Hello everyone,

Happy Spring!!! I hope this message finds you happy, safe and motivated. As we all know, each day is a new day and most times that thought alone is the motivation needed to continue our journey through chronic pain. For me, a sunny day, family, distraction and humor is the best medicine.

I'm approaching 6 months since visiting Mayo Clinic Pain Rehab Center for Central Sensitization/chronic pain. All in all I'm doing good. It really does depend on the day and my symptoms as to how I express myself. Acceptance is something I continue to work on but, that's ok as long as I keep working. I'm very grateful for the strides of strength and getting my body out of the deconditioning it had known. I've reached a plateau and realize after 6 months, it's as good as it's able to get. I work at maintaining what I do have, working smarter not harder and giving myself grace. I'm very grateful for receiving cognitive behavioral therapy and gaining tools to help my anxiety, depression and worrisome ways. I'm very grateful to not have opiates in my body which exacerbated symptoms and pain from Central Sensitization Syndrome. CSS throws enough my way without the additional help of pain enhancement. I'm very grateful to have been taught how to structure my day, be accountable and put myself first.

As the journey continues for us all, know that I'm here fighting along with you. It's my hope that if anyone out there has CSS or such a plethora of symptoms they nor their Drs. know what to do anymore or how to help, look into Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center and Dr. Sletten. It is an incredible program! The program can not take away your disease, diagnosis or condition but, it can help you learn in a comprehensive manner how to live better with what life has handed you.

Wishing you well and sending lots of hope, joy and love your way. Stay safe.
Rachel