I was diagnosed with Central Sensitization Syndrome at the Mayo Clinic and, subsequently was referred to the PRC. Incredible experience overall!!! Here's a bit about how the process went for me:
I was seen by a neurologist at the Rochester Mayo clinic initially for nerve pain and migraines and was tested thoroughly over a six day period to try to find out what had been causing these symptoms along with severe, severe chronic pain, crippling fatigue and a myriad of other odd symptoms (fainting, GI issues, etc.) that had been plaguing me for nearly 10 years. The neurologist diagnosed me with Primary Stabbing Headache (yes, this is an actual diagnosis and, yes, it feels how it sounds - ugh!), Small Fiber Neuropathy.
He also referred me to Mayo's Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue specialists. There, a previous diagnosis of Fibromyalgia was confirmed and additional diagnoses of Central Sensitization Disorder and Autonomic Dysfunction (including a mild case of POTS or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).
were added. Due to the severity of my symptoms and how they had affected my life, they recommended I attend their Pain Rehabilitation Clinic (PRC) - a three week outpatient program. I was fortunate in that my insurance covered this treatment which, truly, changed my life! My out of pocket costs were travel, lodging and meals.
The PRC is one of the longest-running chronic pain treatment programs in the country and is run by the top experts in the field of chronic pain/symptoms. Absolutely brilliant doctors and therapists who have dedicated their careers to researching chronic pain/symptoms and how best to treat them. Everyone in the program had different diagnoses, many severe fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, MS, accident survivors, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc. But the one thing we all had in common was that our lives and livelihood had been stolen by chronic illness and we were at the end of many, many years of searching for answers and relief.
They also offer the program in Florida and Arizona (there is a very helpful video from the PRC in Florida that describes the mechanism of chronic pain/symptoms due to central sensitization, just google "dr sletten mayo clinic"). I was very, very pleased with the Rochester program. I credit it with allowing me to get back to work, to enjoy life again, and to learn how to cope with and manage symptoms that may never go away.
Do you have a physician who would be able or willing to refer you? That would be the first step. If not, I would suggest (as I did) to try to get an appointment with any doctor at the Mayo Clinic to try to address even one of your symptoms. Once you are in their system, you can ask to be referred to the PRC for an assessment for ALL of your symptoms.
Kelsey, Thank you for retelling your diagnosis and Pain Rehabilitation Center experience at Mayo Clinic. Members often ask about first-hand experiences from people who have been through the program. What was most helpful about the program for you?