Resources/FAQs

Get immediate help or find other PN groups who help
Frequently Ask Questions
Drug Interactions and other resources

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
info@calgaryneuropathy.com
www.calgaryneuropathy.com

403-668-9777
info@calgaryneuropathy.com
www.calgaryneuropathy.com

Chronic Pain Support & Connections

This is 100% online free support. The founders are local to Calgary but anyone can join
This is 100% online free support. The founders are local to Calgary but anyone can join
Learn more

US Neuropathy Support Group

Visit the U.S.-based Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy’s site for an extensive list of support groups: Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
https://www.foundationforpn.org/support/support-groups/
Learn more
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions about neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Have a question that’s not answered here? Contact Us

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.

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.

  • There is currently no medication specifically designed for peripheral neuropathy and so the medications currently prescribed are ones whose primary purpose is for other conditions such as epilepsy or depression. There is no “best” medication, it is about  what works best for you taking into consideration factors like, the root cause of your neuropathy, your other medical conditions, your tolerance to a medication, and your other medications.

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.

The simple answer is peripheral neuropathy is very complex.  There are hundreds of causes so every treatment needs to focus on the cause first.  For some there are multiple causes, for others no cause is ever found.  The effectiveness of medications is limited and people become “used to” a medication so the dose often needs to keep increasing for the same results. There are some people for whom medication allows them to return to normal with little pain. but that is not common.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Self-care is based on lifestyle medicine - an evidence-based approach to disease prevention and treatment that focuses on adopting healthy habits.  It doesn’t replace traditional medicine, but is a powerful complement to it.”    We, at the CNA see self-care as an evidence-based approach to slow neuropathy progression and it impacts that focuses on adopting healthy physical, mental and social habits.

Alberta & NWT:
British Columbia:
Manitoba:
Nova Scotia, PEI: 

Halifax or outside NS, PEI:
Ontario, Nunavut:  
Quebec: 
Saskatchewan:

1-800-332-1414
1-800-567-8911
1-855-776-4766
1-800-565-8161

1-902-470-8161
1-800-268-9017
1-800-463-5060
1-866-454-1212

 Above are the numbers for some of the provinces in Canada; all are toll free within their respective areas.

If you do not live in an area listed above enter an internet search for “poison control” and your province or state.

Also See LiverTox under Additional Resources.

 

Volunteers Needed

Volunteering expands your social network improving your pain and mental health.

Want to join us in our fight?