@sprinrosa64 Not all pain centers are the same and may use different approaches. UPENN is wonderful, but if their program is not helping or you'd prefer a different approach then Mayo PRC may be the place for you to consider. Here is a link to Mayo Pain Rehab Center so you can learn a bit about it. If you are interested, click the blue box to apply for an appointment

- https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691

I recommend getting the ball rolling with Mayo and establishing a patient number. Get your foot in the door and all the basic steps like insurance acceptance first then your doctor(s) can begin gathering and submitting your referral and records. It takes time.

You can self-refer but the best approach is to have your doctor refer you. I had my primary care provider refer me as he had my entire health history, records, tests, etc... Please note that Mayo is in high demand and the PRC program typically has waiting list. In my case it was well worth the wait. Having chronic conditions pretty much means they will still be prevalent in the future when you get scheduled.

I live in NY and yes, Mayo was far away. Medicare and my supplemental insurance were accepted and covered the whole program 100%. I incurred travel, hotel and meal expense out of pocket, and attended the Jacksonville, FL location.

I'm sorry you are not experiencing relief through injections. I went that route also and realized injections had no purpose for me other than upregulating my CNS and causing more pain. Many chronic pain approaches are band aids, unfortunately. The power for change and acceptance really comes from empowering your mind to catch and correct cognitive errors, and manage chronic pain through moderation, scheduling, stretching, exercise, reduction of chemicals, emotional and behavioral changes. I LOVE the book you are reading, and your approach to pain management by using mindfulness. Are you practicing meditation and diaphragmatic breathing techniques as well?

Our life box gets smaller due to chronic pain, if we let it. I commend you on thinking outside the box. Will you let me know your thoughts on Mayo PRC and if you think it may be doable?