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Is it difficult to get an appointment with Mayo in MN?
Spine Health | Last Active: Aug 10 1:00pm | Replies (50)Comment receiving replies
Thanks for your answer.
I have a request in to the Spine Clinic, and have been in touch. They lack only ONE report from my neurosurgeon. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, I was just able to get an appointment for an updated CT scan yesterday, so this has been my holdup.
Other than this one test, that’s all they need. My fear is that I send all this info to them, and they deny my request. I have a substantial surgical history for scoliosis from 2008. If Mayo won’t see me, I don’t know what I’ll do. I have constant pain on my left side (the site of the scoliosis), and have been on heavy-duty pain meds since the very first surgery, i.e., almost 17 years. Recently, a new pain management doctor took me off EVERYTHING, so I’m pretty much always in pain. SOMEHOW (with the help from God), I’ve managed to stay in good physical condition for my age (73), but everyday, it gets a teensy bit harder. One day, I may not be able to do that.
Sooooo, I am concerned after forwarding all my history to them, they will not see me. If Mayo refuses, I don’t think I’ll have any options left.
I apologize for going on and on. I just wanted to make you aware of what I’ve been going through for almost 17 years.
Again, thank you for responding.
Replies to "Thanks for your answer. I have a request in to the Spine Clinic, and have been..."
What was the reasoning for taking you off everything?
I have been going to Rochester for 18 years and had my 3 back surgeries there. The last surgery was a fusion. You can try a referral from your Doctor. That might be easier. I self referred because I have a history there in the spine clinic. I also took a 3-day pain management class there and found it to be extremely helpful. You could look at the website to see is they still offer the classes. We haven't always been accepted for treatment, but 90% of the time they have been able to see us. I don't have a Medicare advantage plan (thank goodness) and I am 75. I am in pain daily, but I only take one celebrex daily. I worry about my future too because of the limited mobility I have.
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@wascaly I self referred to Mayo (Rochester) in 2016 for spine surgery with Dr. Jeremy Fogelson. I wrote him a letter with my application after I was refused help by 5 local spine surgeons, and he accepted me as a patient. I told him my history and symptoms and I had just found medical literature with a case like mine that I sent with my request. He is a deformity expert with lots of experience in scoliosis. You may want to ask that he review your case. He is the reason I volunteer here as a Mentor for Connect and he is happy that I do this for other patients.
Here is a video of him about scoliosis.
Good luck.
Jennifer