First evaluation appointment Mayo Phoenix length of stay

@tallchick60 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. The first time I went to Mayo it was for pre-transplant evaluation for simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant. I was able to get an itinerary /schedule of planned appointments. My visit was full of appointments spread over about a week. I also received instructions regarading labs, eating /drinking, fasting, taking medications plus scans, X rays and how to dress. Besides this there was information regarding lodging, transportation & parking, restaurants and tourist destinations. Mayo is the comprehensive place to go for health care. I have family living in Phoenix and I hear the weather is great there now. When will you be going?

I am going the 15th. When I made, she didn’t tell me how long I should be. The doctors hear and passing it off as it’s way of life having kidney stones and kidney stone renal surgery every 1-2 years. I have had 3 surgeries for that and have passed 12 stones. All on my right kidney. I feel good when I have a stint in (minus the stint pain). Then they take it out and I’m always in pain on my right side. One doctor here told me it’s in my head. So my primary doctor is fed up and sent everything to Mayo in July. Mayo was taking their time on it then I had another CT scan Thursday, Mayo got the report then now I have an appointment. But they haven’t said the length, or anything. Just the eval appointment. I just don’t know if I should fly back on Thursday or stay through Friday or Saturday to be safe.

I would stay the weekend. It is a nice place to visit even if you’re not busy with Mayo. Let the Mayo people know that you are there for a limited amount of time and are counting on them for some answers. They like challenges and hopefully will rise to the occasion to meet your needs.

I would recommend being there at least Friday for any diagnostics. Our experience at Mayo MN urology with my husband is that they are so very busy that additional tests like cystoscopy are often scheduled in a few weeks instead of the next few days. My husband ended up seeing a ureter specialist and there was quite a wait for that appointment. Hotels near Mayo tend to be very understanding that you may not know how long you are staying and checking out early is no problem. It makes sense to pay the extra for flights you can change also. Good luck getting answers. My sister lives near Scottsdale and weather this time of year is great!

If you don’t mind telling me, what was your husband’s diagnosis? That’s is who my primary care doctor was trying to get me in with. But they sent me to the stone clinic of urology instead.

My husband had aggressive invasive bladder cancer and had complications of ureteral blockage after his radical cystectomy and neobladder surgery. Dr. Boyd Viers at Mayo in Rochester, MN did the repair of his ureter. All of his surgery was at Mayo in Rochester. Dr. Viers has been wonderful to work with and his support staff as well. There is so much specialization with the urology doctors and that makes them experts in their particular field. If you don't find that at Mayo in Phoenix, it might be advisable to have a discussion with your doctor there about visiting Rochester. We have over 11 years of experience with Mayo in MN with my head and neck cancer that has been excellent. Working with urology there has been frustrating due to things just not happening as quickly. I guess that comes from being number one in the country in urology and very busy.

I formerly lived in the Palm Springs area so I could drive to Mayo in Phoenix. So it was helpful to have my car to say the least. I did find that the Sleep Inn, on I believe it was Bell Road or Frank Lloyd Road, was very helpful and understanding about stays and schedules with Mayo. They also do give Mayo patients a discount on the room rate. Let me know if I can give you any other ideas/help. I am 9 years out from bladder removal.

Hi @tallchick60, in addition to the helpful replies you've already received, you might also be interested in reviewing the discussions in the Visiting Mayo Clinic support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/

Here are a few specific discussions to start with
– Phoenix GIH Dept – First Visit Evaluation & Stay
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/phoenix-gih-dept-first-visit-evaluation-stay/
– First Visit to Mayo Clinic: How do appointments work? What to expect?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-internal-med-patient/
– Your travel tips for Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and Scottsdale please
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-travel-phoenix-scottsdale-clinics/
When will you be at Mayo AZ?