Hey everyone! It's been a few weeks since my first appointment at the Mayo Clinic, and I've finally gathered my thoughts (and many answers!) to share with you all. Buckle up because it's been quite the adventure!
As we began our journey to Mayo, I was hit with a whirlwind of emotions—nervousness, excitement, fear, and a healthy dose of anxiety. Luckily, Mom was right there with me, doing her best to keep me grounded. Thank goodness for coloring books! They kept my mind busy during the long hour-and-a-half drive. Once we arrived, we used valet parking (a total game-changer), and We had to take a few minutes to get everything in our bags for the day. The valet said take your time. ( We are totally pros at it now, and some of the valet guys are starting to remember us; I don't know if that is good or bad, lol )
The valet staff were incredibly kind and patient, treating each vehicle like it was their own. I loved the friendly atmosphere!
Once I checked in, Mayo's high-tech system surprised me! They text you when your appointment is ready and let you know which door to head to—no more guessing games! We barely had time to sit down before we were whisked away to the exam room, where a lovely nurse greeted us and got the ball rolling. Then we had to wait for the internal medicine doctor, who functions as your core healthcare quarterback, coordinating everything you need moving forward.
Then, the moment we'd been waiting for: our internal medicine doctor! He was incredibly friendly and even chuckled at my colorful binder filled with all my medical information. I proudly proclaimed, "Yep, I'm one of those patients!" If you have ever seen my binders, you would understand, lol.
We dove right into the five main issues I had highlighted on my intake paperwork: my stupid headaches, concerns about MS, stomach issues, back pain, and neck pain. The doctor took thorough notes using a cool little microphone recorder (which was oddly fascinating) as we broke each issue down one by one.
After discussing my symptoms, we moved into the treatment room connected to the exam area where the typical checks happened. We went through the usual "Does this hurt?" questions while he examined my stomach, which was oddly comforting as it felt more personal and thorough. It was great to be in just those two rooms the entire time—much better than being shuffled around endlessly!
Post-exam, he shared his findings and laid out our game plan. The best news? He didn't think I had MS! That's a huge relief, but he advised that the neurologist would provide the final verdict. He wanted to investigate my back and neck further, so we got an order for an X-ray and some blood work. Then, a friendly staff member came in with a welcome folder filled with everything we needed — talk about being organized! She helped set up appointments for other specialists, and I couldn't stop gushing about my newfound love for the online patient portal. (Seriously, it's like having a medical assistant in your pocket!)
Next, we headed to the building for my blood work, and honestly, it felt like a breeze. The process was organized, quick, and efficient—just what I needed! After that, we tackled my X-rays, which followed a similar flow as the blood work. In and out, with minimal hassle—Mayo really knows how to do it right!
As the day wore on, I started feeling the effects of overstimulation—classic me! We found a little area to sit and rest. My neurologist appointment wasn't for another hour. I popped in my earplugs, listened to a podcast while munching on some food, and closed my eyes to try and stop my headache from getting worse. Mom made sure we had everything ready for our upcoming meeting with the neurologist—she knows me all too well!
When it was finally time for my appointment with the neurologist, I felt relief in their calming waiting room. The lights were soft, the music was low, and I could finally catch a break from the hustle and bustle. The neurologist walked in, ready to dive deeper into my case. We covered the bases I discussed with the internal medicine doctor and reviewed my MRI from Iowa City. He praised the neurologist there for doing a fantastic job and reassured me that my current medication regimen was on point. It just takes time for my body to get used to the medications.
The biggest relief? He confirmed that I DON'T have MS! He didn't see anything concerning in my MRIs, blood work, or X-rays that would lead to that diagnosis. He suggested that my leg weakness might relate to my back issues and that the spine doctor would shed light on that front.
After nearly an hour with him, I walked out feeling triumphant. Mom and I left after a long, exhausting day, but we were filled with answers and a new perspective. Our next appointment? The spine doctor is next week!
As we wrapped up our adventure, we learned the hard way that valet parking only accepts cards (oops!), so we had to rummage through our stuff for the right one—always suitable for insurance and tax purposes! The valet staff was kind and patient, which made our departure smoother.
Finally, we hopped in the car, and I was ready to crash. My brain was done, and I craved comfort food and a Diet Coke (yes, I'm still hooked!). So we got mashed potatoes from Kwik stars and a Diet coke. Overall, it was a tiring yet productive day, and I'm excited to see what our next steps will bring!
Stay tuned for more updates on this journey, and if you're facing a similar situation, hang in there! We're in this together!
Add comment
Comments