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I'm 4 days at Mayo: I receive my diagnosis
Written by Dennis Michael Lynch.
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A SERIES OF TESTS SHOW THE ISSUE
Thank goodness for my concierge service.
America’s healthcare system is deeply flawed, and we both know it—good doctors are trapped in a mess of long wait times, steep co-pays, toxic medications, and excessive tests that sometimes feel designed to keep you sick for profit. For over a year, I’ve battled chronic pain in my feet, hands, arms, shoulders, and neck, along with a strange sensation of walking on a waterbed, making we wonder if I had a brain tumor.
I saw multiple doctors who threw out different theories, ordering everything from stomach tests to brain MRIs, but I felt like I was spinning my wheels with no clear answers. Fed up, I enrolled in the Mayo Clinic’s concierge program in Jacksonville, and it’s been the best healthcare decision I’ve ever made. For a single fee, I got rapid access to exceptional care without the usual bureaucratic nonsense.
Since arriving on Tuesday, I’ve been treated with precision and respect, with a dedicated doctor systematically addressing each of my symptoms. She started off with a full panel blood test to rule things out, and the results came back lighting fast. From there, we checked sinus cavities, I had a balance test, ENT evaluation, and a medical massage to see if it relieved my symptoms. After all the findings, my doctor was confident that I needed a CT scan of my neck. She saved it for last, hoping I could avoid getting radiation-based testing. I appreciated the tactic.
A 90-second CT scan of my neck finally revealed the root of my issues, providing clarity I’d been chasing for months. Unlike typical healthcare experiences, there were no months-long waits, no endless paperwork, and no hours wasted in crowded waiting rooms. The concierge service, though an added expense, is worth every penny—prioritizing your health beats worrying about bills like electricity, which can wait. This experience has shown me that investing in real answers is priceless when it comes to reclaiming your life.
After the tests were complete, my doctor took the time to give me all the information and treatment options, and so I go home with answers and a plan to get well — finally.
The findings of my scan, in part, read as follows:
C2-3: Moderate left facet joint degenerative changes with partial osseous fusion. Mild left foraminal stenosis.
C3-4: Bilateral severe foraminal stenosis secondary to uncovertebral and facet joint degenerative hypertrophic changes.
C4-5: Trace anterolisthesis. Minimal posterior disc protrusion. Severe right and moderate left foraminal stenosis secondary to uncovertebral hypertrophic changes. Mild canal stenosis.
C5-6: Reduced disc height with disc osteophyte complex bulge severe left greater than right foraminal narrowing. Mild canal stenosis..
C6-7: Moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis no significant canal stenosis..
WHAT IT MEANS
I’m dealing with a neck condition where the spaces where nerves exit the spine (foramina) are significantly narrowed at multiple levels due to wear-and-tear changes, like bone spurs and joint degeneration. This is causing cervical radiculopathy, which means the pinched nerves are leading to neck pain, shoulder pain, and possibly the numbness in my feet, hands, and lips. The slight narrowing of the spinal canal at two levels might also be irritating my spinal cord a bit, which could explain the jelly-like feeling in my legs, imbalance, and the heavy head sensation that comes and goes. These symptoms are likely from the nerves and possibly the spinal cord being squeezed, and while the condition is manageable, I’ll need to work with a specialist to prevent worsening and find the right treatments.
If I hadn’t invested in the Mayo Clinic’s concierge service, I’d still be in pain, clueless about my condition, possibly facing risky surgery or painkillers pushed by a profit-driven doctor. Instead, this service prioritized my well-being with cost-effective, non-invasive approaches. I’m thrilled my doctor began with a blood test to rule out other causes—unlike others who jump to costly tests right away.
I am writing this from my doctor’s office before I hit the road back south. I should be home by dinner. I will update you on my progress.
I just explained how my experience with the Mayo concierge service was amazing, prompting me to explore similar health platforms. This is why I agreed to run the Superpower ad today. Superpower offers a health platform with biannual lab testing, personalized longevity plans, and 24/7 concierge doctor access. I use the Mayo concierge, so I don’t use Superpower, but I reviewed their website and found their approach may interest my readers who seek proactive healthcare. Their website lists pricing that appears competitive for concierge services, based on my review. I also noted a 4-star Trustpilot rating from reviews, suggesting user satisfaction. Visiting their site is free, with no obligation to buy. As noted above, I receive a small fee if you click the ad. I thank you in advance.
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