I'm 49 and my surgeon gave me BP while fixing my shoulder tendonitis in 1997. This last year I've eliminated every physical activity except walking. Now I find that walking is creating pain in my neck and shoulder. As I don't want to give up walking does anyone have any tricks to this unwanted trade so I can walk without pain?
bob
surgical error causes BP
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Re: surgical error causes BP
Bob - so glad you made it to the TBPI board. I know that you will find a lot of camaraderie in here.
Re: surgical error causes BP
Bob, what are you doing to provide support for your shoulder & arm while you're walking? Do you wear a sling or anything like that?
Ellen
Ellen
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Re: surgical error causes BP
Walking is why I came-up with the onepaw arm contraption--works great if it is not too cold out. The main idea is that you need to get thte weight of a dead limb off of your neck and carry it on your hip.
There are pictures of it here and on the UK website. If you want to walk, and your shoulder is paralysed, the gizmo works good.
Onepaw.
There are pictures of it here and on the UK website. If you want to walk, and your shoulder is paralysed, the gizmo works good.
Onepaw.
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Christopher
- Posts: 845
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- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02
Level of Injury:
-dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed
BPI Related Surgeries:
-2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle,
-Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts.
-2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting.
-Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps.
-Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle.
-Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.
Surgical medical facility:
Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
(all surgeries successful)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt - Location: Los Angeles, California USA
Re: surgical error causes BP
Bob,
I made a sling/shoulder harness with a wide strap that goes over the good shoulder/neck area as to prevent the weight it is lifting from driving into my neck. I've always been amazed at the lack of foresight and design of every sling I've tried that would have a thin strap that bears all the weight and pressure of the arm/shoulder it's supporting.
Along with a wider shoulder strap I have a8 inch wide elastic wrap that holds my upper arm (biceps) tight against my ribs to minimize any movement that creates more pain. Good luck.
Chris
I made a sling/shoulder harness with a wide strap that goes over the good shoulder/neck area as to prevent the weight it is lifting from driving into my neck. I've always been amazed at the lack of foresight and design of every sling I've tried that would have a thin strap that bears all the weight and pressure of the arm/shoulder it's supporting.
Along with a wider shoulder strap I have a8 inch wide elastic wrap that holds my upper arm (biceps) tight against my ribs to minimize any movement that creates more pain. Good luck.
Chris
Re: surgical error causes BP
Hi Ellen, Thanks for your response. I had tried a regular - off the shelf sling but without success. Are there specific products out there for us BP people? After diagnosing BP my neuroligist warned me not to have surgery so I've stayed away from Dr.s and have not been given any suggestions. If I sit with my shoulder hanging down I get relief.
bob
bob
Re: surgical error causes BP
Thanks 1paw,
can you tell me how to view the "onepaw arm contraption"-- it sounds like something I should have.
bob (rweman@aol.com)
can you tell me how to view the "onepaw arm contraption"-- it sounds like something I should have.
bob (rweman@aol.com)
Re: surgical error causes BP
Thanks Chris,
I like the idea of strapping the biceps to the ribs. I need a reminder not to use the arm.
bob
I like the idea of strapping the biceps to the ribs. I need a reminder not to use the arm.
bob