@marycdickens01 I saw 5 local (non-Mayo) surgeons over 2 years and none would help me. My symptoms were different than they were expecting from spinal cord compression that I had from a collapsed C5/C6 disc and bone spurs. They told me that my leg pain was not coming from my neck, but that was wrong. I was in a lot of pain all over my body and had gait disturbances. Right after the 5th refusal for surgery, I found medical literature with cases like mine, so I knew what the doctors were missing. I also have thoracic outlet syndrome that causes some overlapping symptoms with arm weakness, pain and numbness so I looked for a facility that also had experts in TOS and looked at Mayo. I read the literature of Mayo neurosurgeons and found a paper that talked about leg pain caused by cervical spinal cord compression, so I knew I had found a surgeon who would understand my symptoms.

The surgeon had me see a neurologist (Dr. Bartleson) first for an exam and tests, and then I was referred to a thoracic surgeon and vascular lab to test and confirm my TOS diagnosis for an opinion about if the bigger issue was TOS or my spine problem and they consulted each other. After that, I met my neurosurgeon, Jeremy Fogelson and he offered surgery to me. I was finally going to get help and I felt relieved. They had to schedule my surgery when they were scheduling the next batch of patients, so I returned home. They offered a date in about 2 weeks, but I wasn't ready at home yet, so they scheduled a date about 5 weeks after my consult. Schedules can change due to cancellations, and now Covid testing is involved, so make sure to stay safe because that would postpone surgery. The surgical nurse does the scheduling.

Mayo will reconfirm the findings on your records. They may not repeat an MRI if yours is current. I had a current cervical one, but asked for imaging of the entire spine to rule out thoracic or lumbar issues. I had my surgery at St. Mary's Hospital which is down the road from the campus with the Mayo and Gonda buildings. That would be a consideration for where you stay in a hotel. My report time was 6 AM at the hospital and I was in surgery by 8 AM, and awake back in my room at about noon. They brought me lunch and I could have gone home by about 2 or 3, but I chose to stay overnight because I was worried about balance since the pain meds nauseated me. They get insurance clearance for a one night stay for a surgery like mine which was a one level fusion at C5/C6. I also had the fusion with no hardware, and only a donor bone spacer. I agreed to stay in a neck brace for 3 months for that and was glad I did. Some patients can feel the surgical plates on the front of the spine. I had issues with pierced earrings, so I didn't want to risk a possible immune response to implanted metals. You may want to write a list of questions to ask at your consult and take someone with you so you will remember the answers.

They suggested staying an extra day at the hotel in case of surgical complications which I did, and then added an extra day because of a dusting of snow and we were driving. You will need to walk around after the surgery on the floor, and also take breaks on the drive home to walk to avoid blood clots.

I am so glad I came to Mayo and wish I hadn't wasted 2 years elsewhere. I was very impressed with the compassionate care and they really listen and want to help. Here is my patient story.
https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/

Mayo Clinic in Rochester has Concierge Services to help make your trip go smoothly. They provide information about travel, lodging, Mayo Clinic and community resources to plan your visit. I like to stay in a hotel with full kitchens in the rooms. Concierge services are free for Mayo patients and they have rate comparisons for various Hotels. Ask for the Mayo Clinic patent rate.

Five Ways to Contact Mayo Concierge Services

Phone: 507-538-8438
Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
Email: concierge@mayo.edu
Web form: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services
In-person in Rochester MN: Lobby hours are 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday. Offices are located in the International Center in the Mayo Mathew’s Lobby, Executive Lounge on Mayo 5, Radiation Oncology Lobby – Desk R

I was pleasantly surprised because I had never experienced doctors who really cared and took the time to understand my case. My surgeon was excellent and I had a great recovery. Do you know which doctors you will be seeing? Can you share the issues that are bringing you to Mayo for possible surgery? I'm excited for you. It's that good.

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