Still no word

[RunningMom]

From the Mayo clinic.  I had phoned them last Wednsday to see if they had gotten my films and reports.  They have and said the Neurosurgeon's would be getting around to reading them in a day or two.  This was last Wednsdaay.  I don't know if I'm being too pushy to call them tomorrow or not.  This waiting seems like an eternity.  Perhaps, I should go ahead and make an appointment with Head of Neurosurgery at the University.  It's my understanding that the Mayo clinic is difficult to get into.  I do hope they see my case as sort of an emergency with the spinal cord being compressed and possibly cut.  

[geminigirl1963]

I was very sorry to hear that Mayo did not accept your case, but so glad that you have a few back-up plans.  I'm definitely hoping and praying that something good comes through for you.

I'm also hoping and praying that once you receive the letter from Mayo telling you why they wren't able to accept your case, it will give you additional information not only as to their reasoning, but also perhaps some information/help in perhaps getting them to change their minds. I think it's a great idea to send them any additional information you may have and also the referral from your doctor - it certainly couldn't hurt and they very well may change their decision and see you.

Many prayers coming your way.

[melissaky]

Good for you !  You know you are an inspiration to all of us .We can all learn something from your positive attitude and tenacity .I will most definitely keep you in my prayers.I hope I can speak for everyone when I say you have all of our support .This is going to work out for you because you aren't willing to give up .Take care Melissa

[RunningMom]

I now have a third back up plan, a plan C.  I have an online friend from a spine forum that lives in the same state as I that is helping me find a neurosurgeon.  I was given a name and the online reviews are very good and she has 18 years of experience.  My online friend is also using the same neurosurgeon and has neck issues as well.  She is the one who told me to go to the Head of Neurosurgey at the University.

Please keep sending your prayers my way.  I want a very experienced Neurosurgeon to help me with my neck.  This time I will get referrals from the doctors.  Hopefully this will help me.

Thank you all for your support.  I'm not entirely giving up on the Mayo clinic. I've been thinking of sending them more information and a referral from the doctor.  

[RunningMom]

Thanks.  I'm sending the University a lot more information and a referral from the doctor.  Perhaps, the referral will get me in somewhere and maybe I should of gotten one for the Mayo clinic.  The staff I talked to says there is a problem with me and it explains why they did not see me.  That is the only information I was able to obtain from her.  It must me somewhat of a long letter, she took a while before answering my question if I can make an appointment.

I HAVE to keep looking no matter what.  My spinal cord is involved and I imagine this is not very safe.  The pain is absolutely horrible and I'm getting pains down my arms that is taking my breath away.  

[melissaky]

Oh I  am also sorry that they didn't accept your case..I also give you kudos for going on to plan b .You are a very strong person and have exactly the right attitude.I do hope that you get the University to take your case.I'm going to keep you in my prayers .I want so badly for things to work out for you .You are a super lady and you deserve the best .Take care Melissa

[flower12345]

I'm so sorry that they didn't accept your case.

Flower

[dontundertand]

I'm SO sorry!!! I know how devastating it can be when we loose a source of hope! But congratulations on getting back up and going to plan B! I so hope the university takes you, you get a great physician, he's the ONE put at the right time in the right place to help you and bring you sone much needed relief!
Chin up lady! Best of luck!

[jamlws]

I am so sorry I know how much you wanted this. Let us know why they didn't accept your case. Hang in there hun and keep looking. If you need to talk just message me.
((((HUGS))))
Jamie

[RunningMom]

The Mayo clinic did not accept my case.  I'm unsure why and will find out soon. They sent a letter in the mail and I should recieve it tomorrow why they are not seeing me at this time.  I called the University and I have to go through the same process.  However, I will have all my clinic notes, MRI reports sent from the pain clinic I'm currently at.  I hope I do get into the University.

[RunningMom]

Thank you everyone.  I will give them a call on Thursday if I don't hear from them by then.

[melissaky]

I agree with everyone about calling them .It will do no harm and as mummy said the squeaky wheel gets the grease.I do hope they get back with you soon .I know how important this is to you .Take care ,it will all work out .Melissa

[recoveredfromamonster]

It's never pushy to call. Not in my opinion. They say two days then in two days I call. That's just me. You have waited ample time. I don't see any issues with calling them to find out about your films of making an appointment. Good luck.

[jamlws]

Sorry you havent heard from them yet I know how much you need to hear from them. I would call again tomorrow that will give them a week from the last time you called. I don't think it will hurt anything.
Hang in there hun
Jamie

[Tuckamore]

I am so very sorry that you have still not heard from Mayo. I know from personal experience that it can be a very long process. My husband's best friend and our neighbor is being followed there. It took him months to get in but now he is seen regularly. He states that his physician absolutely wonderful. He has been extremely pleased with their care.

So please don't give up. They move at a seemingly snails pace due to the massive amounts of referrals that they receive. A call will not hurt you chances.

That said I don't think it would be out of line to contact the your local university hospital. Nothing says you cannot be seen by them while waiting for Mayo. If it makes you feel better than call for an appointment.

I know how very difficult waiting can be...and my heart goes out to you. When we have pain we often have no patience. At least I don't. Every phone call your heart begins to race as you wonder "Is that Mayo?" And every time you pick up that phone and it is not Mayo is heart wrenching. So we are forced to go through hope and despair. What a roller coaster!!

I think that too often we forget to be good to ourselves. If it eases your mind to have an appointment at the university, make one. Be good to yourself.

I'll be right beside you, watching and waiting for your phone to ring.....and I promise you that one day it will be Mayo on the other end of the line.  :)

Hang in there, our friend in chronic pain. We are here for you.

My Best to You,
~Tuck

[dontundertand]

At one point I made an appointment with the mayo clinic in Florida. Not sure which one you're trying to get into. I'm so sorry it's taking this long. I had the opposite experience. They mustve been slow or it was different departments or something. Once ifilled the info out online I called them s few days later and they gave me an appointment pretty quick. Unfortunately, by the time it was a few weeks till the appointment I no longer had any sick leave and they only let me advance what you're going to earn that year and my appointment was in November so I didn't have that much to earn left. Ihad to cancel the appintment and by the time I could have rescheduled I decided I was chacong a ghost because I had all my diagnosis I just wanted to know how it was all connected. I wouldn't feel bad about calling. There's nothing wrong with calling once a week it's not too much to where ur a pain but enough to know this is important to you.
Good luck!

[mummy3too]

I would not hesitate to make an appointment with another doctor - the more opinions you have the better! Do you happen to have copies of the films or MRI's to take to a different doctor while you wait for the Mayo?

You can always explain to the new doctor that the films you picked up were sent to the Mayo - but you had them done at 'such and such' place.. He might be able to get a copy sent to his office.

But, absolutely - if you can afford it and you have the insurance, go see someone while you are waiting for the Mayo...

I also wouldn't hesitate to call the Mayo once a week - sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil.... but I remember someone on here saying it took a very long time for them to get a response. I was hoping they would call you soon since it's obvious something is seen on your MRI.

Thinking of you ....(crossing my fingers they call soon!)