LU - Dr. Michet's GREAT!

[Guest guest]

Lu, I read Rita's post about Dr. Michet. He's the Rheumatologist I

see at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He's wonderful - very calm,

reassuring and gives you hope that you can get better. His disease

specialty is RP and he can put together a treatment plan that is best

suited for you - not all RP patients like our local Rheumatologists

tend to do. The local Rheum. have only limited experience and are

hesitant to try anything other than the " standard " treatment.

If he's the one you see, tell him I said 'hi'. I just saw him April

23 and he said I " appear to be in remission " . I just love those

words!

As you prepare for your trip you may want to consider this list:

1. A copy of your file from your hospital's Medical Records;

2. All x-rays, scans, etc., from the Imaging Center if you have any;

3. A written list of all medications, dosages and frequencies.

Include supplements and over-the-counter stuff.

3. An outline of what you think your medical history is - start with

the date you starting having symptoms, the medication prescribed for

you, the results, etc.

4. Have your doctor(s) write or fax a summary of their medical

history since seeing you.

5. A written list of your doctor(s) names and addresses so Mayo can

send their findings to them. You'll get a copy also.

Plan on fasting starting at 7:00 PM the evening before you go in for

tests. The blood draw is usually done first thing in the morning.

Then you can go eat and drink and pee in a little bottle.

This is an exhausting experience but Mayo has such good

diagnosticians that hopefully a treatment plan can be recommended for

you that will finally work. Mine took 10 months before I began to

feel a little like my old self. I had been told that the

word " remission " would not be used in my case. But have faith.

The Chamber of Commerce in Rochester, MN has a website and an 800 #

you can call and get hotel information and prices. We got in on a

special rate at the Radisson a few weeks ago. It's nice and is

within the skywalk network so there's no need to drive, park, etc.

I'm excited for you, Lu. Please keep us all posted. When are you

going?

Take care,

(KC)