Connect
Initial appointment with internal medicine with undiagnosed autoimmune
I have an appt on Tuesday with internal medicine for undiagnosed autoimmune. I’ve went through 2 years of testing sure it was this or sure it was that but never had it figured out. Many doctors have said my case is rare and a place like Mayo was the best place for me. We are making the 12 hour drive and I’m nervous I will get there see internal medicine and then that’s it. It’s a long drive for just an initial appointment. Are there typically appointments scheduled for test and other specialties while you are there when you start with internal medicine? We have the hotel booked Monday to Friday hoping it’s not just one appointment and sent home. 12 hour car rides are hard on me and I want to make sure it’s not going to be one visit and sent home to schedule follow ups.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Visiting Mayo Clinic Support Group.
Connect
I wanted to add it’s Jacksonville clinic
@kdover
Welcome to Mayo Connect. Every patient is unique, but normally you will have additional appointment and tests scheduled before or after your initial appoint with provider.
Have you created an account on Mayo's Patient Portal? If so, check and see if additional appointments have already been scheduled. Or the provider may meet with you first and then discuss what tests have already been done at other locations and what additional tests or referrals are needed.
On Mayo Clinic's visitor guide, there is an article "How to make the most of your Mayo Clinic appointment" that may be helpful:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-appointment
Have you sent your previous medical records to Mayo?
@kdover
Here is another link that may help you prepare for your appointment:
Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
If I were you, I would inform them of the distance you are traveling and let them know the time frame you are there for to see if they can prearrange any testing etc. to be done while you are there. Don't wait until you get there to ask, do it ahead of time.
@kdover
I have very low IGM. My nephromogist at Mayo had an internal consult (physician to physician) with an Immunologist to review my case. The Immunologist told my Nephrologist which tests to order and the Immunologist documented the internal consult in MyChart. After the labs came back, a diagnoses was confirmed that I have a very rare disorder called Selective Igm deficiency. I don't have symptoms and I rarely get sick, so no treatment was recommended. Ask for all your immunology labs to be drawn at your visit. Internal Medicine may need to consult with Immunology and a video visit scheduled for follow up.
Best wishes for a successful Mayo visit.