life success stories

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
Carrigan
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:14 pm

life success stories

Post by Carrigan »

I am compiling life success stories of people with brachial plexus injuries. I'd like to hear of any interesting careers, hobbies, activities that anyone does for some research I am doing. I think I saw a post once about waterskiing? Please share and tell me what you do that might be an inspiration/model for others. Everyone has talents- I'd like to hear yours.
Thanks for sharing,
Carrie
njbirk
Posts: 1806
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2001 10:09 pm

Re: life success stories

Post by njbirk »

Carrie,

I think this is a great idea but I'd like to know more about your research and its purpose before I encourage people to respond and participate in your study. Can you tell us why you are conducting this research and if it is going to be published or used in any way?

Thanks much,
Nancy Birk
UBPN President
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: life success stories

Post by hope16_05 »

Carrie, I would be happy to share but I too would like a little more info first. Thanks and I hope that we will be able to help you.
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: life success stories

Post by marieke »

Me too!
Marieke
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
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: life success stories

Post by Kath »

me too!

Kath robpi/adult
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
Carrigan
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:14 pm

Re: life success stories

Post by Carrigan »

Hi Everyone,

I work for Cincinnati Children's Brachial Plexus Center and have considered the idea of creating a children's book for kids with brachial plexus injuries. I am not sure what format it would be- a fictional story or something based on real people.

At this point I am interested in hearing stories from people of all ages to learn more about what it is like to live with brachial plexus injuries. As I learn more, I will have a better vision in my mind about what I what to turn this into. I would not use anything shared on this website without permission from UBPN and the indivuals sharing and at this point it is more background research. I would like to ultimately create something positive to inspire children and demonstrate to families that you can live a dynamic life no matter what challenges you face.

I hope this is enough information. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks,
Carrie
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: life success stories

Post by Carolyn J »

Carrigan,
I do have a question. What Profession are you in? Any Reasearch I share in, I need to know this background information first.
Thank You. I am a Cautious "Young Lady" of 68 years!
Carolyn J
LOBPI


Message was edited by: Carolyn J
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
Keri
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:19 pm

Re: life success stories

Post by Keri »

Carrie:

My daughter had her tendon lengthening surgery at CCMC last November. If you want active kid (age 10) stories, let me know and we'd be glad to share her's!!

Best of luck,
Keri
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: life success stories

Post by hope16_05 »

I guess thats enough info for me for now. I think it would be great to have a book for younger kids or tbpi about what is possible to accomplish. Life is not over after bpi it just gets more interesting.

As for success stories well, I live for softball! I do not have enough use of my right arm to catch or throw so I do both left handed. It was tricky at first but now its so simple for me.

At age 17 I learned/gained enough strength to put my own hair up into a pony tail.

I tried water skiing this summer and almost got up but pulled a muscle in my left arm and decided to wait for next summer to try again. Next summer I plan to adapt my pull rope so I will be able to ski.

I have tried climbing a rock wall and so far have only gotten about three feet off the ground but hey you have to start some where. I plan to tackle that wall I hope by next summer but if not in 4 years by the time I finish college.

Swimming is also very possible with out full use of an arm. I can swim pretty well while racing my sibling or a friend. I even beat my cousin once in a race

Right now I am in college to become an OT. That will be a great accomplishment but I still have a few years for that one.

I hope you get lots of info and stories. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Also feel free to check out my website on brachial plexus injuries. It has a full version of "my story" with my successes and trials. www.freewebs.com/bpimn

Good Luck!
Amy 19 years old ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
Carrigan
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:14 pm

Re: life success stories

Post by Carrigan »

Carolyn,

I don't blame you for being cautious, I am the same way. As far as my profession, I have a background in English Literature and am working towards a masters degree in biomedical writing. I have also written and directed children's plays. I work as the administrative coordinator and do writing for Cincinnati Children's Brachial Plexus Center.

I would love to hear your story. To get all different ages would really add a dynamic dimension to this.

Thank you for your interest. I hope to hear from you soon.

Carrie
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