Hi Angie @angieleigh, I am absolutely thrilled for you! You just made my day! You and I connected in this conversation back in February.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/minnesota-programs/
My apologies for not following up on your progress. I try my best, but sometimes I miss a reply. In any case, I am pleased to find your new discussion: Headed to PRC this morning. You go girl!!

Congratulations are in order for becoming an active participant in your overall health and seeking a plan for a better quality of life. By taking a leap of faith and preparing for the 3 week PRC program, you are giving yourself opportunity to grow, change and become more stable, moderate and flexible. It will not disappoint, trust me. Your family will benefit as well by being able to join in on family day discussions and learn the logistics of the program and what you are experiencing daily. I graduated Jacksonville PRC and that is how it worked, I believe Minnesota will be the same. My husband was my participant via Zoom, and most likely yours will be, too, but it sounds as if your Mom could gain clarity on your condition and learn to support you better.

By asking what to bring to ensure your best possible experience tells me you are 100% ready despite the pit in your gut. It's scary, but remember -

Rehab = bravery with the acceptance of doing things different.

That is the mindset you should pack along with comfy, breathable clothes of course. As you will find, how you go is not how you will leave. You have so much to look forward to. Comprehensive whole person care from a medical team of therapists, doctors and nurses, fellow patients (students) who will become your peer group and possibly new friends for life. It is a shared experience for sure and no one will truly understand the depths of the program unless they go through it.

I traveled from NY to FL with my husband to begin PRC. I almost cancelled because of "symptoms" = anxiety, fear, deconditioning, debilitation etc... but my family supported and encouraged me. I kept telling myself there has got to be a better way for me and I knew I needed change. Honestly, I kept a lot of thoughts in my head about sick children who are brave and fight through disease and cancers with fortitude. I told myself "I CAN do this, I'm not dying, I will get through it". My husband stayed for one day then had to return home for work, and because of COVID and quarantining, he did not come back to get me as planned. I was in a hotel solo for 23 days. I faced time every night with my kids and certain supportive family members, sometimes through tears to my husband, but distraction is huge and you'll begin learning tools right of the bat to apply. Can't lie, it was the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most impactful, rewarding experience of my life. It's awe-inspiring. You will be challenged, and have to work hard, but I believe that you can and will make it happen.

I'm tagging fellow PRC graduate Larry @ldb who graduated in 2010. He has wonderful insight and is supportive.

@roxxxy2626 was referring to this gentleman who is a former PRC graduate:
https://patient.practicalpainmanagement.com/resources/pain-self-management/time-mayo-clinic-pain-rehabilitation-center

He is not part of Connect, but I found him while googling and he gives a solid account of how the program works. I went in blind other than what I knew from the Mayo PRC website so, not sure if a birds eye view is more helpful or just diving in is...who knows???

I am super proud of you for persevering through the past 18 years and opening your mind to rehabilitation and learning. You should be so proud of yourself, it takes courage! You got this, and If I can answer any questions, I am happy to help. When do you leave and get started?