New, with question...

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

New, with question...

Post by admin »

Hello! I am so excited to have found this board. My name is Katy. I'm 23. I have a brachial plexus injury which was a result of a traumatic birth. I have never had any surgeries or procedures done. I have very limited range of motion in my arm, shoulder, wrist, and hand. I have very little, if any feeling on the top of my hand and arm.
I have recently had a "straining" or "pinching" sensation that has been bothering me for the last couple months. I'd really like to get that fixed.

Anyway- if there is anybody in the same boat as me and would like to share their experiences I'd appreciate it!!
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: New, with question...

Post by Kath »

Welcome Katy
I am glad you found us.
You really need to see a bpi specialist.
Not all doctors have information about bpi injury nor are they able to treat us.
Kath (robpi/adult)
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
kamren
Posts: 262
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:19 am

Re: New, with question...

Post by kamren »

Glad to have you here. It is so wonderful that first time you find out you are not alone out there!
Carolyn J
Posts: 3424
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:22 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.

My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!

I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey".
There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Location: Tacoma WA
Contact:

Re: New, with question...

Post by Carolyn J »

Welcome Katy,
Just keep reading the Message Topics on all 3 Boards and you'll hear about most everything; I learn alot from parents too..even at my age II learn something new every time I come to the Boards. Just be sure to set a timer or you'll loose 3-3 hours fast!!
Hugs,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
Age 67 & pru\oud of it!
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: New, with question...

Post by admin »

Thank you all for your responses!
I have seen our regular doc and she referred me to a neurologist. We are a military family so I am not exactly sure where to find a bpi specialist. We are also in the middle of rural Missouri and I have checked around and called other hospitals in St Louis and such, but haven't found anyone yet. I'll keep looking! I have also called Dr. Nath's office but they said that Tricare(military insurance) does not cover any of the procedures.
My appt with the Neurologist is not until Apr.17. I will have to see what they say!
Thanks again everyone!! I am so happy I have found this board!!!!
Katy82
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Mar 14, 2006 1:11 pm

Re: New, with question...

Post by Katy82 »

This is still me! I finally joined rather than being a "guest" :) Katy82
Carolyn J
Posts: 3424
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:22 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.

My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!

I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey".
There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Location: Tacoma WA
Contact:

Re: New, with question...

Post by Carolyn J »

Welcome "KATY82"
Many Hugs and keep coming back here.
Hugs,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI,age 67 & proud of it!
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
User avatar
hope16_05
Posts: 1670
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2003 11:33 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: 28 years old with a right obstetrical brachial plexus injury. 5 surgeries to date with pretty decent results. Last surgery resolved years of pain in my right arm however, I am beginning my journey with overuse in my left arm
Location: Minnesota
Contact:

Re: New, with question...

Post by hope16_05 »

Katy, have you tried the Mayo clinic, I know they see adults. I hope you get some information from seeing the neurologist on the 17th of April. Good Luck!

Where are you feeling the "straining/pintching" sensation? I feel a sort of straining sensation that turns to pain and often makes my back go numb(like your foot fell asleep) This is in my upper back/shoulder. I might be having tendon transfers done to stabalize my scapula, my doctor think that an unstable scapula could be the cause of all this. I will find out April 19th.

i hope that this straining sensation resolves and you dont have to face surgery. Good luck!
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: New, with question...

Post by admin »

I'll have to look into the Mayo clinic!

I have that weird feeling in my right hand quite frequently. Like my hand feel asleep, but it lasts for an hour or 2 at a time. It's totally annoying!

The pinching feeling I get is in my right shoulder and kind of radiates down my shoulder blade and arm. This just started recently so it in kind of troubling. I just hope it's nothing too serious!
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: New, with question...

Post by Kath »

Hi Katy

I hate to be a nag on this subject but do you stretch your arm at all?
It is important to keep it from getting tight.

I tried weight training in my 50's but I think I damaged my arm... I don't have that kind of strength.

You should try to stretch it out at one point everyday.
Now that I preached to you I will go stretch myself.

I get lazy about it and my arms and hands pinch... my hand goes to sleep but I can't feel all the pins and needles...

Kath (robpi/adult)
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
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