Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

@7lilsnkr This is one of my favorite visuals for the importance of moderation and modification. Keep hope alive!

@anne4u Hello Annette, welcome to Connect. I am so glad you've joined us. Kudos to you on your discontinuation of opiates. You are brave and strong for being resilient and persevering through this difficult time. Keep doing the best you can and take it one day at a time.

While I was experiencing withdrawals from opiates, I kept my mind busy and distracted as much as possible. I did word search puzzles, listened to audio books, tv, music, spoke with friends and family. Do you have loved ones around you? How are you keeping focused? Do you like podcasts?

@anne4u Hi again. Wow! Your job sounded very cool!! What a blessing to have had those joys. I bet you still keep your eye on the Harley industry. 😊

I'm curious if you have ever looked into or considered Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC)? You might want to check this out:

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

Also, perhaps you will find this conversation about the program helpful:

- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-pain-rehabilitation-program/

I can't speak highly enough about PRC. You seem to be someone that might greatly benefit from it. What do you think?

I just read that Rachel has left us! But I want to thank her anyway for her kind messages to me. I’m new here, but I have enjoyed reading her knowledgeable posts! She will be missed!

Hi there@anne4u, I am wondering if you are reading an older post about Rachel. Let me check. I wouldn't want you to lose her as a mentor.
Chris

You may be right! I just checked too. The post is from 2020. I’m sorry about that!

Thanks.......she, @rwinney will be in touch with you I am sure.
Chris

@anne4u Hugs to you Anne, I am still here! Those older posts can catch you if not aware of the dates. I did take a brief departure from Connect in order to work on myself, From time to time I may lay low, but for the most part you will find me kicking around these parts. I hope you stick around too and we can all learn from each other. 😊

Thank you Rachel! You’re right, I didn’t pay close attention to the dates.
I looked at the link you provided in your message for PRC. The program at Mayo sounds great. How are you doing two years after your experience there?
I’m very interested in any program or therapy that improves function and pain relief! I have been involved in several over the years. They have made a huge impression on my awareness of the mind body connection to pain. I apply what I’ve learned daily. I haven’t been to an inpatient program though. My main concern right now in financial. I’m living on disability insurance and making ends meet is difficult. I would need to check into my options there. AZ would be the closest facility to me.
I’m looking for a new pain doctor now. As you mentioned, I’m getting off opioid medication. I know some of my heightened pain right now is because I’m going through this transition. I was cut off of one prescription without taper, and the other is being tapered. It’s a lot to take on! I found some ‘taper’ tincture that seems to be helping. When I decide on a new pain doctor, I will be talking to him or her about treatment for my pain conditions. And I’ll talk to my insurance about going to Mayo. My insurance covers Scripps, which is local to me. So I’m moving forward!
Right now, I’m doing what I can to improve pain. I think things will continue to improve as I get through this difficult time. However, this is a life commitment for me! So although things should get better with withdrawal and the heightened pain I experience from it, I know my search for better quality of life goes on!

Thanks for this encouragement! I do enjoy podcasts. I haven’t listened lately, but that’s something to keep in mind. Do you know of any to recommend?
I have some tv programs I enjoy and I listen to music. I do have my mom and brother who are close by and they are very supportive. And a few friends who take time to visit when I’m not feeling well. I have a weekly commitment with my mom on Friday nights. I go to her home with my dog, who gets to play with her dog while we have dinner and watch movies!
I’ve been dealing with another health concern for a couple months and I finally had an appointment with a specialist yesterday. I have a procedure next Thursday and hope to feel better after! I will be glad to get this behind me.
I’ve actually had a few pretty good days. It’s so encouraging! I do try to keep myself focused on what is helpful rather than the pain! I’ve learned how to do that over the years. As you know, some days are more difficult than others.
I’ve been treated pretty awful by a couple pain doctors recently as I look for a new one. I don’t understand that attitude and behavior. With everything I go through as a chronic pain patient, I will not see a doctor who doesn’t treat me with respect as a human being. I guess it’s good to find out on the 1st visit rather than later! My search continues!