Had a meeting yesterday, they are looking instead for me to go for 2 weeks in December rather than 4 weeks in November. Evidently I am at a higher level than the group intake for November and they believe I wouldn't get as much out of it even though it's 4 weeks vs 2 weeks. I confess 2 weeks sounds better to me and makes me feel much better about them. Let me explain, my husband initially cynically said they just want you to fill the place up and keep their money coming in, well that's debunked isn't it... I believe they have my best interests at heart and the way they explained it yesterday made so much more sense. So, next Monday I begin the twice a week outpatient 1-4pm sessions, at the end of November I have 2 full days inpatient sessions and then 2 weeks inpatient from December 6th.

Their aim is to assist me find better ways of managing my anxiety/ depression/ PTSD all of which trigger my pain receptors and vice versa. Thank goodness for Private Health Cover. My aim is to continue to reduce medication to as needed rather than daily maintenance and live a life mindful of good health with a balanced nutrition and reduce further my ongoing risk of bowel complications. I am open to any suggestions on how to live life without the daily risk of bowel blockages and peritonitis. We have been told if I require intestinal surgery ever again I am at significant risk with fatal consequences.

Now that it has been extended out to December, I am toying with the idea of having another epidural root sleeve injection. I got significant relief for at least a month from the last one (in December) which I think would put me in a good place to be able to sit still when in these group sessions. Currently I'm like a jack in the box, up and down all the time and I worry it will disrupt the rest of the group. Oh well, there you go, my mind over thinking things again...

Hi Pam,
I think the 2 weeks is reasonable and I am sure, if they find you need a longer program, they will adjust it. This is what the Cleveland Clinic says about the length of stay in their program.

"How long does the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program take?
Most people who are seriously disabled and suffering from chronic pain require 3-4 weeks to be able to function well and begin to feel joyous and productive. Some people are doing well and complete the program in 2 weeks, while others may require more than 4 weeks to achieve their goals. Of course, this is only a start, and working to maintain wellness will need to become a way of life for benefit to endure."

I certainly understand about not being able to sit still because you are in
pain Pam but, everyone in the program is in pain and they will understand you needing to pace the room, stand up and walk to a corner, take frequent breaks or even lie on the floor or a couch. Just make certain to bring all your things from home that help, like the freezer packs, etc.

I am also sure, once they learn about your bowel complications, they will have solutions. They know many pain meds bring bowel issues and with your added issues, they will make sure they get you off the meds or treatments that cause the biggest issues. It is scary to hear that another surgery could have dire consequences.

Wishing you the best Pam...this is a big step and it must be anxiety producing.
When I went to the holistic health ctr for 3 weeks I really had little idea what I was getting myself into but, I was so ill, I just said to myself, put your trust in these people, follow what they say and put your trust in God that you were lead to this place for healing....and I was helped Pam. I pray for the same experience for you. Just believe this is where you were meant to be and follow their path.


D.

Hi Pam,

It's hard to believe it's already almost time to start the preparation for the program. In my mind, it seems like a great service to provide. I am sure it takes dedication on the part of participants. I know you are highly motivated.

I'd invest a lot in a real opportunity to get off of my pain meds.
I hear Diandra, loud and clear on this.


When I had started narcotics, my primary care had said he was always reticent to start any patient on narcotics, as doing so seems to commit them to narcotics for a lifetime. It was an interesting statement and I really did not think that would be the case for me. I thought I would find other modalities and would be able to taper off the meds. I have tried many modalities of all types and, thus far, I see little hope of getting off the narcotics, in my case.

I hope you have a good response and do extremely well, Pam!

I will also be thinking of you, offering supportive thoughts and prayers.


DejaVu

Hi Diandra,

I have never heard of an inpatient pain clinic or pain rehabilitation center.

I am going to google it and see if there is one not too far away from me.

I wish you the best of luck and great success with the program.

You are in my thoughts and prayers...

Hello, so I had the dorsa and lumbar epidural injections on Monday. They kept me in overnight because my blood pressure was too low for me to go home. Spent a sleepless night in the hospital, up and down getting hot drinks so probably a good thing to not be home as I would have driven DB up the wall. He had to be up and out of the house for a 3am start. Anyway, I'm home now, came home yesterday, felt very spaced out and again today, BUT, the pain in my lower back is good, so the injections must have worked. I hope they hold out long enough for me to attend the clinic in 2 weeks and for the 2 weeks I'm there, Fingers crossed. I do have this bizarre hip pain in my left side, I wonder had it always been there and I haven't noticed because I was taken up with the back pain, or is it a new way of the nerves trying to let my brain know, helloooo we are still here, just trying to get your attention. I Just don't know anymore, I'm sick and tired of functioning in this world of pain. No one friend or family (other than DB) understands, you have a procedure and they think voila you are better forever, they are shocked when you say, yes better for today, maybe even tomorrow or the next month, but it will return, and then the look comes, I call it the look, it's the one where you can see the wheels turning in their brain, oh she is just attention seeking.

I suppose also using the pain scale of 1-10 where most would say 5 is painful, so very painful, 5 /6 to me is normal. I'm still in pain today, just not like I normally am my pain scale today would be a 4, I say that's an improvement.

I have a busy remainder of week, work wise I juggle my load around and I am fortunate in that. Many would be unable, they would just have to take the time off and lose the pay, instead I move my days around.

Hi Pam,
Thanks for the update. I hope the epidurals have given you sustained pain relief and hope the hip pain got better.

when do you go to the clinic or are you there already?

You are in my thoughts and prayers that all goes well and please know your NT buddies are here to helpl,

My very best,
D.

Hi D, I go Dec 6. Hip pain resolving, and now weird feeling like a dozen or so bumble bee sting attack sensation comes over my lumbar region from time to time. The nerves reawakening no doubt.

My anxiety has kicked in and is overwhelming at times. My pre-sessions to the clinic have awakened some hugely traumatic incidences that occurred in my childhood and teenage years, things I have had locked away and not even acknowledged, there is the saying you need to remember in order to forget, I hope so. It's painful and traumatic, the two weeks inpatient period will no doubt explore these. I am not sure I was ready for this, it has opened some incredible wounds and I have cried an ocean of tears. I am so hopeful this experience will release me. It will be devestating to go through this and get no relief (pain relief I mean) of course, there should be emotional relief, perhaps that will be enough? I sure hope so xxx