Good morning. I'm sorry you've had a difficult journey with chronic pain. I agree, it does depend on where you're coming from regarding pain management approaches. It's unfortunate the Mayo's PRC wasn't for you.

From my experience attending the pain rehab program, it is by far the opposite of thinking pain is all in a person's head. In fact several of the classroom lectures teach how pain is not all in someone's head and offers the science to back it up. Furthermore how permanent changes within the central nervous system occur resulting in sensitized sensors and chronic symptoms.

The program offers an abundance of help in the form of education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, in addition to nutrition, sleep hygiene, problem solving through modification in moderation, and yes the omission or reduction of chemicals - managed and assisted daily by one on one nurse check-ins and vital signs. The other important thing that I found incredibly helpful was the cohort of peers that I shared the 3-week program with. Also, the tools and support the PRC sent home.

At the end of the day it's each person's choice, not everyone is on board with putting in the amount of work it takes. It wasn't easy, that's for dang sure!

Since interviewing for the PRC, how have things been going for you? I hope you're doing well. Have you been finding ways to manage your pain any better?