When Mayo doesn't refer to a sandwich topping, or, how I'm moving to another city for a month.

After countless exams, poking, prodding, new diagnoses, and doctors, I finally got the referral I was looking for. After going in for an eval and countless phone calls, I was in, and the date was set. What does this all mean?

Next month, I will be moving down to Rochester (MN) to spend three weeks in the Mayo Clinic's outpatient pain rehab. This program can be really difficult to get in to, but thanks to our close proximity (we're only an hour or so from Rochester) I was able to be put on the short notice list, which meant if they had a cancellation, I could be down there immediately.

I'm kind of scared, as I really don't know what to expect, and this is a very intense program that starts at 7:30am and goes until evening. As a kid, my family lived in Rochester for a few years, and I can tell you now, it's not the most fun place to live. I will be living in a long term hotel room, by myself, with no family or friends in the area. I'll miss my little brother's 7th birthday, and several events I wanted to attend, but hopefully in the end it will all be worth it.

The desert does a body good.

I've been here since last Friday. The difference from home is unbelievable. My pain level has dropped significantly. I have been far more active than usual, and it's nice. However, I miss my family, and my pets, and I really can't wait to get home. I fly back on Friday but will be staying in a hotel overnight because I get back rather late, and it'll be a 5 hour drive home.

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!