Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do?

Hi Dave. Thank you so much for replying. I truly appreciate help I can get from anyone. I live in the Denver/Boulder area. My husband and son, have already offered to drive me. They are concerned about my declining health. I’ve also had quite a few of my specialists, telling me to do so, even my Primary Dr., has told me to try it. She’s been my Dr. for over 18 yrs., and has tried to get me in. She has written to them in length, about my declining health. She knows me, and how active I’ve always been. She use to tell me, that she wished, other patients, of hers were as healthy, and took care of themselves, as I did. Things sure changed, literally over night, for something I couldn’t even phantom.
My family would drive me there. I just hope ER would admit me. I know things can’t continue, with me getting worse, because it’s really a struggle everyday. I tell myself, “One minute at a time, and you can do this.” It’s gotten where it’s so painful and hard to go to Dr’s. appointments. You laugh, I know go in my pajamas, makes it easier.
I know Mayo states they don’t turn anyone away. This isn’t true, because I have, 3 departments. One told my Dr. on a peer to peer, I had to be diagnosed first. Well, that’s why the Drs. and I want me to go. I’ve know refuse to take certain meds., because of side effects, and they are just guessing, and the Drs. have told me so. The Drs. understand, that I don’t want those meds., when I don’t have a diagnosis. Some have made me so sick, that I end up in ER., and sometimes admitted.
God Bless you, for your valuable information. That is probably what I will do. My primary is still making phone calls, but I’m losing hope. I thought Drs. took an oath to help. I’m not so sure if Mayo Drs., believe in that. I just want some type of quality life again. Hears hoping I can get in by going there. I pray everyday for it, and all the other suffers. This, too, has been so hard on my family, watching, and being rejected. My son that turns 28, in 7/30, is so angry at the Drs. there, and he breaks down crying. My husband doesn’t understand why, and hates to see me in pain. My 25 tear old, is just plain angry, and says that they don’t care. That they can’t be the top hospital, if they don’t care about patients. I need answers and help, from Drs. that will really check out for rare things, as my primary tells me that Zebra. I’ve seen so many specialists here, so many tests, and given enough blood to feed a vampire.
Sorry, that I went in and on, but it helps to know that others care. Thank you, fir being a caring, kind, and compassionate person. Please stay well. Lisa

Hi Dave. Thank you so much for replying. I truly appreciate help I can get from anyone. I live in the Denver/Boulder area. My husband and son, have already offered to drive me. They are concerned about my declining health. I’ve also had quite a few of my specialists, telling me to do so, even my Primary Dr., has told me to try it. She’s been my Dr. for over 18 yrs., and has tried to get me in. She has written to them in length, about my declining health. She knows me, and how active I’ve always been. She use to tell me, that she wished, other patients, of hers were as healthy, and took care of themselves, as I did. Things sure changed, literally over night, for something I couldn’t even phantom.
My family would drive me there. I just hope ER would admit me. I know things can’t continue, with me getting worse, because it’s really a struggle everyday. I tell myself, “One minute at a time, and you can do this.” It’s gotten where it’s so painful and hard to go to Dr’s. appointments. You laugh, I know go in my pajamas, makes it easier.
I know Mayo states they don’t turn anyone away. This isn’t true, because I have, 3 departments. One told my Dr. on a peer to peer, I had to be diagnosed first. Well, that’s why the Drs. and I want me to go. I’ve know refuse to take certain meds., because of side effects, and they are just guessing, and the Drs. have told me so. The Drs. understand, that I don’t want those meds., when I don’t have a diagnosis. Some have made me so sick, that I end up in ER., and sometimes admitted.
God Bless you, for your valuable information. That is probably what I will do. My primary is still making phone calls, but I’m losing hope. I thought Drs. took an oath to help. I’m not so sure if Mayo Drs., believe in that. I just want some type of quality life again. Hears hoping I can get in by going there. I pray everyday for it, and all the other suffers. This, too, has been so hard on my family, watching, and being rejected. My son that turns 28, in 7/30, is so angry at the Drs. there, and he breaks down crying. My husband doesn’t understand why, and hates to see me in pain. My 25 tear old, is just plain angry, and says that they don’t care. That they can’t be the top hospital, if they don’t care about patients. I need answers and help, from Drs. that will really check out for rare things, as my primary tells me that Zebra. I’ve seen so many specialists here, so many tests, and given enough blood to feed a vampire.
Sorry, that I went in and on, but it helps to know that others care. Thank you, fir being a caring, kind, and compassionate person. Please stay well. Lisa

@lisagraber have you tried reaching out to the location closest to you in the Mayo Clinic Health System? It may result in a stepping stone to getting into Mayo Clinic. I am thinking that if they can’t find the answer to your medical issues, they would be able to refer you. Maybe having a little more of edge in getting you an appointment. Or at the very least are able to consult with a Mayo doctor. I have provided the link. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/

Her is another link including more states with clinics that collaborate with Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/network-members
Wishing you all the best!

