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Coming for the first time next week to Rochester, Minnesota
Hi, I'm Jackie. I'm coming for the first time next week and I'm nervous for many reasons. I have no idea what to expect. Boy do you guys start appointments early 715 holy cannoli 🙂 seriously I have a couple questions. I'm hoping y'all can help. My brother was supposed to be coming with me to help kind of keep track of what I'm told cause I'm so nervous. I know I won't remember everything and there's so much information to remember so, but something came up with his wife needing to go to her doctor for an MRI and he needs to be there which I completely understand. My question is would they be offended if asked if I could record what they tell me just so I can explain it to my family because I know I won't remember everything on how they explain things or answer questions but I don't want tooffend anyone either. it's only because I forget stuff so easy heck I'm 67 . My second question would be could you give me any idea of what your first day of appointments would be like the basic first day evaluation it looks like a full eight hour day. I was just curious what to expect and much to prepare for physically..
I would very much appreciate. I'm coming Monday the 29th with my first appointment on Tuesday the 30th. Thank you in advance.
Jackie
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@talllady1958 Hi Jackie. I am a Mayo patient for a few past surgeries. I suggest get your patient portal set up and send a message to your care team to ask the question. Another suggestion would be to contact the Concierge service (free) and ask if they can get a volunteer to accompany you to take notes. The Concierge can also help set up your patient portal. Here is their contact information.
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
When you are seen at Mayo, your doctors may ask to schedule new appointments or tests that are not already on your schedule. They will work it all out and print out a new schedule for you for where to go . There are always volunteers around to help you find your way, and even medical staff will help when they see a patient who seems to be wondering what to do. There is a cafeteria on the lower level of the Mayo building or you can bring a lunch. There are lots of places to sit and relax and the Gonda atrium has a piano and often someone plays pretty music there. The Gonda atrium also has an information desk to ask questions near the pretty green and gold Chihully glass chandelier sculptures that are over staircase.
I don't know what your day will be like and where your appointments will be. For me, I had 2 days of appointments prior to my first surgery there. They will take good care of you there. Everyone is so helpful.
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3 ReactionsI don't think they'd have an issue with you recording the appointments. In fact my Mayo doctors are using recordings now, too. Make sure you do the patient portal. All your info will be there. I have asked more than once for specific Info to be added to my portal. More than once when given specific instructions for post op. etc. I've asked for it in writing or to be added to my portal. I've found everyone to be very accommodating. You will also be able to message your doctors through your portal following your appointments. So if you have questions after or want to refresh your memory you can message them directly. Be up front about being nervous and not having a companion with you. I've never felt rushed at Mayo. I always take my questions in writing because I know I'll forget if I don't. I take 2 copies so I have one to write my notes on just to keep it all straight. Relax. You'll be in the very best hands. Take Care.
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2 ReactionsHi @talllady1958.
Another idea is to use your phone to include someone from home in your appointment. I have done this.
I called and asked ahead of time and they assured me it would not be a problem. My cell phone had problems finding a signal in the Clinic and my doctor used the phone from our exam room. This way my husband participated in my appointment from home.
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1 Reaction@jenniferhunter
@jenniferhunter thank you so much for your info and help. I'm sure I'll feel comfortable once I'm there. This helps knowing I have somewhere I can go to relax very helpful.
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1 Reaction@jlharsh great idea I have my pre-first appointment meeting tomorrow on the phone so I may talk to them about that and see if my brother and his wife might be available at least for part of them. I am set up in the portal and they've got my
my chart and all that stuff access so that's good and I'm very thankful to be getting in here and hopeful for a good outcome.
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2 Reactions@sandy8043 thank you so much. I have a feeling it's going to be a very long three days while I wait for my flight to begin lol I appreciate all the info you
@sandy8043 thank you Sandy. I guess I've just gotten really nervous with doctors. I have been going to them now for three years and I've seen so many. I don't have any idea how many actually I had one fire me for asking a question about a medication I've been on for 30 years so I get kind of nervous... literally I swear all I did was ask a question to ask him to look at it to see if maybe it could be adding to what was going on and if so, could we maybe think about weaning me off of it and he got all hottie and upset and told me he thought I should find a new doctor I tried to apologize I didn't get ugly or anything. I just said maybe on her next visit could we talk about this because I had read some material about it causing seizures and massive unexplained weight loss which is part of what I'm experiencing and he got upset. Told me I needed a new doctor so I'm a little about it but thank you. I really do appreciate knowing that they're open to discussion thoughtful discussion at least
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3 ReactionsAfter your visit there will be something called view clinical notes in your Patient Portal visit summary. These are transcribed from a recording of your visit, but usually take a day or so to post. I wouldn't guarantee them to be 100% accurate.
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2 Reactions@talllady1958, a bit more information for when you talk to them today….
After thinking, I realize I had two appointments that I was able to connect my husband in via phone at home. They were is two different departments. The first one was super straight-forward. The second department had never dealt with that request so had to ask and get back with me. Just something to be aware of that you may need to be a little persistent in asking to find the right person that can find out. My experience is that everyone you talk to will want to help you.
I hope your travel and appointments go well. I would love to hear how your experience is, and if you are willing to share more about what brings you to Mayo, and even if you have questions while you are there……you’ve got this!