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Any experience with Residential Chronic Pain Treatment Programs?
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
I too credit Mayo’s PRC to life changing habits. I was extremely reluctant to attend, thinking I knew all there was to know and do. But, as I was told, 3 weeks immersion in all the principles made the difference. I didn’t think I could sit all day and by the end of the program I could.
I am more aware of pain behavior and yes my old flare tools worked, but now I appreciated them more. The biofeedback instruction and results proved that I can help moderate my pain with relaxation and breathing.
I too reread some of the manual and exercises. My Mayo stretches done every morning during those three weeks have stayed with me. ( Although not as consistently!)
I cried early on in the sessions, because I was with kindred souls. It was hard, but toward the end you do see and feel the benefit. I have referred others and will continue to do so.
I had my last invasive pain procedure before the program and the skills I learned at Mayo have kept more of the same at bay.
Replies to "I too credit Mayo’s PRC to life changing habits. I was extremely reluctant to attend, thinking..."
Hi @dciddio, welcome to Connect. CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm so happy to hear PRC made a difference in the quality of your life, too. You hit the nail on the head, it is an immersion into the 3 weeks. I couldn't agree more that in the beginning, you question how the heck you're going to get through such a program, but by the end you feel a whole new sense of courage and motivation.
I'd like to introduce you to @kendra75 who will be attending Minnesota's PRC in February. Like all of us who've entered the program before, she has reservations and concerns. If you're up for it, would you be willing to offer some of your experience and advice for someone getting ready to begin PRC? In what ways did you feel supported while you were there?
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I also have found some relief with self hypnosis which I have been doing since I injured my back over 40 years ago. Counting my blessings is another strategy that forces me to focus on the positive. But, all of these take work and when you are feeling shitty, it makes it just makes it so much harder to focus and they don't last long.
CBD/ THC gummies are a godsend but, for me, they are occasional. I wish the medical community trusted us more with opiods. When I know I have emergency pain meds,it comforts me....even if I don't take them everyday. Their mere presence is a help.
But, I ask myself why can't someone in the medical community listen. Why is it an all or nothing thing with pain medication for those that have suffered chronic pain for years? I took hydrocodone for 12 years 4 times a day and I did not have addiction issues when I stopped. And, I took heavy doses of oxycodone after lung cancer surgery.
The point is, for me, I need many strategies to find some relief from my pain. And,many could be available,but are not in this country, and generally, not at Mayo which is always my medical community of choice.
Thank you for listening to my rant!
Holly