@lisagraber @radiocity @cindajune
Hello to everyone - this group is in a lot of pain and confusion about Mayo. I am new to this Connect but I want to let you know about MAYO.
It is a good hospital with good doctors-they are not the only doctors in the USA who are amazing. I have lived in Los Angeles, Ft Lauderdale, Albuquerque, Central California, Nebraska all in the past 10 years. I had some of the best doctors. Please everyone take a breath about MAYO. I cry for your pain, but I also cry because you have all your hopes pinned on a place-not even a person or doctor. That is quite a lot to put on one hospital out of hundreds.
I do realize you have different or non-solvable issues. Here's the best way to go forward but you have to do it-not just say you'll do it.
1. Calm your entire mind and body and relax every single day for as long as possible. I'm not saying meditate, I'm saying, going over and over about your pain is making it worse. Look outside, put calming music on tv and just hang loose.
2. Mayo will take anyone. They see millions of people each year. Some doctors are experts in the area, others are younger. They learn from each other just like all doctors in the USA. The best way to be seen in MAYO is to ask for a new Primary doctor/team. You won't see a doctor, you will see a NP. But I will tell you that the NP is very well trained. More so than any you are accustomed to. Please don't discount an appointment with someone bc you think you will waste your time.
3. Write down concisely exactly what your health issues are. From the most important to the least. Be concise! Example is: Pain (8) in left foot for 6 mths. 3 orthos can't tell me what the pain is.
4. If you do get an appointment, don't tell them you can't make it. Be there.
5. If anyone lives in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin - Mayo Clinic has many hospitals in those areas. They have bought many recently and Mayo trained doctors are there. Remember, Mayo is a TEAM network. If they can't fix it, they will refer you to someone who can. That means, if you are in Iowa, they may refer you to Rochester MN. Maybe in Scottsdale as well. I don't know if they have every specialty there. Do not be surprised if you are referred to a place out of town. That is the Mayo Clinic system. You go to the doctor, they don't come to you.
6. I know you think I'm not being comforting, but going to hospitals must be taken seriously. Going to ER is outrageous to consider and don't do it unless you are in need of it then and there.
7. If for some reason you decide that maybe Mayo isn't for you, look into Cedars-Sinai in LA and around S CA. Cleveland Clinic and any University hospital near you. Someone with excellent experience is training those medical students and seeing patients.
8. I say all of this because Mayo is not God, not perfect, and with 330 million in the USA and many from other countries, they are very busy. Going to Mayo is not going to be any more special than anywhere else that there is an excellent doctor. I am not putting it down, I'm going there for my oncology follow up, the back of my eyes are bleeding-ophthalmologist next week and other ills. BUT - I LIVE 30 MINUTES AWAY from one of the smaller hospitals and 1hr 20 from Rochester. We just moved here. IF I lived far away, I would not put my hopes on getting into any place. If I needed a doctor, I would be on the website of my insurance company looking for the best doctor in the network NEARBY.
9. Don't give up. Just bc 3 doctors say you are crazy-or they can't figure it out, there will be a 3rd. Maybe you could approach the situation differently. Are you describing everything? Do you keep a log next to your bed?
10. Here's what works: If you are so down and must cry - then do so. Tell whomever is around the house at the time -- I'm going to cry. I'm not sure why, but I'm letting you know. I feel it coming on, I'm just going to cry and then it will be over. It will get to the point where people can smile and even laugh a bit and that will help you through.
11. Don't think for a second that you are alone. You now know 4 others who are going through immense pain and frustration. You can only do you best every day. Try to open your mind to other possibilities. Ask yourself, are you truly eating exactly what you should be eating? The amount of preservatives in our food is enough to bring on several chronic diseases and pain. Clean up your health in every way you have control over. Veggies & Fruits Fish Chicken. Keep it simple, so when you do see a doctor you won't know in the back of your mind that you are causing your own demise. Take responsibility-it can actually be fun and very liberating. No sugar.
I hope I have given a few ideas that will help you cope. Our lives are getting more stressful daily-we don't know what will occur next - turn off the news unless you are a politician, you can't control it. Concern yourself with you!
All my blessing to you all. I don't have the answers, I struggle every single day, but I look at each problem determined to find a solution. I do not wallow in the mess of my health and you shouldn't either.

