I am so excited to report that after graduating from the 3-week Pain/Symptom Rehabilitation Center at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and continuing the program at home, I am nearly 100% recovered!

My entire perspective on my health, my symptoms, and my blog has changed. In the program, we not only focused on the physical elements of getting better (physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, hydration), but also worked A LOT on the cognitive side of recovery. One of the biggest changes that they helped me make over the weeks was no longer focusing on my symptoms, and instead, focusing on functioning DESPITE the symptoms. It was and is incredibly hard, especially when dealing with sudden issues. But I’ve learned so many amazing coping skills for real-time management, have overcome countless fears with exposure therapy, and learned how to set myself up for living AND thriving regardless of if I’m having a flare-day or a great day.

After years, I am now back to driving, doing stairs, going out with friends, and even exercising!! It’s absolutely mind-blowing, and I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity at Mayo.

As I move away from symptom/illness-specific content, my hope is to continue blogging about the journey and the personal development in the midst of managing these conditions.

For a link to the program, click here.

For a link to my key takeaways, click here!

So cheers! To the passage of time, to hard work, and to milestones such as this one.