I went to this support group when it was in Prior Lake 18 years ago and was thrilled to see it still going. It always was a great place for support and education. Bonnie Sherrer is the head honcho and is outstanding! She cares and is very compassionate. Her patience and understanding is wonderful. It's no wonder it is still around. I will be going back to group because my RSD aka CRPS has worsened and I feel so alone with the severe pain. Bonnie also facilitated the group. I don't know if she is still facilitating. I hope so. It is well known that RSD pain is the most painful disease that exists. It is more painful than natural childbirth or cancer.
Bonnie didn't let us focus on who hurts more. She always said pain is pain. People who hurt should not be categorized. It made sense. She brings a calmness to people struggling. She's been through a lot personally, but you'd never know it. She is more interested in everyone else and making sure everyone had time to talk if they want, time for a topic (but she always put the needs of those attending first), and has spent hours on the phone with both me and my family members. I was judged for taking narcotics by my family members. There was no changing their minds. I was an addict in their minds. After Bonnie met and talked with three of them, they now go with me to doctor appointments and are my biggest advocates. She has a magical way with people.
I know she's talked with doctors a lot too and has gone to doctor appointments with members. Not sure if she still does. She is one in a million. She used to facilitate support groups for people who lost someone they know to suicide. Then she got RSD aka CRPS and started this group.
She has to be doing something right to continue for over 18 years! From their web site I gathered they are open to anyone affected by someone in pain or interested in learning more on this disease. She used to have the group open to anyone in pain. Not sure if she still does or not. She was the Minnesota state pain representative for the American Pain Foundation years ago.
This is one of the best support groups out there. I've been to several pain ones and none compare to this one. Everyone has to find out what is better for them. Bonnie always asked people to attend more than one meeting because each one is different.
I cannot say enough good things about Bonnie Sherrer (sp)? Her dedication and compassion seems to be a lost art in many groups. She had strict rules and called them guidelines. You cannot bad-mouth any doctors or clinics, you cannot encourage people to get specific treatment, and what is said in group stays in group out of respect for the other people attending. She makes sense when she says at times it is a personality conflict and it is not the place or forum to discuss any negative issues with providers. She was always very strict on that. You can talk to her personally one on one about your problems with a clinic though and she will talk with you, just not in the group setting. She said it's like talking behind someones back and isn't fair to them. Everything you say to her is confidential. I don't know if she is a therapist or not, but she should be. I hope she is still there! She is on the web site. She is a class act! read more