Mayo Pain Rehab Program: Signing off and my comeback afterwards

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

@rwinney Rachel, I am glad you are finding inner strength and increased ability to cope with your life's issues now. Everyone's experience is different and for you it was like somebody flipped a switch and your life went from what was for forty years a normal, happy life to something quite different. Your adjustment to that flipped switch is a testament to your will and your determination to return positivity to yourself in as much measure as you are able. I think I once mentioned to you my firm belief that the energy you (or anyone) put out into the universe is never wasted energy, it always repays you in some way. You are creating goodness to yourself and those around you by being the purposeful positive person that you are striving to be. You are very well regarded for this among those that have known you here on Connect. My very best wishes to you, and to your husband and kids. Best, Hank

The attached link provides the diagnosis process for Central Sensitization. Because I was not properly diagnosed for years, and misguided by many Drs., I ultimately diagnosed myself through my own research. I found Mayo Clinic PRC and was finally given a proper education.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422459/

I appreciated the article. May is ask what PRC stands for?

@migizii PRC stands for Pain Relief Clinic at Mayo Clinic.

The attached link provides the diagnosis process for Central Sensitization. Because I was not properly diagnosed for years, and misguided by many Drs., I ultimately diagnosed myself through my own research. I found Mayo Clinic PRC and was finally given a proper education.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422459/

The attached link provides the diagnosis process for Central Sensitization. Because I was not properly diagnosed for years, and misguided by many Drs., I ultimately diagnosed myself through my own research. I found Mayo Clinic PRC and was finally given a proper education.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422459/

Rachel, can you share how the program helped you. In what way?

Hi there @mcd. I appreciate you inquiring as to how PRC has helped me. I'm not sure if you have scrolled back through this thread, but I have shared a good amount of information about my journey and how it has helped me.

Presently, I am in a much better place with my chronic issues based upon learning. I opened myself to learn as much as possible about my condition and how to live with it, embrace it and properly work with it. PRC taught me the science behind my conditions, helped me omit opiates and other non helpful medications, provided me cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. This enabled me to know how to properly work with my body and mind for the best possible outcome.

I value my new found daily structure, planning and moderation. I learned how to eat healthier and sleep healthier too! All of this helps greatly when living with chronic pain and symptoms. I pull from my PRC tool box, my manuals, and private support group. On difficult days, I follow my difficult day planning learned at PRC. I am grateful to no longer receive injections, multiple pills, infusions, etc... I am grateful to no longer Dr. hop looking for cures and fixes. All of this intensified my central nervous system and exacerbated my symptoms.

I want nothing more than to help others from my experiences. Realizing and accepting chronic issues verses acute, means coming to terms with the fact that "hurt does not equal harm". This is a big step in controlling the mind which helps control the symptoms.

Unfortunately, chronic pain never goes away but, is can be quieted, calmed and managed. The key is to do your best in controlling it, not letting it control you. When focusing on the things we do have, and the things we can do, gives us power. It's not easy, but it can be done.

I'm very sorry to read of your neurological symptoms and discomforts and understand your frustrations and pain. How may I help you further? Have you scheduled your pain management visit yet? I look forward to hearing from you.