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Any experience with Residential Chronic Pain Treatment Programs?
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Jun 9 2:32pm | Replies (48)Comment receiving replies
Do you still feel like being at PRC a few years ago is still helping? What changed most by being there? If there is a thread about the program itself here on connect where others talk about having been there, can you post a link?
I called PRC. She sent an email with all the forms, links, portal. No wait list right now and I found a vrmo I could somewhat afford 10 minutes from Mayo. Some of the things I've read as complaints on reddit, I have no issues with. Not having to be detoxed simplifies things for me also as long as I don't have to attend lots of stuff that focuses on addiction. I did an inpatient pain unit way back in the 80s and relaxation, ot, pt, depression treatment, etc all helped me reset.
I have a psychologist whose specialty is chronic illness and pain, she works with my PCP and she thinks its a great idea. I'm waiting to hear from my chronic care nurse about sending records.
I need to do something. I know they don't diagnose but was told tho the spine clinic is not accepting new patients, the person running the program coyld probably get me in just for an opinion about my hip - did I damage my hip, is it part of my back? And I know they won't be trying to do something invasive! PT, distraction, adjusting, acceptance, etc is my goal. Getting oit of my house and living what I have left and having some sort of life again is my goal. Same as PRC. Being active from 8am to 5 will be the hardest at the start for sure. I wish there waa a nutrition component but not sure medicare would pay for that. Thanks, betty
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Hi Betty, absolutely it is still helping! I so much believe in the program and the tools that it provides for anyone really, pain or not. Having realistic expectations is important and to understand that the program helps teach, guide and support you, but you ultimately are the one that has to do the work and adhere to the principles of what they teach. The four pillars of PRC include physical. emotional, behavioral and chemical and it is taught that one must be in on all four to maximize potential success. Also, understanding that PRC does not claim to diagnose or cure anyone. They are forthright that pain may never fully leave but with work it can hopefully lessen and be managed more effectively to allow better quality of life.
There is a nutritionist on staff and they do run a lecture which is built into the program. Yes the days are long. I didn't know how I was going to do it and was scared as all get out when I went but they provide such a an inclusive, supportive and structured environment that it worked.
As far as your hip goes, you pretty much know they are not going to determine if you've damaged your hip but they will look at all of your medical records, reports and tests, and again determine if they feel they can help you navigate "chronic". Central sensitization amplifies everything so if you're in so much pain and there's nothing structurally wrong, chances are you're feeling the residuals of the fall more intensely than others who do not have CSS.
Try these threads for more experiences from PRC including patient testimonials in the first -
Headed to PRC:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/headed-to-prc/
Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center - What's your experience?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-prc-whats-your-experience/
Has Anyone Had a Successful Experience with Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-successful-experience-with-mayo-pain-rehabilitation-center/
I'm tagging @angieleigh and @connie2023 who have both attended the PRC. Hopefully they will weigh in and you can connect with them.
Congratulations on persevering and advocating for yourself. Keep up the good work!