Immediate Support
Immediate Crisis Support
Text 686868
Did you know, if you text 686868 when you’re feeling down, depressed or suicidal, a crisis worker will text you back immediately and will continue to text with you until you feel okay. Many people don’t like talking and feel more comfortable texting.
This is free from Service Canada.
Emergency Department Wait times in Alberta Cities
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/waittimes/waittimes.aspx
For those not in Alberta, most major centers now have this information on line. Search: “emergency wait times YourCity” to find your city’s site.
Support Groups
These neuropathy support groups operate in the U.S., Canada or online:
Calgary Neuropathy Association
403-668-9777
Canadian Neuropathy Support Group
(Peterborough, Ont.)
Toronto Area: 416-860-0011
Toll-Free: 866-622-2623
neuropathysupportgroupofcanada@hotmail.com
Chronic Pain Support & Connections
This is 100% online free support. The founders are local to Calgary but anyone can join.
Visit the U.S.-based Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy’s site for an extensive list of support groups: Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
Informational
Alberta Health Services IDs
This is the link to the new AHS ID – everyone can sign up in order to see their own records. (scroll down to sign up).
CMT in Canada
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CMTCanada/
Chronic Fatique
http://eleanorsteinmd.ca/resources/#neuroplacticity-books-courses
Chronic Pain
The Chronic Pain Association of Canada
Drug Interactions/Poison Control – ask a question
Alberta & NWT 1-800-332-1414
British Columbia: 1-800-567-8911
Manitoba: 1-855-776-4766
Nova Scotia, PEI 1-800-565-8161 (within NS and PEI only)
1-902-470-8161 (Halifax or outside NS, PEI)
Ontario, Nunavut: 1-800-268-9017
Quebec: 1-800-463-5060
Saskatchewan 1-866- 454-1212
If you do not live in an area listed above enter an internet search for “poison control” and your province or state. Above are the numbers for some of the provinces in Canada; all are toll free within their respective areas.
BC Only: Free Online Therapy
Kelty’s Key is a free on-line resource made available by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Online Therapy. They provide a set of free on-line courses to help people suffering from Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, and Panic as well as one for Family Support.
If you reside within the Vancouver Coastal Health region, you may be eligible for treatment through the VCH online therapy service. As a patient, you have regular contact with a VCH psychotherapist via encrypted email, who will guide and support you through their online cognitive behavioral therapy program.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions about neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Have a question that’s not answered here? Contact Us
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a general term that refers to damaged nerves. It can lead to numbness, altered sensation, or neuropathic pain, which can range in severity from mildly unpleasant to extremely severe. For most, it is a chronic condition, different from acute pain which is caused from an injury that can be resolved through treatment or medication.
There are a few types of neuropathy. The most common is peripheral neuropathy, which involves any impacted nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Autonomic neuropathy effects your body’s automatic systems, like the heart, lungs and digestive tract. Focal neuropathy refers to nerve damage and pain to a specific nerve or group of nerves, and polyneuropathy is when there is general nerve damage to a larger area.
What causes neuropathy or neuropathic pain?
There are dozens, or perhaps even hundreds, of unique conditions that can cause neuropathy. Some of the leading causes include hereditary disorders, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, hormonal diseases, autoimmune disorders and infections. Neuropathic pain can also be caused by injuries, pressure or repeated physical stress, chemical imbalances, alcohol or drug abuse, chronic inflammation or even certain prescription medications.
How many people suffer from chronic neuropathic pain?
According to a study published in 2014 by the International Association for the Study of Pain, between 6.9 per cent and 10 per cent of adults suffer from chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics.
Additional Resources
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Here are additional resources on neuropathy:
- Aches and Pains Radio Show with Dr. Paul Christo
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Society of Canada
- American Academy of Neurology
- American Chiropractor Neurological Board – Doctor Search
- American Diabetes Association
- American Pain Foundation
- Calgary Public Library
- Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy
- Canadian Congress of Neurological Sciences
- Canadian Diabetes Association
- Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association
- David Mendosa – Neuropathy Links
- GBS/CIDP Foundation International
- Insurance with – traveling with Diabetes
- International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations on the internet
- Mayo Clinic
- Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada
- Muscular Dystrophy Association (USA)
- Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc.
- Myositis Association of America
- Traditional Chinese Medicine – The basics by Erik Colaiezzi
- PainBC
- Quackwatch (consumer watch for health-related fraud, myths, etc.)
- RELIEF – Pain Research News, Insights and Ideas
- University of Calgary – Neuromuscular Program