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

Good morning. It's very nice to hear your positive input despite falling on challenging times. As I was sitting here at my desk after finishing morning stretches, I was reminded that today was definitely easier than yesterday. Yesterday was a "Difficult Day", as we call them in the PRC. I used to panic over those days and cave, thus exacerbating pain. but now much like you, I now have confidence in myself and knowledge from the PRC to get through the DD's with grace, not always ease, but grace for myself.

Remember "Stable, Moderate, Flexible"? You have hurdles in front of you, but your mindset is what you bring to the table for managed success. One day at a time, one moment at a time, heck - even the next 5 minutes at a time when necessary.

I can't stress "Mindset" enough as being our Super Power. Keep on digging in your PRC tool box. You inspire others (including me) to have a positive outlook. Dr. Sletten from Florida's Mayo PRC program told us during class that we will be much better prepared in life for future events like surgeries, emotional battles with loss or change. PRC tools go with us through life and that is a true blessing.

As a matter of fact, I'm attaching Dr. Sletten's CSS video on chronic pain as a reminder and refresher. It's a good teaching moment for those interested in the program, but also re-enforcement for those of us who have been through the PRC and could use a little back up.

Dr. Christopher Sletten - Central Sensitization Syndrome:

Best of luck with your upcoming procedure. You have definitely got this, Larry. Sending positive, joyful vibes your way.

After the PRC experience in 2010, I thanked the Neurologist that tried to send me there. I told him simply" You saved my life." He has been my primary Neurologist, and he's great! Doc stopped me and said " you did the work . "

I had great years until 2013. This crazy thing continued to impact my CNS, and I developed Autonomic Instability. I ended up in the ICU 3 times in 2 years. We are getting that figured out. Then in 2019, I was called to meet with a Neurologist who spent 90 minutes with me and I began to learn about CSS. I didn't really give the discussion until thought until a year ago. The symptoms that he described had arrived! I was NOT prepared for what happed, but here I am. Mine is basically a malfunction of my sensory nerves. 3 years ago, I weighed 225. I weigh 130 today, because eating can be painful... very painful. Pain and nausha are a constant. It's good that I love to cook!!! I finally stopped the free fall at 130 pounds. (I weighed more in high school.)

How do we cope? We keep our brains busy with whatever we can do. Cognitive therapy works. When I do little jobs each day, that gives me self worth. I got rid of my power wheelchair, and use a manual. That makes me feel better about myself. My wife and I volunteer at church, and that brings self worth. You have to have the will to live and live with pain. You may never be pain free again. It's no fun and as you said, there are bad days. Today is one, but I got up and got moving. Fixed our 2 wheel trailer, pruned the wife's rose bushes, made dinner, cleaned up dishes... well you know the drill. You gotta keep moving.

Finally, take life one day at a time. Look forward to doing those things you love. Enjoy friendships with those who are looking forward to the future. I tell my friends that I am going to live until I die. I not going to die because I quit living. Be content and find peace. God bless

Just a short update to all. When you are not feeling well, keep digging for answers.

I had surgery Tuesday morning on 8/8/23 at Rochester, to help with a bad case of Gastroparesis. It took an endoscope and the now famous egg sandwich, to confirm. While the surgeon was in there, he also removed a 30mm precancerous tumor. All of this was done as an out patient and down my throat. AMAZING. I still have a huge up hill battle with other challenges, but 2 bad things are behind me. Sometimes good, comes from bad. I pray everyone is doing well. Keeping looking for answers and do what you can everyday.

God bless your journeys.