cognitive behavior class

I would like to invite members @dawn_giacabazi, @lynettegable, @medic7054, and @lauriedr, who have discussed going through the pain rehabilitation center at Mayo Clinic, which includes cognitive behaviors for chronic pain. They can share their experience in the pain rehabilitation program.

@AlwaysHopeful, would you mind telling the other members a bit more about what the cognitive behavior class is and offers as you prepare to take the 12 week course?

I haven't gone through Mayos 3 week course. Ive been working on weight reduction as am afraid physically I wont be able to do the program. With my physical limitations i know weight loss will really help. I would live to hear more from others about their experience as I am still aprehensive. My plan is to schedule for fall

I think it’s important to understand that Mayo has several programs to help people dealing with chronic pain. When I went to Mayo’s website, I found this description: “The Pain Rehabilitation Center's three-week program is intended for adults whose chronic pain is a major health issue and who, because of pain, have experienced a significant decline in functional abilities, mood and quality of life.” So, here you have a program that lasts three weeks, eight hours a day, five days a week. The program I am referring to is called, I believe, the Pain Clinic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group. This a 12 week program that meets once a week for an hour and a half. It It is important to check your health insurance coverage if you are interested in either group. It may be that it’s a covered service, but preauthorization is needed.

Gosh it would be wonderful if Mayo Clinic could put a web version of this class online. A distance based learning tool could reach folks like me who don't live close enough to attend these programs. I will be watching to see any tips that @lauriedr, @medic7054 and @dawn_giacabazi share of what they learned.

Good morning!!!
My experience was amazing and trust me when I say, you will learn many life skills and other techniques to help manage your pain. No need to worry about sitting in one spot for very long because your day is filled with many appointments. Here is a link that will help explain.

Here is the link to the therapy group:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/home/ovc-20186868
Here is the Pain Rehabilitation Center:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-medicine/minnesota/overview
Goals
The primary goal of the Pain Rehabilitation Center is to restore functioning
and improve quality of life for persons suffering with chronic pain. The
program emphasizes the discontinuation of opioid medication for the
treatment of chronic non-cancer pain and the return to a fulfilling lifestyle.
Other important goals include:
• Return to regular daily activities
• Increase physical strength, stamina and flexibility
• Reduce use of pain medications
• Minimize pain behaviors
• Learn stress management techniques
• Return to gainful employment
• Resume leisure and recreational activities
• Improve interpersonal relationships
• Reduce reliance on health-care professionals, with improved ability to self-
manage chronic pain

The tools and coping techniques you learn will effect your everyday life for the remainder of your life. Really is a life changing experience. I highly recommend for anyone who is dealing with pain that effects your activities of daily living.

Blessings,
Dawn

Here is alittle more detail on the group that @ AlwaysHopeful is speaking of:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/details/what-you-can-expect/rec-20188674
This is just one of the types of sessions you may have if you go through the Pain Rehabilitation Center. The very nice thing is it is different for each person as the program is tailored to your needs.

Best of luck
Dawn

I agree that a web based Pain Management seminar/series would be so helpful. It is just not feasible for most of us to pack up to live in Rochester for three weeks (at our own expense) -- and the 1.5 hour session each week is not very do-able either! I live two hours from the Mayo Clinic and would love to see an online seminar with optional twice a month face-to-face seminars in Rochester. I could easily plan to take two days a month to attend.

I am also struggling with the 3 week program. I know you must be committed to helping yourself but cost of lodging, etc as i live a distance away. Also the physical demands of 5 days a week all day. I cant hardly make it all day without laying down as pain becomes overwhelming. I can hardly comprehend doing it 5 days a week for 5 days. Also transportation to and from lodging. Is there parking close? I do gave an electric scooter. Ive also read about a pre evaluation to determine if you are accepted into the program. What does that entail?

Lynette, I don't know the answers to all of your questions. But I think the first step is to see if the program is covered by your health insurance.

It is still a huge hardship to leave my family for three weeks! One day per week or per month would be do-able though!