I think I mentioned back in the post about my last rheumatologist appointment that I received a referral to join Sharp’s pain management program. Skeptical on what it was all about I had my first appointment about a week and a half ago.
It was the ‘evaluation’ appointment, which was about 2 hours long. For the first hour I meet with one therapist and basically chatted. It was I’m sure an interview of sorts, with a brief examination of pressure points and range of motion. In hind site she was the physical therapist. Next was another hour long interview that was more physiological in nature, going over anxieties and depression and family history (hate those types). Afterward they mentioned that the whole ‘team’ gets together on Tuesdays to talk about the evaluation and determine the best course for me and they would get in touch with me shortly afterwards to let me know what they thought. With most things with doctors and such I thought I was in for another lengthly wait but to my surprise I got the call early Tuesday afternoon, they even asked if I wanted to come in that day for the orientation! Well wasn’t feeling that great so the orientation waited till this past Thursday.
Orientation was another two hours with the first being a tour of the facilities and a little discussion about fibromyalgia as well as all the information I needed for the actually therapy sessions. The second hour was a sample of what I could expect next week, only with others with me, during the relaxation and stretching portion. The actual therapy starts tomorrow (Monday) with water therapy (hopefully in a heated pool) for an hour. Then I have an hour to eat a lunch and jet back up to the rehab center. No pressure, thankfully thats where I’ll do relaxation and stretching exercises for about an hour followed by another hour in the fibromyalgia group discussing all sorts of things. First two parts I can handle, not to sure about the ‘group therapy’ thing but we shall see.
Funny thing is the past couple days the pain and soreness has been better, still fatigued quite a bit, overall been feeling better and in a better mood. Hope it continues and maybe the therapy will just help me improve that much better or give me tools to use when it flares back up again . You know, when I get that crazy ass idea to try going up Cowles Mountain again.
Anyway I’ll be sure to update you later on how it went.
Have you tried and kind of Pain Management Therapy? How did it go for you?