I first came to Mayo Clinic GI department in June of 2022. I came in with a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis and reflux. Immediately I was labeled as 'looking healthy' and was put off as 'rumination.' Rumination is excessive dwelling or thinking of a condition, often times making it worse. As the months. went by, my symptoms would get more and more broad. I went from from only severe vommiting to nausea, joint pain, migraines, food sensitivities, UTI symptoms, worsening constipation, extreme tiredness, and hives. All these symptoms were pushed to the side and the only solution they could offer were multiple, heavy medications. The following year with their care I would undergo countless procedures and surgeries, resulting in a diagnosis of chronic idiopathic constipation and severe gerd w/lots of damage to the esophagus. Once again, I was prescribed on more heavy medications. My symptoms would continue to get worse. As time went on, I started to question the very doctors taking care of me. My symptoms were disregarded, my case was pushed to the side since I 'appeared healthy', and their only solution were prescribing 6 strong medications that would slowly wear away at my body. As I started to research, I came to understand how harmful all these medications were on my 18 year old body. When brought up to doctors, I was told there was nothing else they could do. No herbal remedies or any sort of diet were ever mentioned, which is the root solution to Gerd and eosinophilic esophagitis. My most recent appointment was the worst interaction I've had with a doctor. I once again mentioned the worsening of my health and conditions the past year during this appointment, and the only solution I was offered was more medication. Not only more medication, but the medication I was on for 6 months in the previous year that helped with literally nothing. The biggest issue that is worsening is constipation. I don't have any bowel movements anymore. I have tried fiber supplements, magnesium supplements, over the counter medications, and harsh prescribed medications. I have undergone procedures and surgeries and nothing was found. Nothing works anymore and when mentioned to my doctor yet again, they had no solution. I was offered a, "well what do you want us to do." Guess I just won't have any bowel movements lol. This wasn't even the most frustrating part of the appointment. The most frustrating part was over an accommodations letter for school. I am currently a college student with a major in nursing. It is very hard for me to keep up with all my required coursework when I feel so sick all the time, not to mention all the side effects my medications uphold. I asked for an accommodations letter from that doctor 3 months ago and was finally given one just earlier this week. The only thing addressed in the letter was only 1 of my conditions and they only suggested 'bathroom use.' Keep in mind, I had kindly requested excused abscense if having a flare up and extended time of tests & assignments if needed. When mentioned in our appointment, it was once again pushed to the side. I was told that they felt, "the accomodations were just." Overall, my experience with Mayo Clinic GI has been anything but "the best care in the world." I have now weaned off my meds, and continue to feel sick on a day to day basis. Under mayo clinics care I was put on several harmful medications, most often offered no solutions, and my case was ultimately pushed to the side. I am actively researching my conditions and trying to figure out on my own how to get better. Doctors like Mayo Clinic make me doubt majoring in nursing in hopes of being a DNP in the future. While they make me doubt my major and future occupation, they also confirm my decision. They confirm my decision because I am so excited to one day test, treat, and diagnose patients. Not only that, but I have seen the brokenness of the industry and how doctors only prescribe medication onto of medication, as opposed to just finding the root cause.
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