Mayo Az Instead Of Mayo Mn?

[Blessedgal]

Hi everyone,

I am new and have been recently diagnosed with POTS. I am still trying to find answers regarding my other symptoms and the cause of my POTS.

I was disappointed to call Mayo in Rochester and hear they are not currently taking any new POTS patients. They said possibly in 2014 and to call back then.

I called Mayo in Arizona and they are taking POTS patients. Is the AZ facility worth the long trip and $$$ given it is a smaller facility?

I really want a comprehensive evaluation and to see any other specialists at the same time.

Thank you for any opinions!

[Chaos]

I see Dr. Goodman at Mayo AZ. I really like him and have found him to be a thoughtful and comprehensive practitioner. When I went he referred me to other specialists he felt were warranted based on my conditions/history. He does the autonomic reflex screening and catecholamine tests. This includes a Q-SART. I don't know that they do the thermoregulatory sweat test in AZ like I've heard they do at Rochester.

Since you have a better idea of what all you want evaluated and how far you have to travel, you have to decide for yourself but personally I really like Dr. Goodman. The other thing to consider though would be if you want follow up would you have to keep going to AZ to get it? Or would you be able to get into Mayo MN once you have been seen out in AZ and are established as a patient?

[Aimes]

I first saw Dr. Goodman when he was at Mayo in Rochester. This past April I had a really bad flare of symptoms and decided to go to Mayo in AZ so I could continue with Dr. G. He is amazing and thorough. My Rochester experience was a really great one. I saw a team of specialists and that Clinic is unlike anything in the world. In AZ, I only saw Dr. Goodman but he ordered the same tests that were done in Rochester and it was a more relaxed atmosphere. My follow up care has also been fantastic. I call and visit with his nurse, Janie, every couple of weeks and they are always very prompt in returning my calls and answering my questions. Basically, I'm not sure about initial work up as I didn't have that done in Arizona, but I think Dr. Goodman is one of the best!

[Blessedgal]

This is very helpful! Thank you both so much! I would be traveling from the Southeast, so it is a big decision.

[Psalm 23]

Hi Blessedgal and welcome. I second all the positive comments made by Chaos and Aimes. Going to Mayo, AZ was money well spent for me. I was seen by Dr Goodman as well as many other doctors as was deemed necessary for a thorough evaluation. I came away with accurate diagnosis, an effective management plan and amazing phone support. Best of wishes in making your big decision.

Janet

[Lethargic Smiles]

It is such a tough decision! I think I would call and see if they do all of the same testing at the Arizona clinic as the Minnesota clinic. Is neuropathy an issue or suspected issue for you? If it is and they don't have the thermoregulatory sweat test at the Arizona clinic, that may be something to really consider as it can help with detection of small fiber peripheral neuropathy in a way a QSART cannot.

Here is a complete listing of the testing I had done at Mayo Rochester from my blog: http://lethargicsmiles.wordpress.com/coping-with-illness/mayo-clinic-experience/ The gastric emptying study and consultation with an endocrinologist were specific to my case (gastroparesis/thyroid nodules), but the other ones are what you would be booked with when making an appointment with the autonomic clinic for POTS.