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Travel and connections while at Mayo
Hi all!
Just joined and first post. I am 40 F I have been having vascular and circulation issues for a few months and being seen by my local academic center. Unfortunately, they have not been able to figure out the cause or worsening symptoms. My case was submitted to the GIM program Nov 26 and I’ll be traveling December 16.
I will be traveling alone. As many of you know they told me to plan for 7-10 days — my current loose schedule I have 7 days of appointments but made sure I have flexibility on my return flight in the event I can leave earlier / need to stay longer. I am also ensuring I have flexibility with my hotel stay.
With that said, a hotel connected to the hospital is ideal as I am not a fan of cold weather haha — and I’ll be traveling from a warmer client. However, I also hear and agree with having ability to store and prepare my own meals and snacks would be great. I have ensured other hotels I’ve looked at (still within a mile of downtown hospital where my appointments are) have shuttles but I am curious if staying downtown is still preferred. I believe they said the shuttles run every hour.
Is there usually room on the shuttles? Any pros / cons I am missing?
I have gotten all my records and images together, will prep symptom history, peogression photos, meds… anything else I am missing?
Also, is there a coat check our patient lockers? Perhaps this is a silly question. I am just trying to envision myself packed down with a coat, layers, medical docs, phone charger, snacks, water, book for during waiting time…
Is there a place to meet other solo patients who are there for a few days? Not a necessity of course but just curious.
Also, with the weather — with taking the shuttle am I okay just wearing jeans with weather / warm coat etc. or do I still need layers under jeans. Maybe this is a silly questions — but asking!
Any tips are recommended!
Thank you!
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@jheart
Welcome to Mayo Connect, and hope you find answers.
Let's see if I can answer a few of your questions.
Where to stay, there are many discussions on Connect on that topic. Many of downtown's hotels are connected via an underground tunnel system, sometimes referred to as the subway. If the hotel is not downtown, most of them offer a shuttle.
I recommend contacting Mayo's free Concierge services for recommendations based on your needs. They can advise which ones have kitchenettes. If you check with your hotel staff, they should be able to advise you on ordering groceries to be delivered.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
By phone 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday: 507-538-8438
Email: concierge@mayo.edu
What to wear?
If downtown and connected by subway, wear layers. If you're not use to MN, it may be cool in waiting areas. A sweater/ sweatshirt is the best advice. At the subway level of Mayo building, there is an information desk with a coat check, so you do not need to walk around with a bulky coat. I am from MN, so I can get by with jeans, but when it gets cold, I wear Cuddle Duds or leggings under my jeans for an extra layer.
If you're going to need to walk outside, make sure you have warm socks and boots. Once on the downtown campus, you can walk to many restaurants without going outside.
I am not aware of any solo meet-ups for patients.
Sounds like you are well prepared. I suggest a few previous discussions:
Have you set up your Patient Portal? It is the best way to keep up with appointments. In addition, there may be questionnaires that you may need to complete. If you fill it out ahead of time, it saves time at the appointment.
For more information or help, see: https://onlineservices.mayoclinic.org/patientportal/support
You might want to check out this article:
"How to make the most of your Mayo Clinic appointment."
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-appointment
Another Connect dissuasion you may want to review: Tips for New Specialists:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
Let me know if you have any additional questions. As a Rochester resident, I'm glad to try an answer any questions you have.
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7 ReactionsLots of folks use backpacks. IMO don't overdress as you might regret it.
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3 Reactions@roch thank you!
@bajjerfan as in don’t wear too many layers? Haha
@jheart
Was in Rochester recently and it was cold. I wore a t shirt light pants and a light zip up hoodie. As I get older I dislike the cold more and more. As I walked from the Graham ramp to the Hilton building via the subway I was plenty warm.
IIRC from last Spring, the shuttle was comfy.
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1 ReactionI wish I would’ve joined this sooner! I’m currently here for the first time and arrived on the 17th. I head home tomorrow (I live in MN) and then come back on Sunday 12/21-12/23. I’m a 43 yo female. It can be pretty isolating and overwhelming being here alone. If you are still here 12/21-12/23 and want to chat or try and connect let me know! Sending positive thoughts
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2 ReactionsWelcome, @findingmeagain82. I am glad to see you comment! I hope you connect with @jheart51
In the meantime, is there anything others can help you with from afar?
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3 Reactions@findingmeagain82 To me the entire complex is amazing. An interesting pastime between appointments is to take the elevators up to the upper floors and not only enjoy the views but gander at the interesting artworks on display. Each floor is unique and no one will tell you not to be there. You can also go inside the original Mayo building to the east with its art deco and detailed architecture. You can tour the original Mayo brothers offices.
An underground or "subway" walk brings you under the city and into downtown if you are up for a walk.
I myself now spend my free time helping lost patients (you can always spot them) or just pushing wheel chairs to give their caretaker a break.
Now if we could only get the construction downtown to stop for just one year, that would be an interesting sight for sure. Good healing.
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4 Reactions@hrhwilliam When I was there I loved the huge historical doors and the carillion. We were there in July, the gardens were pretty, the informative signs would be there now. Learned much about the history of the clinic.
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2 ReactionsI am looking forward to my consultation week in
January. Is there a deli type store with made to order
sandwiches and prepared salads near the tunnel system
downtown? Healthy eating opportunities suggestions?