The Western Neuropathy Association (WNA) is a partner association of the CNA. We learn from each other and support each other’s work. The WNA has a number of cause specific support group meetings that you may benefit from participating in.
Monthly Schedule of Virtual Support Groups
Virtual – 1st Wednesday of the odd months Strategies for Singles with Neuropathy Support Group
4pm Pacific / 5pm Mountain / 6pm Central / 7pm Eastern (1 hour long)
Host – Erika McDannell, contact Erika for Zoom link (ejmcdannell@pnhelp.org)
Virtual – 2nd Tuesday Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group
2pm Pacific / 3pm Mountain / 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern (90 minutes long)
Contact Katherine Stenzel for Zoom link (klstenzel@hotmail.com)
(everyone welcome, Colorado focus on healthcare providers)
Virtual – 2nd Wednesday Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) Support Group
2pm Pacific / 3pm Mountain / 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern (90 minutes long)
Host – Glenn Ribotsky, contact Katherine Stenzel for Zoom link (klstenzel@hotmail.com)
Virtual – 2nd Saturday Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group
11am Pacific / noon Mountain / 1pm Central / 2pm Eastern (2 hours long)
Host – Katherine Stenzel, contact Katherine for Zoom link (klstenzel@hotmail.com)
Virtual – 3rd Wednesday Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group
10am Pacific / 11am Mountain / Noon Central / 1pm Eastern (2 hours long)
Host – Glenn Ribotsky, contact Katherine Stenzel for Zoom link (klstenzel@hotmail.com)
Virtual – 4th Saturday Peripheral Neuropathy Open Discussion
11am Pacific / noon Mountain / 1pm Central / 2pm Eastern (2 hours long)
Host – John Phillips, contact Katherine for Zoom link (klstenzel@hotmail.com)
Locate the above information at:
Western Neuropathy Association Support Groups
Benefits of Support Groups for Chronic Pain and Peripheral Neuropathy
1. Reducing Feelings of Isolation and Emotional Support
Chronic pain often leads to feelings of isolation because those of us affected may feel that others, including friends and family, cannot fully understand our daily struggles. Support groups bring together people with similar experiences, which helps members like us feel less alone and more understood. This shared understanding can alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression commonly associated with chronic pain.
2. Sharing Coping Strategies and Resources
Support groups provide a platform for members to exchange practical advice, tools, and coping mechanisms that can help manage pain. For peripheral neuropathy, this might include discussions about effective exercises, pain management techniques, assistive devices, or apps that aid symptom relief. Learning from others who have similar conditions can empower us all to try new approaches and improve our quality of life.
3. Enhancing Self-Management and Physical Activity
Peer support has been shown to improve self-efficacy in managing symptoms. For example, in diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy, peer support helped people increase physical activity, such as walking more steps daily, and improved their confidence in managing their condition. This suggests that support groups can motivate patients to engage in healthier behaviors that may reduce symptoms.
4. Providing a Safe and Trusting Environment
Support groups foster a sense of community and trust where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions without judgment. This environment encourages open communication, emotional release, and mutual encouragement, which can improve our psychological well-being and resilience in coping with chronic pain.
5. Reducing Healthcare Utilization and Costs
Peer-led support groups have been found to be low-cost and effective interventions that can reduce the need for frequent healthcare services by helping us better manage our conditions through shared knowledge and social support.
6. Specific Benefits for Peripheral Neuropathy Patients
For those with peripheral neuropathy, support groups—whether in-person or virtual—offer specialized education, emotional support, and success stories that can inspire hope. Groups focused on peripheral neuropathy provide tailored information about symptom management and connect patients with caregivers and experts, enhancing overall support.
In summary, support groups benefit people with chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy by reducing isolation, providing emotional support, sharing practical coping strategies, improving self-management and physical activity, fostering a trusting community, and potentially reducing healthcare needs. These support groups play a crucial role in complementing medical treatment by addressing the psychosocial aspects of chronic pain management.
Visit Our list of programs to learn more about the CNA Connections Support Group meetings