New patient questions-Rochester location

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.

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

@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?

Hi Colleen,

Yes, thank you! I have signed up for the patient portal but didn't see a way to submit a message for general questions but I could call and ask. I have an appointment at the Rochester clinic for a Fibromyalgia/Chronic fatigue syndrome nurse evaluation and then a consultation, it's three separate appointments in one day. But I'm not sure what else they'll have in store for me or if anything will extend into the following week yet.

Thank you!

Thanks SO much for your helpful advice! Much appreciated 🙂

I'm so glad to hear that you have been able to receive some helpful treatments! I know how hard it can be to find the right combination of treatment and help. Thank you for your message 🙂

@delphinium, you will find the patient portal helpful and handy as your appointment gets closer and while you're at Mayo Clinic. Updates for your appointments and more will be posted there.

Before your appointment, it is recommended to call regarding general questions. You can also ask if and when you will receive the Patient Appointment Guide.

For your appointment, you are wise to start writing down your questions and organizing them. You might include things like the symptoms you experience, how severe are they, when they typically happen and if you've noticed anything that triggers specific symptoms or flares.

@delphinium I didn't see anyone answer the question yet about Mayo potentially just confirming your current diagnosis vs investigating further. I was just at Mayo in May and was diagnosed with FM and CFS. Mayo is extremely thorough. Regardless of whether or not they think you have fibromyalgia, they will do very thorough exams, imaging, blood work, etc to rule out any other issues, ensure you don't have other complicating issues, and only then will they confirm the diagnosis. They are extremely thorough and I felt very well taken care of very confident in the final diagnosis. I was honestly blown away by the experience. Also they provide a ton of education on what's going on with your body and how to help mitigate symptoms. By far the best medical care I have ever received.

I really appreciate your response, thank you! I am comforted by that and am so glad your experience went so well and that they were able to help you! That's definitely a huge relief.

I was a self referred patient too and I sent all my medical records right away as soon as I requested care and was called back within three days for an appointment. Send all medical records right away is my suggestion.