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I go to the Flordia campus. I can't speak highly enough of the sleep, neuro, integrative, ENT, and speech therapy departments there. They are hands down amazing. On my first visit, during the last meeting of the last specialist (I saw all 5 departments on my first visit there..), at the end of the meeting with him, he ended it by giving me a really beautiful pep talk then putting a rock in my hand. When I turned it over it had the word "believe" etched into it. He said that on the days that are rough, and I struggle to believe things will physically get better, know that he and all of my care team at Mayo will believe for me. I about cried. That's when I knew that Id found really great care. That and the fact they all listened to me and worked collaboratively to problem solve was stunning. It really was a beautiful experience that gave me hope. It felt so great to feel hope. Yeah, I've carried that rock in my pocket every day since.
I'd like to claim I'm strong and resilient but truth is, it's my Mom and Sister and my physical therapists who I've worked with for 27 years that have carried me. If it weren't for them, I'd have given up a long, long time ago. I could write a book about all of the stories and in each story, you would see that it's those folks that have pushed me on. I can see my Grandmother smiling and whispering to me "It was Providence my dear. He knew what you needed.". Id have to agree and its at those moments that I have to whisper a thanks to God.
Speaking of Florida, its fun to go there cause its like a mini-vacation in a way. If you go to the Mayo there, do you have particular places you recommend staying at? We've tried some VRBOs so far and enjoyed one of them a lot. Is there a thread/posts on places to stay for the FL one? I have looked but havent found one so far.
Replies to "I go to the Flordia campus. I can't speak highly enough of the sleep, neuro, integrative,..."
@livefully - I have gone to Jacksonville many times. It’s within driving distance for me.
I’ve always been very well cared for.
I always stayed at. Courtyard by Marriott- on campus, a few minutes walk or a van that takes you wherever you need. There is a small restaurant where you can get breakfast and dinner.
If there is time, it’s not far to a nice mall.
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Hello, @livefully This is such a beautiful story about your journey with Mayo Clinic and the specialist who gave you the greatest gift of hope with that rock…to believe. I have tears and goosebumps. I share your overwhelming sense that everything will be ok when I’m in the hands of the incredible medical teams at Mayo Clinic. I never lost one moment of sleep once I was delivered safely into their hands. The collaboration between doctors and departments, achieved with a sense of camaraderie instead of chest thumping, is truly special. It gives us the best of the best all working together to find solutions for a positive outcome.
As for giving all the credit to your amazing family, doctors and therapist, you do yourself a disservice because as much as they lifted, supported, and carried you, your own sprit of endurance kept you going through years of adversity. You’re very strong and resilient and need to realize how capable you are. And as for the books…I hope you give that some consideration. You’re a powerful writer.
I’m sorry that I can’t help much with personal experience with Jacksonville, My campus is Rochester. But feel the same way you do about it being a mini vacation. I had to relocate there with my husband for 4 months with my transplant. So we got very familiar with the campus and the beautiful city and visit now, every 3 months. I’ll be heading there this Monday for a full day appointments and tests to celebrate my 2nd re-birthday. ☺️
This is a link to our Connect discussion group about Jacksonville.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lodging-in-jacksonville-fl/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/florida
When is your next visit to Mayo?