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Questions about getting accepted to Mayo Clinic

Posted by gbarr319 @gbarr319, Feb 19, 2022

I’m sure various parts of this have been discussed in a number of places before, but somehow I am having trouble finding the answers all in one place, so here I go. I just submitted an appointment request to Jacksonville after 3 months of severe cramps, weight loss, early satiety, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and ever so randomly - a numb strip on my left leg.

Long story short, when the results of my (super uncomfortable and horrible) MRI this morning with no findings, I lost all hope completely. This was the last in a battery of tests trying to assess for Crohn’s and/or endometriosis, all of which came up empty. Feeling totally lost, I submitted my request for a Mayo Clinic appointment. Here are my questions:

1. If accepted, do they admit you for the duration of your stay or do you come and go?

2. Is there ever a chance of the response being “you’ve done everything we would have tried, sorry”? I imagine not but honestly I am so terrified of the possibility.

3. Is urgency taken into account? My lack of ability to eat a lot and my cramps have made me lose about 13 lbs since November and counting, and I am already too skinny.

4. How long should I expect to stay? I know it varies, but I am a psychologist and informing my patients of my absence requires some notice. I know this is a tough one to answer.

Basically, I have this magical image in my head of a place that will accept me and figure out how I can get my life back. I am so tired and lacking energy all the time because I don’t eat enough, and I am just shy of my 30th birthday. I really hope that Mayo is the answer! I appreciate any input.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Visiting Mayo Clinic Support Group.

gokartracer9706 | @gokartracer9706 | Feb 8, 2022

I have had no feeling from my waist down and my shoulder down my arm. We have been to numerous hospitals and drs. Everyone says it's in my head and I'm lying when I'm not. This would be out last option. I have had numerous seizures and headaches. I have had so many tests done too. No dr wants to listen either. Would the mayo clinic in Minnesota be able to help? My neurologist has pretty much given up because he can't find answers.

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2 replies
Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Feb 9, 2022
In reply to @gokartracer9706 "I have had no feeling from my waist down and my shoulder down my arm. We..." + (show)
@gokartracer9706

I have had no feeling from my waist down and my shoulder down my arm. We have been to numerous hospitals and drs. Everyone says it's in my head and I'm lying when I'm not. This would be out last option. I have had numerous seizures and headaches. I have had so many tests done too. No dr wants to listen either. Would the mayo clinic in Minnesota be able to help? My neurologist has pretty much given up because he can't find answers.

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gokartracer9706 @gokartracer9706

There is no way to predict if Mayo can help you with your medical problems. If you are not satisfied with your current medical team, it is worth investigating a trip to Mayo.

Not everyone who requests an appointment is accepted, there are more requests for appointments then available appointments.

To start process, see following web site about how to request an appointment.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/all-about-appointments
Laurie

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 9, 2022
In reply to @gokartracer9706 "I have had no feeling from my waist down and my shoulder down my arm. We..." + (show)
@gokartracer9706

I have had no feeling from my waist down and my shoulder down my arm. We have been to numerous hospitals and drs. Everyone says it's in my head and I'm lying when I'm not. This would be out last option. I have had numerous seizures and headaches. I have had so many tests done too. No dr wants to listen either. Would the mayo clinic in Minnesota be able to help? My neurologist has pretty much given up because he can't find answers.

Jump to this post

@gokartracer9706, I agree with @roch. You can self-refer or ask your neurologist to make a referral for you. Here's where to get started http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

You may also be interested in reading tips from other Mayo patients in this related discussion:
- Need Patients' Experience with Mayo Clinic. Is it worth it?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/need-patients-experience-with-mayo-clinic-is-it-worth-it/

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Feb 20, 2022

I will try to answer question 1 and 4.

1. If accepted, do they admit you for the duration of your stay or do you come and go?
4. How long should I expect to stay?

Mayo is primarily an outpatient location, and if become a Mayo patient they try to set up required appointments and tests so can be accomplished in a few days depending on your requirements. They may schedule tests prior to initial consultation or wait until you see a provider. Then they may need to schedule additional tests or appointments in other specialized areas. Of course this depends on availability of appointments.

The tests required will depend on what medical records they have of previous tests. They may need to repeat test you had at other locations.
Length of time to complete all appointments and tests depends on the type of tests, preparation required and availability. When contacted by Mayo about an appointment, they will give you guidance. If not, ask what to expect.

Mayo uses a Patient Portal that you can see all appointments scheduled. I think most people plan for a 3-5 days.

Sometimes you may need to return for follow-up tests and appointments. Sometimes appointments can be done virtually.

Hope that helps
Laurie M

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gbarr319 | @gbarr319 | Feb 20, 2022

Thank you for your response!

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