Hello, @gastrogirl....love the name, BTW! I go to Mayo Jacksonville regularly now for the last few years. Get ready for lots of information....

I am a gastro patient, in fact just had an endoscopy a few weeks ago, having another one May 3, Monday. A Schatzki Ring was seen and it's causing me to not be able to swallow well at times. Even water or a sip of liquid will stop mid-way and can be painful as it slowly gets in the right place to ease on down. So, since they found this and it is causing issues with swallowing, I'm having a 2nd procedure to use a balloon to stretch the scar tissue caused by the relux from the stomach over the years.

I have several issues that I see my gastroenterologist for help - long term reflux, Barrett's esophagus, Schatzki Ring, hiatel hernia, IBS, polyps in stomach and colon, etc. Each issue will be addressed by your doctor and/or his assistant and you with the team will make joint decisions about possible steps.

I've found Mayo, the people and the concept itself, very easy to work with. I have been surrounded with kindness, expert caring professionals who truly are there to help me discover what is happening and find answers. They are very good at that. I also want you to know I have been going now for 3 years, often, but have not had one test more than I should. They are not test happy, at least not with me. But, I have had and am still having tests and procedures. But, I have a lot going on so work with several areas.

In fact, I questioned having this 2nd endoscopy, especially so soon. Concerned about sedation, do I really need it, can it wait, etc. I saw the doctor last Thursday and we agreed I am doing well, much better in many areas, but this is indeed one thing that should not wait. Quality of life is very important. And, I got a go ahead from my neurologist, so I'll be there May 3. Then, soon after, I will be able to swallow more easily, without pain or choking. This is a good thing.

I urge you to call the main number and simply ask the operator for the secretary for your doctor in the gastroenterolgy dept,. She'll be so sweet and put you to the right person. Just tell her, every time you call, your name and birthdate. Every time!!!!!!

Then, mention the appointment and she'll give you every bit of information you need. She'll put a full schedule in the mail to you the same day, with all the information about your appointments, doctors, what to do and not do, what to wear, everything. Once you make contact with that dept, you're on your way to an easy transition to the Mayo way of doing things.

Also, don't worry about scheduling or whatever. You will see your first doctor, like him or her and feel comfy immediately. Then, as you openly and honestly describe your situation, he will set you up in the direction you need. He will refer you for testing, for bloodwork, for whatever and also may bring in other physicians to consult about this or other issues you may have bothering you. May I suggest you let them help you with other things that may be going on if you need them. It's the time to get diagnosis and treatment from the best.

I'll chat again if you have any questions about this process. It's really well run, simply done and makes so much sense. Amazing. And, your medical team will talk with you honestly and openly. they also talk with each other about you in order to do what you really need. I love that and have found it has solved many problems. What a concept....docs talking with each other about their patient!

Ok. There you go. Let me know if you have any questions. You'll like Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo. It's lovely. The people are kind and helpful and pleasant. Temps are currently in the 70-80's, down in 60's at night. Lovely. Casual, Comfy.

Blessings on your journey. This is a wonderful beginning to getting good help. elizabeth

Oh, use your patient portal a lot. Ck it now for your schedule. It may surprise you what you can learn there. And, your test results and doctor consult notes will be available to you to see in hours from your visits. It's amazing. It 's your body and they treat you and it with respect. ess77