Re: Sherry and Mayo

[Guest guest]

The Mayo Clinic is a fabulous place. I took my wife, who had at the time been diagnosed with PD but which the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. diagnosed as SDS, there a couple of years ago. Mayo also has clinics in sdale, Ariz. and ville, Fla. There were hundreds of people from all over the world at the Clinic and yet everything was very well organized and flowed smoothly. They will give you a through physical exam and possibly mental tests. My wife was given an autonomic reflex test, the thermoregulatory sweating test, and a neuropsychological test among others. You will also probably see a variety of specialists. My wife saw a GP, psychiatrist, neurologist, and physical therapists. In my wife's case the GP was the lead who was in overall charge of her visit. Each doctor will prepare a written report concerning the results of their examinations, impressions, and plans which will be sent to you and to your home town doctors. Before your appointment they will ask you to fill out a form concerning the medical history of you and your family. Be sure and do a good job on this since it is an important part of their evaluation. When we were done I felt that the Mayo Clinic had done as thorough a job as possible. The doctors had sized up the situation quickly and I finally felt that we had an accurate diagnosis. There are hotels next door and others close to the Clinic which are connected by enclosed walkways so that you never have to go outside to get to any of your appointments. This was important to us since our appointment was in October an we don't care for cold weather. Appointments at the Rochester Clinic are easier to get during the cooler months. As a caregiver the trip was very satisfying in that I finally knew what was really wrong and what to do about it. Go for it! Dick