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How long does it take for referrals within Mayo?

Visiting Mayo Clinic | Last Active: Nov 5, 2021 | Replies (13)
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@colleenyoung

I completely agree with @roch's approach to get answers to your questions.

Jayhawk, focusing on your appointment with Neurology sounds like a good plan. It is entirely possible that the consultation may lead to other appointments during this first visit as deemed necessary. Learn about the experience of others in this discussion:
- What can I expect at an Evaluation Appointment at Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/evaluation-appts/

@rwinney can also tell you more about her experience with pain medicine and pain rehab referrals and self referral options that she explored at Mayo Clinic.

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Replies to "I completely agree with @roch's approach to get answers to your questions. Jayhawk, focusing on your..."
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Nov 5, 2021

Hello @mnjayhawk. It's nice to meet you. After 30 years, it seems you are definitely ready for change and answers. You must be exhausted.

I was on a whirlwind, like you, and got burned out trying every kind of pain medicine and treatments, Dr. hopping, and searching for answers. The sad truth is that the more we get frustrated, emotional and anxious, the more chemicals we throw at our system and keep ourselves on this rollercoaster, the more we stimulate our brain neurons and "access the network" meaning amp up our pain. Its a viscous cycle, but can be calmed down.

I inevitably found my answer of Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) on my own after watching a video from Mayo's Dr. Sletten. Sure I had a whole bunch of random diagnosis from various doctors but the bottom line was that they fell under this umbrella of CSS aka chronic pain syndrome:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=central+sensitization+syndrome&qpvt=central+sensitization+syndrome&FORM=VDRE

When I decided to try Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehab Center (PRC), pain management instead of pain medicine, I began my own self referral by calling Mayo directly just to get my foot in the door and establish my profile. You are already a patient so that part is done.

My doctors were all on board and encouraged me to attend pain rehab but it was my general practitioner who referred me to Mayo PRC. He sent my entire history of medical records. Multiple doctors can do this as well. It's more helpful to have a doctor referral. The process may be long, and there is typically a waiting list, but oh so worth it.

Here is a link in case you want to check out the PRC program. You can also apply online directly from this link:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691

I realize that each individual must be ready in their pain journey to decide their approach, whether or not they are ready to stop searching for an exact cause and fix, or whether its time to regroup and come to terms with chronic pain. The old saying goes...if its not working, change it.

Wishing you the best of luck at your next neurology appointment. Perhaps ask the doctor's opinion of pain rehabilitation and whether they think it would be right for you. I look forward to hearing an update and am sending lots of positive vibes your way.

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