Mayo Clinic

[Smax]

I am in the process of making an appointment at Mayo in Rochester to have my recent test results reviewed. The results show that I have moderately severe aortic insufficiency with perivalvular leak and I have severe mitral regurgitation. I had OHS in 2005 where my aorta was repaired and my aortic valve was replaced with a St. Jude's. I would appreciate hearing about members' experiences at Mayo and the names of their doctors.

I truly appreciate the wealth of information on this site. Thank you.

Billie

 

[Duffey]

Hi Billie.
I hope you get some answers to your questions soon. Several years ago, it seemed like there were a bunch of members who went to Mayo for repairs but I can't recall any recent ones offhand.
I'm sure there are some. It might just take a bit for them to see the thread title.
Best wishes
Mary

 

[johnp]

I only have good things to say about Mayo Rochester. The model is a bit different from many hospitals I've been to in the past. This is a hospital where a large percentage of patients are visting from out of the area. They stay in hotels and spend a week (or more) doing appointments and tests. You get a detailed itinerary and get a complete report of test results and doctors notes at the end. The tricky part might be coordinating longer-term follow-up between your local Dr and Mayo.
I can say that when you are there, you can get the impression that you are the most important patient that they are seeing. I've heard that before and maybe thought that was a line of BS, but now I can tell you that this was 100% true for me.

I am not sure if posting Dr names is practical (at least not on an open board like this), but happy to PM you. I do know that certain teams of cardiologists/surgeons have specific areas of focus or expertise, so my medical situation and subsequent experience with a certain team of doctors may not be applicable to you.

 

[Lynlw]

I don't have any experience with the mayo, but know Kim (Kfay)swears by the Mayo for her complex heart problems and a few other people I know travel to the Mayo and are very happy. I think it is really good you are getting some 2nd opinions. I know you were waiting until after the holidays to be able to talk more with your doctors, Were you able to learn anything more from them?

 

[Greg a]

Rochester NY Mayo ........everyone speaks highly of it but you may want to wait a couple of weeks

 

[Smax]

Greg--that's funny--I actually think this might be a good time of year to be able to get a quick appointment!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Greg -

Are you thinking of Lake Effect Snow in Rochester NY?

That should NOT be a problem in Rochester MINNESOTA, home of the Mayo Clinic.

 

[Freddie]

Oh I think ALCapshaw made a funny LOL

Sorry Smax, I just wanted to say "Hi" and Welcome to the forums.

 

[Smax]

I appreciate the information and replies AND the humor. Thank you.

 

[New Guy]

Smax,

I went to Mayo last July for my AVR. My Doc was the head of heart surgery there, Dr Daly. Not much for bedside manner but he has my full trust and I'd recommend him to anyone.

The people at Mayo were great. They have great communication between the docs within each department so after a day or two of many tests you will see your cardio with his teams recommendations.

Mayo does a lot of these valve type surgeries, but while I was there they had a limited choice of valves. My preference was On-x and I had to force the issue the day before surgery to get one. To my knowledge I was the first (only?) On-x implanted there, but in the end they accommodated me and I'm pleased so far with the results.

I'm sure the docs and surgeons at all the big heart centers are excellent, but Mayo IMO does a remarkable job of scheduling tests and procedures so that an out of towner like me can do the one-stop shopping in as few days as possible.

I spent 5 days in hospital after surgery and was impressed with most everyone I came in contact with.

Good luck. I'll be watching for your progress.

 

[traveler]

Mayo is terrific! Every doctor I've met was courteous, gentle, and willing to go out of their way. Even today if I email my surgeon he'll reply by the end of the day. PM me if you want details.

Mayo is much better than our local care.

 

[SErick507]

Mayo is the only place I've ever gone. They did my surgeries when I was a baby and have kept an eye on me over the years. I was born in Rochester. My mom works at methodist hospital. Only great things to say about Mayo. I'm very close and comfortable with my doctor and he will go out of his way to help me and get things done. Very compassionate and caring. My last procedure in Dec. at St. Marys they were great. My doctor checked in with me 4 times in the few days I was there.