Back in the game after rehabilitation for debilitating pain

Oct 30, 2019 | Kris Luhman | @krisluhman | Comments (20)

Tyler McDonald

At 35, Tyler McDonald felt like his best years were behind him. Affected by mystifying mobility issues and severe pain, he needed a cane and heavy pain medications to move through his days. Withdrawn and depressed, Tyler's outlook was grim — until he met a Mayo Clinic neurologist who opened a door that led Tyler to a happier future.

For Tyler McDonald, the worst part of his debilitating leg pain and mobility issues wasn't needing a cane to walk or requiring heavy doses of pain medication to get through the workday. For Tyler, who loves playing baseball with his sons, the worst part was sitting on the sidelines not being able to actively coach his little league team.

All that's changed now. Thanks to Mayo Clinic specialists who correctly diagnosed Tyler's condition, addressed his symptoms and removed him from opioid pain medications, Tyler is looking forward to getting back on the field with his team.

Continue reading Tyler's story via Sharing Mayo Clinic

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the Adult Pain Medicine blog.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 10, 2025

In reply to @bealillie "I still can't get on the link" + (show)

Thanks, @bealillie. The link has been restored. You can find the original article on Mayo Clinic News Network here: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sharing-mayo-clinic-back-in-the-game-after-pain-rehabilitation/

fritzhornung | @fritzhornung | Aug 11, 2025

In reply to @bigjuan "19 surgeries so far. 78 years old. I first took Norco in 1996 after having my..." + (show)

Thanks for the info.
As far as Gummies, how much CBD etc.?
Asking from Vancouver Canada 🇨🇦.

laughlin1947 | @laughlin1947 | Oct 9, 2025

In reply to @bigjuan "19 surgeries so far. 78 years old. I first took Norco in 1996 after having my..." + (show)

@bigjuan What is the composition of the gummy that works so well for you? Brand name? Does it contain THC? Does it contain CBD? Does it contain both and at what concentration? I have bone on bone in my left knee and am trying HLA injections, but they do not last very long before the pain returns. I do not take Norco or other opiates, the doctors frown on prescribing them these days.
I'm looking to start taking Tramadol in s few weeks but my doctor won't let me start until I wean myself off clonazepam, a strong sleep-benzodiazepine that can cause breathing problems if taken with Tramadol. Thanks in advance!

ellesea01 | @ellesea01 | Oct 11, 2025

In reply to @bigjuan "78! Beer, scotch, wine, maybe you’re right. Thanks for your reaction. Trying to figure out this..." + (show)

@bigjuan

I like that you are willing to give it a go & say nice things to another. Me too, re trying.

I never know if I'm to put my reply before or after the @ whoever one is replying to name here.

Yikes. I've tried gummy's & not much change so I'd have to try more & also only gonna do so next time at sleep time. Adios for now & hope we all get to be pain free. Even simply less pain is welcomed.

ellesea01 | @ellesea01 | Oct 11, 2025

In reply to @fritzhornung "Thanks for the info. As far as Gummies, how much CBD etc.? Asking from Vancouver Canada..." + (show)

Ah, that's nice re: asking from Vancouver Canada 🇨🇦 Yahe Canada ..

@fritzhornung

ellesea01 | @ellesea01 | Oct 11, 2025

In reply to @jenatsky "At 78 you can use anything you wish that works. 👍" + (show)

One would think so eh? Especially after rehab for debilitating Pain. Ugh. Hurts like hell & then add in some painful rehab movement. Not sure I'd get on too well with that.

Re; At 78 you can use anything you wish that works.

Safely of course. Pain killers & booze eek... But might be safer with cbd oils, gummy's etc.?

Do we know? I can't say for sure myself but do prefer to Be safe. And try to not use anything too strong or addictive. Good luck finding what works to everybody.

@jenatsky

jtboston | @jtboston | Oct 12, 2025

In reply to @colleenyoung "Thanks, @bealillie. The link has been restored. You can find the original article on Mayo Clinic..." + (show)

@colleenyoung
I have been desperately trying to have someone at Mayo put me in the proper direction. My Dr. at Mass General here in MA continues to send referrals however they do not go anywhere, very confusing and frustrating. I have scapular thoracic abnormal motion STAM , as well as a debilitating issue with my right leg that has altered my gait and walking ability. Just reaching out for advice, this story really struck home with our conditions so similar.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 26, 2025

In reply to @jtboston "@colleenyoung I have been desperately trying to have someone at Mayo put me in the proper..." + (show)

@jtboston, that is very frustrating. I recommend that you contact the Central Appointments Office at the Mayo Clinic where your doctor sent the referral. See all contact numbers here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

A scheduler will be able to tell you of the status of the referral. If it hasn't been received, they can give you information for your doctor to submit the referral correctly.

mslee56 | @mslee56 | Feb 1 5:32pm

In reply to @ruthblaze "I’m 78 on tramadol and gabapentin for chronic arthritis pain I wish I could get off..." + (show)

@ruthblaze
Are you seeing a rheumatologist?
Mine always has a new thing to try if I need a change. Treating the RA is crucial, I think. Getting the inflammation down helps me greatly. And an occasional norco or gummie-but never at the same time.
Hope you feel better.