Hi Rachel,
Thanks for checking in with me. Yes, I did manage to go down to Phoenix and completed the three week PRC program. Overall, it was a very positive experience and I’m glad I went. I made progress on changing my biological clock, I weaned off the majority of my opioid meds , and I engaged with a new type of peer group that was focussed on function rather than symptoms. It was very validating to realize that people with major chronic pain challenges end up in the same place regardless of diagnosis. On arrival at the course we were all isolated, afraid of exercise and living a life dominated by suffering. There were some people that had dramatic turn arounds as they had not been exposed to the various tools that the course introduces you to. There were others like me who made more more modest progress in the form of baby steps. I’ve been back two weeks and as expected, it’s been very challenging to apply the knowledge I gained at the course. It’s been disappointing to have several relapses back into the crash and burn cycle, but overall I feel that I’m moving forward, however, slowly . Most importantly, I made sure I have put in supports, moving forward as now is the time when the real work starts. I have a local pain coach and psychologist as well as the peer group from the Mayo plus continuing advice from their physiotherapist.
All the pieces are there .. it’s up to me now.