PCNA is actively working on outreach to Veterans and people with Diabetes who may not understand that their symptoms are typical of Peripheral Neuropathy. By providing information and encouraging engagement in a support group, PCNA offers hope and help to sufferers and their family members. The timely articles in the Newsletter and on the website are testament to the depth of research and commitment of PCNA.
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The Northern California Chapter of the Neuropathy Ass'n has consistently provided very concrete information regarding the clinical trials as well as the anecdotal reports of the range of treatments (neuro-protective, and neuro-supportive) as well as palliative (pain reducing) methods that are offered to people with neuropathy. They are careful to distinguish between 'anecdotal' versus clinical trial data. What is amazing is how well organized and accessible the information is on their website and in the meetings, hosted by volunteers, who often keep good information on hand for those w/o internet access. The monthly support groups, with speakers at some meetings are a wonderful way to gain support from others who share this strange, debilitating and demoralizing condition and to hear from people who have helpful insights to share. The president of this chapter (Bev Anderson) has gone "above and beyond" with her informative newsletter, getting discounts for members (treatments can be expensive!) and was a member of the California Neuropathy Legislative Task force. I am very grateful that I stumbled upon this organization. Not only am I a client served, I am also a gerontology social worker, and I often refer patients (chemo-induced neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy) to their website and to their support group meetings. The local facilitators are VERY good! (as good as many social workers!) Additionally, Bev Anderson herself travels to small chapters to help them get started, and fills in as a facilitator when no one else can do so. The website is beautifully easy to navigate, and I used materials from their website for a presentation I gave at an oncology social work conference in May 2011 (last month) as well as to oncology staff at our local hospital.
It is important to note that neuropathy is actually relative common -- 22% of those over age 65 and more than 50% of those who have had diabetes for 10 yrs. Yet - it is very poorly managed by medical professionals who tend to rely on pharmaceuticals that only mask the pain, and don't address supporting the nerve or supporting safety/patient care (eg loss of balance, de-conditioning, cuts/burns .. all the things that arise as a result of neuropathy). Inability to button, to drive, to use fingers ... all activities that need physical therapy or occupational therapy to re-train the body/brain on how to do things. The NCCNA promotes self-efficacy in a safe and compassionate manner, in a topic that has no other source for info & support.
All I knew was that I had Neuropathy and that it was driving me crazy because the pain in my feet was so bad that I couldn't sleep. I then joined the local group in Auburn, CA. where I learned much more with speakers & videos. I was given a sample of Neuragen to try & rub on my feet before I go to bed each night & it worked. Now if I can't sleep, it is not because of Neuropathy. For me the Neuropathy Group has been well worth it & I continue to learn more.
This organization started with one support group in 1998 and today has 37 active groups and 15 where we have members and have held meetings but leadership has not been found to have an active group of people meeting.
Recently, we have changed our corporate name to The Pacific Chapter of The Neuropathy Association. This means we can go beyond Northern California and establish support groups in Southern California where there are four groups currently. We have a group in Reno-Sparks but will be free to develop groups in other areas as well. Oregon is also going to join with us.
The need is great. We estimate that approximately 3 million people in California have some form of neuropathy. The chief problem that impedes growth is finding people willing and able to lead a group. We recommend a team of at least two or three to serve as leaders.
I currently chair a group for meuropathy . I am indebted to the Pacific Chapter of the Neuropathy Association and all the information and data they supply v idualThe organization is needed for the all the individuals
with this inflictioin .
I first joined the Northern CA Chapter of The Neuropathy Assn. (recent name change to: The Pacific Chapter of The Neuropathy Assn.) to better understand and cope with this chronic nerve disease and soon found out about their network of support groups. After attending the group in San Jose, CA. for close to six months, I became Asst. Leader, and a few months later the current Leader resigned, so I moved up to Leader. Four years later now, and still enjoying this volunteer position!
This organization, led by Bev Anderson, President & Founder, focuses on helping the patient with coping skills, education and practical advice. For me, attending support groups and neuropathy conferences is empowering and I'm always learning something new.
This organization does a lot with a little. We have a cadre of volunteers who manage our more than 45 support groups across the state who themselves are sufferers. They do amazing work when they often don't feel well.
All my life I've known my feet didn't have the strength and capability of most of the people I knew. It wasn't until after my brother and I were diagnosed after I retired from 34 years of elementary teaching that I found out why. I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. What do I do now was on my mind as it is for everyone being diagnosed with this most common disease you've never heard of. I joined The Neuropathy Association and found out there were support groups in other areas but not near me. A friend and I agreed to have a meeting to see if there was any interest. We thought a few might come because it was in the FYI column on the front of the local newspaper. 33 people showed up, enjoyed the evening, learned from each other and said, "We're meeting next month, aren't we?" The group grew and helped many people and ourselves learn more about neuropathy. (Your brain and spinal cord are you Central Nervous System. All the rest of the nerves are peripheral nerves. AMA says any disease or disorder in the peripheral nerves is called neuropathy. Over 20 million people in the United States has it - diagnosed or undiagnosed.) Some people in the group came from a distance and decided there should be a group near them. I did some traveling to start new groups. Today, we have 53 groups formed or forming throughout Northern California. Basically, there is one within driving distance of everyone north of a line from Fresno to Monterey. We are in a challenging situation. Nearing 1,000 members and having volunteers that don't have the time and/or the health to carry a heavier load, we are in desperate need of staff if we are to reach out to others with neuropathy that have no idea of what this diagnosis means or what can be done about it. To meet with a group of people in a new city who are so amazed at the information and respond with questions and new knowledge is such a exciting experience, but to know there are thousands out there that have never had help offered breaks my heart.