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Chronic Pain Centre
Category: Health and Medical Health and Medical [Edit]
2210 2nd St SWSte 160
Calgary, AB T2S 3C1
(403) 943-9900
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
3 reviews for Chronic Pain Centre
3 reviews in English
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Review from Starsia E.
Calgary, AB
Health care doesn't get much better than this in Canada. A doctor must make the referral to the center. Then you will fill out a application sent by the center. Later you get accepted and meet with your team. This whole process can take more than a year or two for some people or in some cases less than six months.
I was lucky and got in without waiting the usual over a year but then I'm sick as well as in pain. The center offers free classes on all types of important skills for pain management. They have doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physiotherapists and even social workers on staff to help with your situation.
Each patient has a team tailored to what they need to function better in life and if they needs change then the team will too.
They have comfortable couches and chairs to sit in and waiting times are very short. Most people graduate and phase out of the program around six months but it's not a set time frame. I've been there over a year and closer to two and I'm just graduating now. They make sure that you have everything you need to move on with your life and manage pain on your own first.
While they work hard to help you the program is free and comprehensive so effort is expected on your part. You have to show up for appointments and do the programs they offer that will best benefit you. There are many people waiting on the list to get in here and if you are not taking it seriously then you are wasting the space for someone that will.
The chronic pain center is Alberta health care at its best in a province that needs to do so much better. We need more programs as amazing as this with more money to fund them. I can't thank the people at the center enough for helping me to manage my pain better. They deserve more recognition. -
Review from Pat T.
Calgary, AB
5/16/2012
Outdated prehistoric pain management. Do not expect anything cutting edge for treatment. Don't even expect the basics. Definitely do not expect to be treated as an unique individual. So if you are one of these square pegs, they will just put you in a round hole. If you are over 40, side effects to drugs are not real, it is because your getting old.
Firstly, you do not get to choose your doctor. You are assigned to one and you are not allowed to change. They will just tell you that you are welcome to stop coming. I got put on Dr. Dike's team. The clinic is supposed to be multi-disciplinary (medical specialists, PT, OT, dietician, etc.) However don't expect a thorough assessment or access to other services on this team. Apparently, I have neuropathic pain but was not given access to a neurologist at the clinic, nor was any testing done on my nerves. I was not even given a standard neurological exam by Dr. Dike.
Her approach is off label use of drugs - that means being prescribed drugs (such as antidepressants and anti seizure medication) that are not Health Canada approved for pain management. I have had several other doctors shocked at the drugs I have been put on and they cannot not understand the rationale for using them. My friend who has never been a patient at the chronic pain centre but has chronic pain (unfortunately her specialists are not taking new patients) has told me that she was told that some of the drugs I have been put are known tobe ineffective for pain.
The fact that I have complex pain caused by numerous medical conditions is not addressed. There educational classes are useless. The material is a cookie cutter, one size fit approach. If you have any other medical conditions complicating your pain and management they don't what to deal with you. Dr. Dike's approach is the same.
I have had to seek referrals to other specialists, clinics, and services (physiotherapy, dietician, occupational therapists, etc) independent of the pain centre. Dr. Dike did not provide any of the referrals needed. My family doctor feels that they totally missed with me.
I have been asking everyone I know including other health professionals if they know anyone who used the pain clinic and have only found two people, both of them were not impressed. One person had great coverage from work and her insurance company stepped up and paid for everything privately and she is doing great. The other is still a patient who is still suffering. Because the clinic has not found the right pill for her, she is being told she needs a shrink.
I have turned to the internet to see what others are saying. I am quite shocked that others have found the clinic helpful. So maybe it is not the clinic but Dr. Dike and her team only. I checked the doctor ratingsite and another patient feels that this doctor is a "pill pusher".
If you are considering this centre don't expect anything that way you won't be disappointed. You may be better served by referrals to multiple specialist outside of the clinic. -
Review from Nan C.
Calgary, AB
7/22/2011
Dr. Srini Chary is one of the wonderful doctors specializing in pain control at the Calgary Chronic Pain Centre in the old Holy Cross building. If you are experiencing chronic pain (which I sincerely hope not) and are recommended to the Centre, you should ask for Dr. Chary.
This man is very forthright, stubborn, and wise. I literally trust him with my life! The best thing about him is his bluntness - he will say what *is*, not what you want him to say, and I appreciate that. As I am stubborn too, we've clashed more than once. He was always right; this I respect tremendously.
Recently, I had a clash with his meddlesome nurse. In tears, I phoned him at another place he works, and he actually called me back to reassure me and make an appointment so we could talk about it. Any doctor who takes the time from his busy schedule to make ME feel better is A1 in my books.
If you are looking for a soft, mushy yes-man, he is not your guy. If you want the truth, clear explanations and wisdom, go see Dr. Chary. I cannot say enough good things about him, and that's rare (for a doctor!)