Hi happytobhear! First of all I praying for the very best results on your eye. You are in my heart and prayers.
I do relaxing audiobooks, and podcasts, and one I’ve purchased is Headspace, among others. I also listen to music and try to watch, more listen to series, movies and shows on TV. My son is wonderful about watching a lot with me. I’m so grateful for his compassion, company, kindness and help. There are a lot of times that it’s hard to watch TV due to my eye pain, migraines and the blurring in my right eye.
I’ve been to many specialists regarding my many health conditions. I’ve probably seen over 50 Drs., in the last 3 1/2, plus years. I’ve been to our teaching hospital, Anschutz, The Cleveland Clinic, The Steadman Clinic, and a Dr. in Pawtucket, RI. The Dr. at Pawtucket, came recommended, and was miss diagnosed, and he didn’t run one test, or do any bloodwork. At the Cleveland Clinic I saw 3 Drs., and each were 10-15 minutes long, and they did a EMG/NSC test, that I had 4 times before, and stated you have no nerve damage, which I already new. They dismissed everything, like it was in my head. To be fair a lot of other symptoms, showed up later. This was in the beginning. Yes, I could go back, but I don’t have a lot of faith in them. I’ve spoken with them since, and they don’t even know who I should see. They sent me home, while I was projectile vomiting in one Drs. office, temp. over 102, and had diarrhea uncontrollably in the Drs. office, and hadn’t kept food down for almost 5 days. I came home and was admitted immediately to the hospital here with C/DIFF, a UTI, oxygen at 82%, so dehydrated and my temp. was ove 104. This is why I don’t have faith in them.
If I make mistakes, I’m typing with an ice pack over my right eye. I’ve started having the eye pain, and blurriness. I’ve seen my eye Dr., and see sent me to a couple of specialists, but can’t find an answer. It hurts clear through inner side of the eye, below it and through the side of my nose. I’ve had migraines consistently through the years. Botox help, with the migraines, but scared to get it know due to my eye. My eye is just one of many health issues, that I’ve already posted.
I find crying in the shower is my cry time.
I do keep a journal of my symptoms, when they started, what seems to help, when they started, and who I’ve seen, very thorough.
I work with a very nice nurse, that’s with my insurance company, and she has really tried to help me.
When you say get a new primary, do you mean through the Mayo Clinic? I’m very willing to do that. If so, do you call yourself and try to make an appointment?
My primary has been doing peer to peers with Drs., at Mayo, with no luck. I absolutely would go through a Mayo primary Dr., if it’s possible.
I’m also a very healthy, clean eater. I will do anything to improve my heath.
The Drs. are stumped and so am I. Some of the top known Drs. in Denver and our teaching hospital recommends I go to Mayo. The nurse I have helping me, through my insurance company, is know recommending Mayo. I have a very dear friend, that goes to Mayo, and has for years. She has a very rare disease, and had been all over, to various hospitals, and the only place that could figure it out was The Mayo Clinic. She wouldn’t be alive today, if they hadn’t taken her, some 20 years ago. She’s in meds., and is doing well. She has good and bad days, but mostly good, and leads a fairly normal life, which she owes to the Drs. at Mayo at wouldn’t give up on her.
I’d like that chance. My eyes are deteriorating fast, plus this could be connected with everything else going on.
Without your health, you really are lost.
Please let me know if you meant, making an appointment with a primary at Mayo.
The very best if luck. You’re in my prayers. Lisa

I meant call scheduling yourself at Rochester or AZ and say you would like to start with a primary doctor there and would like an appt. If they ask about problems you could say you’re getting headaches that don’t go away. But really I think you will get an appt soon. Let us know. My best to you. You know flights to Minneapolis are not expensive. It’s huge airport. And staying in Rochester is probably less than AZ. Stay positive.

Thank you, for your help. I will call Mayo scheduling and ask to get an appointment with a primary Dr.As you realize your eye health is extremely important.
My father, 2 of his sisters, and their mother, my grandmother, lost their sight due to macular degeneration, even though my dad and his sisters did the injections in the eyes. No, isn’t that!
Yes, you were added to what has become a lengthy prayer list.
One thing I have found, when becoming ill, who your true friends are. You lose some, but you make so many more kind, compassionate and truly caring friends, going through similar issues of health, trials and tribulations, which I’m personally so grateful for. I have may not have ever met you, but I know you are their for me, as I am for you. Thank you, all, more then you could ever know.
One thing I also do is a blessing, grateful list, and each and everyone of you are on it. So, please accept my gratitude, to everyone. Thank you! Lisa

After countless attempts to get an appointment, having 4 of my Doctors most from UofM. I still was declined

After countless attempts to get an appointment, having 4 of my Doctors most from UofM. I still was declined