Mission:
To provide peer support to all lives that have been impacted by chronic pain
Vision:
To create a community of support for individuals facing the challenges of chronic pain.
Chronic pain can be isolating.
ABOUT
Our Roots
Chronic pain is a complex and poorly understood medical condition that is "invisible". The stigma associated with chronic pain makes it an even more challenging condition to manage. Complainer, malingerer, and drug-seeker have become labels which invalidate individuals with chronic pain. These judgements can come from not only the medical community but also the non-medical community (employers, colleagues, neighbours, friends, family).
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Social support is very important in the successful management of chronic pain. Unfortunately, chronic pain often has a negative impact on the relationships that an individual has with their family and friends. And while the medical system provides support for the pain patient, there is nothing available for the family or friends within the medical system or outside of it.
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As with other chronic medical conditions, chronic pain affects not only the lives of individuals with chronic pain but also the lives of their family and friends. Chronic Pain Support & Connections was started to support the lives that have been impacted by chronic pain.
You can't truly understand someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes.
Anonymous
Two people don't meet by accident. They are meant to cross paths for a reason.
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We met through the Calgary Chronic Pain Support Group and found that we had a lot in common. We are both young professionals; one in the legal field and one in the medical. We were both in car accidents that resulted in chronic pain and disability. We were both dissatisfied with the support that was available for those with chronic pain. So we decided to make a positive impact and change things for the better for those with chronic pain and their supporters. This is how Chronic Pain Support & Connections was born.
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SUPPORT
Chronic pain cannot and should not be faced alone. Chronic Pain Support and Connections offers peer support to everyone whose lives have been impacted by chronic pain. This includes not only individuals with chronic pain but also their family members and their friends. Peer support complements and enhances professional health care services.
Peer support has four main functions. First, it offers social and emotional support through empathetic listening and encouragement. Second, it helps in daily management of chronic pain through the sharing of knowledge and experiences. Third, it can also provide connections to clinical care and community resources. Finally, it can afford regular ongoing support which extends over the long-term and benefits all participants. Peer support can take many forms - phone calls, text messages, meetings, and social activities. Peer supporters do not give medical advice or diagnoses.
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We hope to find the right type of support for each individual and ultimately build a community of support for everyone who faces the challenges of chronic pain.
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People don't always need advice. Sometimes all they really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand them.
Author unknown
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Resources
Peer support also offers a knowledge bank of resources that may be helpful in addressing the some of the challenges of chronic pain.
insurance
Persons with pre-existing and/or chronic conditions are often excluded from mainstream insurance policies. We are currently working to find affordable premiums for insurance coverage (health, dental and/or life insurance) for persons with chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions in Alberta (to start). If you are interested in finding out more about the insurance coverage options, please contact us.
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So far, we have found the following coverage for prescriptions for persons in Alberta:
Non-Group Coverage through Alberta Blue Cross for the prescriptions
Please check this link for further coverage details.
https://www.alberta.ca/non-group-coverage.aspx#toc-1
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Health & Dental Insurance Coverage through ManuLife
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NO MEDICAL REQUIRED. GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE. *LIMITED TIME OFFERING*
RATES BASED ON AGE. DISCOUNTS FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES.
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Prescriptions, Dental, Hospital, Travel, Paramedical (Registered Specialists including massage, physio, chiro, psychologist), Vision, Hearing, Homecare & Nursing, Medical equipment, Ambulance.
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Please email us for more information and/or for an application.
canadian pain task force
Information about the Canadian Pain Task Force (CPTF) and their mandate can be found at
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The CPTF released their second report. It an be found at
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chronic health conditions course incl. chronic pain
The Chronic Health Conditions Course is a research project that aims to provide good education and guidance on simple and effective techniques for managing symptoms often experienced by those with chronic health conditions, including chronic pain. Developed by the Department of Psychology at the University of Regina, this course helps people with thoughts, behaviours and physical symptoms related to chronic health conditions. Research shows that it helps people gain control over their symptoms, improve their confidence, and get back to living a full, satisfying life.
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Please visit their website for more information
https://www.onlinetherapyuser.ca/chronic-conditions#1
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Resources for canadians living with pain during
covid-19
The Government of Canada and the Canadian Pain Task Force (CPTF) recognize Canadians living with chronic pain need additional supports during COVID-19.
The following list of supportive resources was assembled in collaboration with stakeholders and may be used by you and your partners in care to manage your pain during this time
This list is updated regularly, so please check back often.
hub for people with neuropathy & neuromuscular diseases in Edmonton
For people interested in starting a support group in Edmonton
Pain Education
We are currently working on education modules to help improve the understanding of chronic pain, to help improve the management of chronic pain, and to help reduce the stigma of chronic pain.
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Please check back for updates.
If you would like to share any resources that you feel may be helpful please contact us.
BE A BUDDY
Connect with a peer.
Connect by phone, text, email, video, or in person.
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For those with pain and for those who support someone with pain.
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SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
Connect with peers in a support group.
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Connect by phone, video, or in person.
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For those with pain and for those who support someone with pain.
PEER GROUP SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Connect with peers at organized social events.
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Connect online or in person.
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For those with pain and for those who support someone with pain.
FAQ
What you might be wondering about
Is there a cost for any of this?
There are NO costs to connect you with a peer or peer group. However, there may be costs to participate in organized social activities or to attend certain meetings.
Can anyone participate?
Anyone whose life has been impacted by chronic pain can participate. You can be situated anywhere in the world and connect to a peer by phone, text, email, or online.
How do I join?
Start with an email to us!
Please contact us with any other questions that you have.
OUR PARTNERS
OTHER PAIN SUPPORT GROUPS
If your pain support group would like to be added to this page please contact us.
L.E.A.P.S. (Lending Emotional And Pain Support)
LEAPS meets about twice a month at the Richmond Road Diagnostic Centre to discuss techniques learned in the Chronic Pain Centre. They are open to anyone who has chronic pain.
Calgary Chronic Pain Peer Support Group
A Meetup aiming to provide a safe and supportive place for people to
interact with others and share anything related to living life with
chronic pain.
Calgary Neuropathy Association
The Calgary Neuropathy Association (CNA) is an Educational Support group; not-for-profit organization operated by volunteers. They strive to inform people on self-management strategies, promote understanding of neuropathy among their support systems (i.e. family, friends, co-workers); and to work with the medical community for better understanding, research and towards viable treatments for neuropathy sufferers.
OUR SUPPORTERS
Postmedia
We are grateful to Postmedia for the opportunity to participate in the Postmedia Supports Marketing Grant Program.
