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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
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Is it at one of their hospitals? do you go there for help with pain. I do have a pain specialist in Chicago. Is that the same.
That is amazing and so are you.
@linda6101
All 3 Mayo sites (Arizona, Florida, Minnesota) have PRC programs. Please refer to the FAQ link below for more information.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/chronic-pain-symptoms-rehabilitation/tab/faqs/
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3 ReactionsAre there Pain Rehabilitation Centers in the Chicago area?
@elkeot
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1 Reaction@lisamarie235 Hi there! Allow me to extend my welcome to you - not only to Connect, but to your future graduate self from the pain rehab program. Not to be presumptuous or anything but I read your bio and it is without a doubt in my mind that you are going to kill it at the 3 week PRC!
April 10th is coming quick and boy do I understand you being scared. I felt the exact same way 5 years ago when I went through it. It takes bravery to look at approaching chronic pain and symptoms in a new way. Give yourself credit for signing up and if you weren't scared you wouldn't be human. I'm so excited for you to put your hope on display at the PRC. Full disclosure it will not be easy, but I assure you it will be worth it.
What areas concern you most about the program? How have you begun to prepare for your journey?
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4 ReactionsHello @loislane1950. No, there are no Mayo Clinic pain rehab centers in Chicago. They are located in Florida, Minnesota, and Arizona. Here is a FAQ link:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/chronic-pain-symptoms-rehabilitation/tab/faqs/
Are you interested for yourself or someone else?
Hi @jtboston, congratulations on taking the beginning steps of pursuing change. Good for you. I hope your evaluation goes well.
What would you be most looking forward to by attending a rehab program?
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1 Reaction@kirstieg You've got me smiling ear to ear with your enthusiasm. Congratulations on your accomplishment!! It is an amazing feeling, isn't it?
I remember when I first graduated, that time was also met with hesitation and concern - like okay, how am I going to implement all of these tools into my everyday life without being in a 3 week cohort surrounded by constant care and support, encouragement, structure, etc...
But, I remember feeling so enlightened and invigorated just like you sound. I was blown away at how comprehensive the PRC program was and how awe-inspiring of a job they all did. Walking away with gratitude and hope again felt really good.
How have you been doing with implementing the many tools you were given? Which ones have provided you the most benefit so far?
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2 Reactions@rwinney I am worried about my limited mobility and stamina the most. In terms of preparation, I would say it is more mental than physical. Thank you for your encouragement. I welcome it believe me.
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2 Reactions