I'll have Mayo on the side!

" Oh...This is how medicine is supposed to roll!" This is my departing thought as I leave frigid Rochester, Minnesota and the world renowned Mayo Clinic. Now that my daughter's 6 year health nightmare has ended, it might as well be 85 and sunny outside.

A week ago, we came here desperate and anxious knowing that this was the end of the line for family answers. There were no options remaining. We have despised the endless and brutal perfect storm for years. Without faith and hope (and not always present, I assure you) it nearly destroyed an otherwise very happy family unit. Never underestimate on how ghastly chronic illness can be...and it does not affect just the patient.

However, there are very few moments in life where expecations will not only be met, but exceeded. It happened here and the experience has been epic! We now have a very personal and real life example of the fact. We have answers.

I have stared at this page for days, knowing that I have no skill package that can adequately articulate our journey and more importantly our deepest feelings. I can only tell you that the weather cleared and we are happy with the forecast.

So...let me cut to the chase. If the "health wolf" is at the door, you do not have to answer it. You can move and answer it elsewhere. What I am trying to say is physicians really do care (You have to come to southeast Minnesota find them, though), they actually are good capitalists and put patients first and profits second...hope that didn't sound too cliche;they set politics and egos aside. And most of all...they can communicate with another doctor who might see things different or is better and smarter about what is going on with the patient. They even team up!The Nelson's woke up and now realize that the health care we have been receiving for years (with few exceptions) has been incredibly mediocre. None of us can afford this harsh reality.

Why, I ask myself, can't US medicine clue in on the Mayo method of integrated medicine. Integration...a big word for were are all on the same page on how to take care of a patient. It starts with listening...no bias approaches...no dismissive attitudes...I am not crazy or depressed...and no first question of "What insurance are we billing?"

Ok already, I will step off the soap box, before someones knocks me off. But...one more thought from the pharmacist filter. There was no talk of drug therapy until the last day of a week of appointments seeing a number of medical sub-specialty. How refreshing was that and how odd is that statement coming from a druggist? Now don't get me wrong, your prescription should include life changing medicine. Just don't forget to get an accurate diagnosis of what is wrong and what is NOT wrong with the you before the trip to the pharmacy. And...if your serious about your health, come to the Mayo Clinic and get your prescription filled!

Remember...take as directed and thanks to all at the Mayo

Blake