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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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@seniormed there used to be a Subway in the subway. The Mayo cafeteria has make to order sandwiches. If you take the subway to the far end and go up the escalator two floors, there is a skywalk over First Ave and you will find restaurants and sandwich shops over there as well, all inside so no jacket required.
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5 ReactionsThanks for the information. Sounds like a plan to get my steps in as well.
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3 Reactions@jlharsh thank you! It was all a bit overwhelming and I didn’t know what to bring or pack. Thankfully I was able to come home today and then head back tomorrow. I stayed at Kahler Grand, but was really disappointed. I wanted cozy comfy bedding and soft lighting and just a cozy hotel room to go back to at the end of the long days. If you have any tips on hotels near Mayo and Gonda buildings that are a little cozier or have tips on what to bring to make it cozy, I’d welcome any advice! Thank you! 🙏
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2 Reactions@findingmeagain82 Others may have ideas for you. My latest go-to has been Townplace Suites close to Mayo and Gonda. I get up and use their nice exercise room then I can find healthy options in the breakfast available in the lobby (included in room rate). I like having a kitchen area in the room, my car parked in a heated garage, and their bedding/towels are definitely comfy. Not sure how I could almost forget, a good coffee shop on the main floor next to the lobby. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rsttm-towneplace-suites-rochester-mayo-clinic-area/rooms/
How is your visit going? What does your appointment schedule look like?
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3 Reactions@seniormed
As @hrhwilliam mentioned, there are many options without going outside if you can walk. One of my favorites in the Gallery is Salad Brothers, which has soup, salads, and sandwiches. Not sure if on the healthy side, guess it depends on what order.
This website lists downtown restaurants, but not all are connected by subways/walkways.
https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/explore/dining
You may also want to contact Mayo's free Consignor service that can recommend restaurants personalized to your preferences or diet:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
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3 Reactions@jlharsh
Thank you for this helpful info! I just got back down here tonight. I’m staying at the Residence Inn. It’s a great little studio with a kitchen and large sitting area and work desk. They have a free breakfast as well and it’s connected through the subway. So far I have 2 appointments tomorrow morning at 8:45 and 10:45am and then 3 appointments on Tuesday. I’m hoping yo find some things to do to avoid sitting in my quiet hotel room with my loud brain, lol. Thank you again for your helpful advice and support
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3 Reactions@findingmeagain82
Perfect! It sounds like you found the perfect place to stay.
One other place in addition to what others have recommended, just stop by the information desk in the lobby area of The Clinic. They may have suggestions.
Please come back and comment about what you find to do. Inquiring mind here… Also, I am interested to hear more about your appointments, and how they go, if you are willing to share more.
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3 Reactions@findingmeagain82
I did find this site listing tours at Mayo, some self-guided:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/tours
I agree with @jlharsh that it's best to stop by the information desk for the latest information.
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3 Reactions@findingmeagain82
Just happened to see something happening today (Monday, Dec 22) at Mayo:
Choral Arts Ensemble Season Singers in Rochester Charlton Building / Lips Atrium. Dec 22, 12 pm - 1 pm
The Lips Atrium is on the Subway level of the Charlton Building. Ask at the information desk for directions.
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3 ReactionsThere was a question about what to pack. I'm a little late to the conversation, but you might find these related discussions helpful:
- What to pack for your trip to Mayo Clinic? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-bring/
- Packing for our trip to Mayo Clinic. What to bring?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/packing/
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3 Reactions