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!