Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

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As the one time medical research grants authority, the US Government funds $billions into medical research. However, most clinical trials are paid for by the pharmaceutical companies. The trials cost many times $million and can cover several decades and may even be conducted in several continents and many time the trials indicate either the medication is useless or even dangerous and therefore the research is shelved. What I find disturbing though is that most medical research is about treating the disease and not curing it.

Hello @royboy4469. I apologize for my delayed response. Thank you for asking about daily life at Mayo's Pain Rehab Center (PRC) . I'd like to include a link to the program which offers good information:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691
The program is very structured and has a lot of content over 3 weeks. Days consist of goal tracking, morning stretches, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, lunch, occupational therapy, bio-feedback therapy, pharmaceutical consult, medication taper, socialization, distraction, humor... not necessarily in that order.

I hope this helps to give you a better idea. Are you considering attending PRC?

PS: Fun fact...my Dad's name is Roy and people call him Roy boy. I was drawn to your Connect handle! 😊

Hello @rwinney Did you find the Mayo Pain Rehab beneficial for your neuropathic pain and how you managed it?

Hi. Yes, I did. Mayo PRC helped me to lessen my nerve pain by removing opiates, teaching me how to become more physically active, and how to calm my nervous system down through proper breathing, mindfulness and distraction.

I continue to have nerve pain, hence the title of chronic verses acute, however I now have many tools to manage my chronic issues and not let them get the best of me.

Are you considering the rehab clinic?

Has anyone tried a vagus nerve stimulator for pain?

Hi @rwinney Removing opiates is a huge step. Congratulations. I was asking for my husband. He's the one who suffers from the nerve pain and he's done quite well managing it overall using distraction making music, walking, acupuncture, meditation. However, lately often it seems like he could use a little extra support. Mayo is an hour drive from our home so I'm not sure he would be willing to commit 3 weeks of a daily regimen of driving there and back not knowing what to expect. I'm so happy to know that you had good results going through the program. Do you take Neurontin or Nortriptyline or any of the first line of defense drugs that neurologists offer for PN?

Yes, I've remained on Pregabalin (Lyrica).

PRC is a commitment. I'm from NY so I stayed at the hotel across from Mayo for 3 weeks. Others commuted if close enough or stayed at a hotel during the week and drive home on weekends.

@sharonandpaul were you able to update your notifications with the information @gingerw shared or can I help you?

Hi
My name Dj123
I'm 62 and dealing with pain all my life ,too much to write about in one sitting...
I'm looking for pain relief for my nerve pain in my feet, I been everywhere and tried everything from all medications ,nerve blocks ,accuppuncture, etc.nothing works ,and pain is getting worse .
Any suggestions ?
Thanks