From Hopeless to Hope: A letter from a Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC) graduate

Dear PRC Staff,

I remember the day I was told about PRC [Pain Rehabilitation Center] like it was yesterday. I had flown to FL from CA for a third opinion from Mayo Clinic. Quite honestly, I felt like it was my last resort for answers and a diagnosis. When the GI doctor suggested PRC I felt defeated. I remember going to my car in the exact parking lot I pull into every day and just crying. I felt like I was being called crazy and that my symptoms were made up. After some time and a lot of thought, I decided “What do I have to lose?” and decided to try the program. I wrote in my journal the day before intake about how I was feeling. I was skeptical, I was frustrated and thought “these people will never be able to help me” and “I know there is a specialist who will eventually find out what’s wrong with me.”

The first few days were a struggle for me. When I did not see immediate results, I started doubting things. However, I slowly started listening more and doing my part. Although my ego hates to admit it (HaHa!) I was wrong. For the first time in almost a year I took my first bite of food. For the first time in almost a year I ate a meal. For the first time in almost a year I got back to the gym. For the first time in SEVEN years, I started to feel normal, and for the first time in SEVEN years I felt like I had a future.

I walked into PRC depressed, unhappy and hopeless. I felt like my life was coming to an end, and that being on TPN [Total Parenteral Nutrition] was only sustainable for maybe another year. Now at the close of week three as I reflect back, I am actually excited about the future, and excited to be able to be alive and start living again.

To all of the PRC staff, thank you!

Thank you for supporting me through this journey with gentle yet straightforward and sometimes a little harsh (just kidding) guidance. Thank you for pushing me when I wouldn’t push myself. Thank you for giving me the tools I needed to start putting my life back together. Most of all, thank you for giving me hope. I look forward to the day I can send you that picture on a beautiful beach in Australia in my scuba gear.

--Jennifer