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Anyone had a successful experience w/ Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center?
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Jul 23, 2023 | Replies (44)Comment receiving replies
PRC at Mayo JAX was the best thing that ever happened. It's more than pain or chronic symptom management; it's life management. At 67, I now have the tools to live my happiest and healthiest life despite an untreatable diagnosis. Prior to the clinic, I was totally deconditioned after months in bed and wondered if I could do anything in the gym or get through an 8 hour day. But the PRC team delivered for me having assured me they would make it possible. I kicked butt in the gym despite lung issues 🙂 , learned new ways of doing everything from vacuuming to problem solving to even forgiving. If anyone has a chronic condition of any kind, do not miss going! Find a way. Medicare pays for the class, and I was so desperate for help, I swallowed my pride and did a Go Fund Me for travel and lodging expenses. I wish every single person could go through this program in high school; I think had I been equipped with the knowledge and techniques I learned a couple of months ago, it's possible I would never have needed to go. True statement.
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I can not agree with you more @tallyteresa. You've really hit the nail on the head, and by sharing your positive experience, have helped many folks out there pondering. Yep, the cost and insurance definitely comes in to play. After being on disability from work for 3 years, I was about to be declared permanently disabled at age 50 so, waited until Medicare kicked in then chose a plan that allowed out of network coverage so I could get to FL from NY. All was paid except travel, food and lodging. I was very fortunate that a family member helped with those expenses.
Out of pocket is around 50K. Ouch!! @gregv's insurance does not cover Mayo but they found other programs that accepted their insurance. Perseverance is the key. That's why it might take a little creative planning like you did, tallyteresa, by raising funds on your own - pretty impressive! I'd like to invite Alan @alh123 to the conversation to share his journey of perseverance in getting to the Mayo PRC from Canada. He is currently scheduled to attend in June, I believe.
My experience was like yours, tallyteresa, and while I sat in class everyday wondering how the heck am I getting through this...the PRC lifts you up and shows you the way. I thought how awe-inspiring it was for anyone really, chronic pain or not. A foundation for life - physically, emotionally and behaviorally. (Yep, agreed, high schoolers should learn this type of life management.) For me, weaning off opiates was one of my main goals. Help and support with chemical elimination and reduction was a huge asset in my rehabilitation.
You were problem solving even before you went to PRC from the sounds of it by raising funds to help with your stay! I think it really takes some sort of inner motivation and fighting spirit to commit to an intensive pain rehabilitation like the PRC. Even if you feel depleted from pan and lack motivation from deconditioning and depression, the will is buried and needs to be found again. Peer support was helpful in feeling less alone and being with others like yourself who understand, makes the program easier. Being in a situation with accountability and support constantly creates an atmosphere that you want to succeed in.
Tallyteresa, you say - "At 67, I now have the tools to live my happiest and healthiest life despite an untreatable diagnosis." What advice do you have for someone not sure about applying to the pain rehab program?