New patient questions-Rochester location

Posted by delphinium @delphinium, 1 day ago

Hi everyone, I will be going to Mayo clinic Rochester as a new self-referred patient at the beginning of August. They have not requested medical records yet. Should I send them anyway? If I should send them, can I have them faxed or should I just bring them with me in case they need them?

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia already, but I want to confirm that diagnosis and see if I might have another condition that is making my symptoms worse. How can I make sure that they will not just confirm my original diagnosis and actually check for other potential issues since my symptoms and pain have just been getting worse. Is there anything specific I should ask or anything I should avoid saying, especially at the initial evaluation?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

monetval | @monetval | 23 hours ago

I have never been to Mayo, so I can’t help there, but I always bring copies with me of any records. The staff usually copies everything to their records.
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 11 years ago but most recently ( 1 yr ago) diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease. Thinking back, I think I’ve had Sjögren’s all along…there is a blood test for it, so simple, but I was never checked for it before. The 2 diseases are very similar. I do not have the most common symptoms such as dry mouth & eyes, may be why I was never tested. Now, I follow several Dr.’s on YouTube and it’s so helpful. My Dr. put me on Hydroxychloroquine which has helped tremendously with inflammation I had from head to toe and never knew because I was so used to it. Diet, huge, no red meat or pork only fish, chicken, turkey, no carbs, no sugar, lots of fruit & vegetables. I’m thriving, still pain throughout but so manageable. Lots of live water, meaning some veggie or fruit in your water. I use ginger or celery or watermelon or cucumber…I stay away from citrus as it’s not great for Sjögren’s, irritates my salivary glands…
Fibro, I have followed a similar diet above for many years…carbs would create so much pain it was debilitating…best of luck to you.

minnesota10 | @minnesota10 | 19 hours ago

You can the main number at the Mayo tell the operator you would like to speak to someone about your upcoming appointment the maim number is 1 507-284-2511. The operator will connect you with someone who can answer your questions.
Today things can travel by Internet.
Are you traveling and will you need a hotel room? Basically, every hotel in Rochester has shuttles so you don’t have to drive if you choose to live a mile or two away. Traveling downtown right now is a mess as there is a number of major construction projects going on.
If you are driving, go to a website called Mail construction through the drop-down and choose the building. You have your appointment in. It will tell you where to park.
Good luck

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 8 hours ago

@delphinium, you have received some great tips from fellow members @monetval and @minnesota10, suggesting that you a) bring your medical records with you and b) contact Mayo Clinic to talk to someone about sending your records electronically.

@minnesota10 offers further tips about checking for road closures and parking limitations due to major construction happening on campus right now. See this related discussion:
- What construction will affect my visit at Mayo Rochester? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-construction-will-affect-my-visit-at-mayo-rochester/

Back to your original question about sending your medical records in advance of your appointment. I agree with both bringing them with you and contacting Mayo to ask if you should send them in advance.

@delphinium, have you signed up for the patient portal yet? That is a secure and efficient way to communicate and share your medical records with the team? Will you be going to the Fibromyalgia Clinic?