Anyone had a successful experience w/ Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center?

Thanks for responding, Rachel. I have not attended the pain clinic. I tried to set up a telehealth consultation with the pain clinic prior to the surgery, but they would only see me in person and it would require a separate 20 hour each direction trip. (I am not able to fly due to my symptoms, so I have to drive everywhere. ) My hope is that I can find an outside practitioner (maybe who works with graduates of the program) who can advise me and also provide input to the surgeon. Appreciate your help!

I'm sorry, but to the best of my knowledge the PRC does not readily advise non-graduates of outside practitioners.

May I ask who diagnosed you with CSS? Have you spoke to that practitioner about what steps you should take prior to surgery?

Hi there @kmdenton33. Living with CSS can be very challenging. I'm sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with it. I completely understand your apprehension about applying to the pain rehab program, it is expensive and a big commitment for 3 weeks.

My experience with PRC was fantastic and life changing. It was intense, but well worth the investment as it taught me so much about myself physically emotionally and behaviorally, and gave the tools for me to have a better quality of life. What I liked best was that PRC teachers fundamentals of comprehensive pain management which apply to the person as a whole. It's important to go in with an open mind and be dedicated to learn and accept change. FYI, you don't need to be on opioids to attend the program.

There is a the CSS video by Dr Sletten from the Florida pain rehab Center which really gives a good breakdown of what CSS is and how the program helps. Have you seen this video yet?

Hi! Thank you for responding - yes I have watched the video. I have also ran across someone who did the PRC program and said it changed his life. He has actually summarised what he learned in the program along with additional information - I have already been applying a lot of the concepts - I am starting to do better and have been stretching and light weights and besides my bulging discs, I have been doing a lot better. I am going to see how I do over the next 30 days. If I am still having bad days, I will sign up. I am an open to advice kind of person and constantly work on changing how I think. I have been applying the “Pace yourself” and pain does not equal harm which has helped tremendously. I have big ADHD and not on meds so it is hard for me to pay attention for 8 hours but I am still considering it.

Good for you! Way to be your best advocate and look to make change. While I highly recommend going to the PRC and immersing yourself in the program with a medical team and peers, nothing compares to the experience in person, I get that it may not be attainable for some.

Even if you never get to the program, I believe doing what you're doing by opening yourself up to learning and knowledge is giving you a great advantage.

Understanding that "hurt doesn't equal harm", (in chronic cases) is a huge revelation and it sounds like you're doing a fantastic job of paying attention to the areas that you can grow and make changes in.

If you're interested, I can try to put my finger on what's called Family Day videos from the pain rehab program. These are recaps of each of the three weeks of classes that get shared with families of patients attending. They are full of excellent, valuable tools. Would you be interested in watching them?

Yes! That is so kind of you! I would definitely be interested in that! 🙂

Good for you! Way to be your best advocate and look to make change. While I highly recommend going to the PRC and immersing yourself in the program with a medical team and peers, nothing compares to the experience in person, I get that it may not be attainable for some.

Even if you never get to the program, I believe doing what you're doing by opening yourself up to learning and knowledge is giving you a great advantage.

Understanding that "hurt doesn't equal harm", (in chronic cases) is a huge revelation and it sounds like you're doing a fantastic job of paying attention to the areas that you can grow and make changes in.

If you're interested, I can try to put my finger on what's called Family Day videos from the pain rehab program. These are recaps of each of the three weeks of classes that get shared with families of patients attending. They are full of excellent, valuable tools. Would you be interested in watching them?

Great, I'll do my best to hunt the videos down within the next few days.

Did you happen to take a look at the PRC/CSS blog link I shared previously? It's great to hear feedback from non-prc graduates about the material presented and to know if it's helpful to folks. I'm a little biased being a graduate and knowing how much this all changed my life, but curious what you thought?

@rwinney - Hi - I haven't seen that blog. I will go in and search for it. Thank you 🙂