Hi Mary. I had cervical spine surgery at Mayo for spinal cord compression.

I can tell you from my experience there, that they are very thorough. The surgeon who took my case sent me first for a neurology exam on day 1, and the neurologist scheduled testing and appointments based on his exam. He scheduled testing for thoracic outlet syndrome to confirm that I had it, blood work, and a consult with a thoracic surgeon about that on day number 2. It was an hour later on day 2 when I was meeting the neurosurgeon and the thoracic surgeon called him with his results during my appointment. The neuro spine surgeon explained my MRI imaging to me that I had previously sent to him and offered surgery right away. Everyone at Mayo listened to my concerns and I was very impressed. The neurosurgeon was kind and so was his nurse who helped me with my questions in the weeks before my surgery. She was also there in the operating room to hold my hand while they were getting me ready.

I didn't know that health care cold be like this because in the 5 non-Mayo surgeons who examined me, none had treated me this well or believed what I said. I had some unusual symptoms because I had pain all over my body and trouble walking from cervical cord compression. The other surgeons missed that those symptoms were caused by my cord compression and refused to help me over a 2 year period. So for 2 years, I just got worse until I came to Mayo.

I got my life back. My spine surgery was 5 years ago. Last year, I contacted my neurosurgeon at Mayo because I needed to find a good surgeon for a bad ankle fracture, and he contacted me right away with a referral at Mayo.

I think you will love Mayo. I did. I was so impressed with the spine surgery that gave me back the coordination of my arms, that I gave my surgeon a gift to express my gratitude. Here is my story.
https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/
While you are there, make sure to enjoy the art and sculpture and the people playing pianos in the atrium of the Gonda building. When will you be seen at Mayo? Do you need travel information or recommendations?