Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

@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!

@anne4u Keep up the great frame of mind! I know it's not easy and we all have difficult moments, days, weeks, but working on body/mind connection is where your own power and strength comes in. You're doing a good job.

Thank you for asking how I'm doing since Mayo Pain Rehab. I am doing well and implementing the comprehensive tools I have on a daily basis. I am all in for the rest of my life on the PRC principles. Like you say, it is a lifetime commitment. I have a better handle on my emotions, behaviors and physical being. I keep scheduled and apply moderation and modifications to keep in check. One of the best parts of my rehabilitation was to discontinue chemical use, doctor hopping, and subjecting myself to treatment after treatment hoping to find a fix. The freedom that self-management provides is a wonderful space to find. Acceptance of my condition was also freeing.

I'm happy you have positive distractions with friends, your mom and her dog, too! Movies are great. I love that you have found the importance of scheduling in distraction as part of your pain management plan. I enjoy family movie night with my husband and daughter.

Unfortunately, I don't recommend any particular podcasts, but maybe another member may jump in and suggest one.

Insurance....hmm...that can be a hurdle. You are right to call your insurance company and learn of current options, whether it be out of network coverage, or deductibles. I did my homework and found what Mayo required first, then what I needed to do on my end to make getting there a reality. It may take some strategizing and time.

Great suggestion to check with Mayo. I’m not a big treatment person myself. I’m interested in learning some swim therapy techniques. I know a few but would like a referral to swim therapy. Those are the kind of things I’m interested in that a pain doctor can help me achieve. I’ve only seen 2 doctors for pain conditions in 17 years. I’ve had the same primary for 17 years! My last pain doctor (of 7 yrs) lost his practice due to ramifications of the CDC Guidelines. The practice that took over ran off 95% of his patients. Not because of non-opiate policies but because of their treatment approach. I also want to learn proper care for my back. I have severe degeneration of disks L1-5 and S1, Osteoarthritis, Sclerosis, joint hypertrophy, etc. I’ve learned several methods to help relieve pain but think it’s important to know the right ways to learn and apply more, as I continue to use meditation and other mind/body forms of treatment. My trmt next week involves a colonoscopy. An endoscopy will follow. I have Barrett’s esophagus and IBS. Some uncomfortable symptoms have been an issue for a couple months. It took me that long to get in to see my gastroenterologist!
Thanks for the suggestions you’ve shared!