@rbcookson
Hi Robin,
I may have been chatting with someone about double vision, but I didn't have that. I did have vertigo from my vertebrae twisting themselves from muscle spasms from the spine condition. My spine condition was spinal cord compression at C5/C6 that was affecting the coordination of my arms, and I am an artist, so it was very disheartening as well as causing pain all over my body. That is what confused a lot of surgeons because I had unpredictable pain that could travel anywhere, so 5 of them wouldn't help me. That is why I came to Mayo, and it was like a breath of fresh air. I got the help I needed from a great surgeon, and I was so grateful because he changed my life that I painted his portrait as a gift to him.

Here is my story:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/
I drove 5 and a half hours to get to Mayo and it was worth it. Likely, if you have an appointment, you will be diagnosed, and they will recommend treatment. If you need surgery, you'll probably need to return several weeks later for that. There are many hotels that are small apartments with full kitchens, so you don't need to go out. I like Candlewood Suites which is not as expensive and does have a shuttle to the Mayo campus and St. Mary's hospital. The closer to Mayo, the more expensive, but hotels do have Mayo Clinic rates for patients, and the Concierge can help you find them (free service.) It will cost a bit more because of travel that will be out of pocket, but Mayo is worth it for the quality of care that you get there. I did not experience anything close to that with all the spine centers I visited as a patient. Mayo is efficient is scheduling other appointments while you are there and tests that you'd be waiting weeks for at other medical facilities, so within a week typically you have an answer and a plan.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. What are your concerns?

Jennifer