thanks for any help and feedback!

@vap91179 Hi and welcome to connect. I think if it were me I would try and get at least a flight where you and your Dad could sit together and be the only ones in that row. Maybe a plane type that has 2 seats on a side. Plus facemask and lots of sanitizing. I would also inquire as to the airlines and what they are doing to help with sanitizing and precautions. I would also weigh the benefits and or concerns waiting any longer. This seems like it may be the best time frame due to the regular flu season starting up again in a few months.
Have an awesome Blessed Day
Dana

@vap91179 We have been to Mayo about 5 times, since the Covid 19 you do have to wear a mask and you have your temperture taken. We drove since we are only 31/2 hours away, but it is hard on my back, which I had surgery 3 weeks ago We go see the surgeon next Tuesday.
My niece flew from Denver to Des Moines and had no problems. They seated everyone apart and of course she wore her mask. I also heard to turn your air all the way on. I hope this helps. Mayo is wonderful with great doctors.

I also will be at Mayo the week after the 4th of July. I am flying from Michigan on the 4th, the only time I could get a flight. I have to take a shuttle from Minneapolis on Sunday. Not concerned about the Mayo visit, just the process of getting through the airport, plane etc. Delta has messed with my plane connection a couple of times, thus my need to stay overnight in Minneapolis and get a shuttle on Sunday. Be glad when I make my way to hotel in Rochester!

Hi @vap91179, I agree with @danab and @lilypaws, travelling now might be better than later in the fall when you may also have to deal with flu season and increased use of air travel by others. Mayo Clinic provides this information about safe air travel. Also see the links to additional information by CDC and TSA included on the page.
- Coronavirus travel advice https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-safe-travel-advice/art-20486965

I also invite you to follow these groups related to your father's condition:
- Kidney & Bladder https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-conditions/
- Heart & Blood Health https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-blood-vessel-conditions/

If possible, I would opt for an airline that more strictly adheres to distancing guidelines as much as they can. American Airlines is now filling all seats on their planes, while Delta continues to keep spacing. Also, of course, masks, gloves, sanitize and bring whatever you need on the plane yourself. Just my ideas. I just got home from Rochester. We stayed at the Hilton, Mayo area, and it was wonderful. Couldn’t have asked for more!

@migizii I guess my typing was pretty bad last week.....anyway, I had my follow up appointment for my foot surgery, stitches were removed and I was transferred to a boot (to walk on my heel only for the next 4 weeks). Everything looked real good and there were no signs of infection, so the fever I had was unrelated to the surgery and the antibiotics alleviated that and some of the foot pain.....progress in increments😊

Happy 4th of July! Thank you for the great suggestions listed here about travel to Mayo Rochester. We are leaving this morning, driving to Sacramento to board a non-stop flight on Delta to MSP. From there we use a shuttle for the hour and half drive to Rochester. I spoke with the PA in the Cardiovascular Surgery Dept on Wednesday this week to go over Covid-19 questions. They have changed the appointment schedule for Pre-Op patients. Now all Pre-op lab work is done through one 'stick' at your Covid test. Both nasal and blood are tested. Your companion is only screened by questions and has to wear a mask, as all who enter do. So consolidating the labs with Covid was a good idea. Less stress. And those who face surgery surely are stressed.
We are taking hand sanitizer, wipes for surfaces, wearing masks and will practice the 6 ft social distance to the best of our ability. I would hate to get exposed to this virus in the airport after three months of being stuck at home and not going anywhere. So first trip out 'there' for us. Lots of testing ahead. And then the big surgery on the 8th. This site has been great for information and encouragement. I'll be thinking about the others here who are going to Mayo this month. God Bless America! Happy 4th of July!