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Mayo Clinic Pain Rehab Center (PRC) - What’s Your Experience?

Posted by robyn @boltz7555, May 13, 2022

Hello - my Mayo neurologist recently recommended the pain rehabilitation center (PRC) to me. They have scheduled my consultation for next week. I’m interested in hearing from others who have gone through this program. What was your experience?
@rwinney Hi Rachel - I had you in mind when I came to make this post and I found the helpful feedback and information you shared in a post from April, here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/residential-chronic-pain-treatment-programs/
Did your condition impact your ability to work? If so, were you able to return to work with no special accommodations after PRC?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

chelle2001 | @chelle2001 | Nov 26, 2022
In reply to @rwinney "I agree with you about the winter/holiday aspect of people not wanting to go this time..." + (show)
@rwinney

I agree with you about the winter/holiday aspect of people not wanting to go this time of year. Hey - works for you and gives you a quicker acceptance. I think it's awesome!

Heads up... after the program you may not wish to return to Connect you will learn why in the program. None-the-less, I would appreciate communicating after you graduate to follow up on your experience - whether you chose Connect or privately, I am here for you. You may contact me by private message if you wish.

Monday is coming quick. I know that pit in your stomach is there, but keeping reminding yourself that you are worth the investment. I wish you the very best of luck and am sending all kinds of supportive, positive vibes your way for a worthwhile, productive experience. YOU GOT THIS! Good luck, Michelle.

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@rwinney, thanks so much!!!

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patsydell | @patsydell | Nov 26, 2022
In reply to @alh123 "Yes , congrats Michelle. I think Rachel’s comments are exactly how I will feel if I..." + (show)
@alh123

Yes , congrats Michelle. I think Rachel’s comments are exactly how I will feel if I get accepted . You’ve seen my posts about my trepidations about the physical demands.
Re, the med weaning. If they were aggressive about weaning all your meds at once , you’re right, you’d be a basket case not able to participate in the program. As you know , I’m waiting for my second appointment assessment ( I was too sore and couldn’t function for it last week!)
What I’ve done with my Dr is already have weaning plans in place before I go. I’ve already weaned off an antidepressant, have made big changes in my opioid meds to make it easier to wean when im at the PRC. Actually , I will start weaning my opioids before I go.
I tried weaning one med very slowly and it set off a severe flare , so I’m glad I did it now and not while at the PRC. One med I’m concerned about is lorazepam. I’ve been on it for many years , pre pain syndrome . I’m sure it will be one of the meds they will want to wean. Benzodiazepines are extremely difficult to wean off and I’m hoping I can concentrate on weaning my opioids and other meds . I don’t want this PRC experience to become all about med weaning as there are so many other aspects to participate in . There are places you can go purely for med weaning at a fraction of the cost , so I’m trusting the staff know how to get you weaning without it dominating your experience .
Good luck !

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Will need to be careful going off from Benzodiazepines which can cause Seizures and worse.

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alh123 | @alh123 | Nov 28, 2022
In reply to @rwinney "Hi there @alh123. I just want to pop in and say how proud I am to..." + (show)
@rwinney

Hi there @alh123. I just want to pop in and say how proud I am to read about your progress in early weaning and determination. What you are doing and saying is has so much positive benefit to your willingness. What I take from your posts are that yes, you are scared and somewhat doubtful, but recognize that you have room to grow and take more control of your health circumstances after all these years. I mean really, what else is there to do? You're not happy as is.

The facts are that we have what we have. Chronic situations are not going anywhere, however stepping up to your own plate provides you to take better control and open your mind to learn about a system that helps thousands of people like you, or worse than you. Granted some can't hang and do leave, some return again and MANY get through and come out better on the other side. You know my spiel by now.

Congrats on persevering up to this point! I continue to follow and support your journey and believe you can do this. When is your 2nd appointment scheduled for?

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Thanks for the encouragement. All what you say about how I feel is correct. My next appt is Dec 7 . Let’s hope I make that one. I have been trying weaning dif meds with varying degrees of success but I’ll keep going . Thanks for being so supportive

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1 reply
jenatsky | @jenatsky | Nov 29, 2022

Clinical methodology utilized to wean patients off medications are evidence based for the vast majority of drug classifications so there is little guess work about effectiveness of the process. Each patient is different and variations to some degree are not unexpected. It’s a good thing you’re doing for yourself. I weaned myself off oxycodone using CBD and THC oils.

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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @jenatsky "Clinical methodology utilized to wean patients off medications are evidence based for the vast majority of..." + (show)
@jenatsky

Clinical methodology utilized to wean patients off medications are evidence based for the vast majority of drug classifications so there is little guess work about effectiveness of the process. Each patient is different and variations to some degree are not unexpected. It’s a good thing you’re doing for yourself. I weaned myself off oxycodone using CBD and THC oils.

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Good for you @jenatsky, that's no easy task. I'm glad you found your way of tapering through clinical methodology to remove opioids. Congratulations on a big win!

Are you still using CBD and THC oils?

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alh123 | @alh123 | Dec 1, 2022
In reply to @jenatsky "Clinical methodology utilized to wean patients off medications are evidence based for the vast majority of..." + (show)
@jenatsky

Clinical methodology utilized to wean patients off medications are evidence based for the vast majority of drug classifications so there is little guess work about effectiveness of the process. Each patient is different and variations to some degree are not unexpected. It’s a good thing you’re doing for yourself. I weaned myself off oxycodone using CBD and THC oils.

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I’m glad the CBD substitution has wirked for you . It’s a great idea. Unfortunately, it looks like my genetics are wrong and CBD’s, THC and other cannabinoid molecules have no effect on my pain systems… I just get anticholinergic side effects and feel miserable ,so weaning for me has an added challenge of really not being able to substitute anything for it .

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Dec 1, 2022

Have you considered Buprenorphine? Works on different brain receptors than opiates

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2 replies
sherry26 | @sherry26 | Dec 1, 2022
In reply to @jenatsky "Have you considered Buprenorphine? Works on different brain receptors than opiates" + (show)
@jenatsky

Have you considered Buprenorphine? Works on different brain receptors than opiates

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I take a small does suboxone for opioid withdrawal Used to take pain meds but got off and went on sub to prevent withdrawal and it’s excellent . Personally get zero pain relief from it but I take a very low dose

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1 reply
jenatsky | @jenatsky | Dec 1, 2022

Buprenorphine has no naloxone in it and I use 20mcg/hr patch changed 1x week. Works very well

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