Going to Georgia in a month has anyone ever been?

[shlecki]

I'm really nervous about taking my son anywhere but to Texas childrens for treatment. Has anyone ever went to the BPI clinic in Georgia?

[ccorkra]

Hey There, My daughter Lucy (21mths, LOBPI) was first seen at the BPI clinic at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta when she was 2 weeks old. In our journey to make the decision for primary surgery we also went to Norfolk, VA to see Dr. Terzis and to Houston to see Dr.Nath. We had mixed opinions but decided to do surgery by 3months and in Atlanta.

Dr. Schwentker and her team at CHOA have been wonderful and we are glad that we stayed in Atlanta for the surgery (we live in ATL too). I feel that they are very candid and honest about what to expect and they do not sugarcoat anything and they always remind us that each child with this injury will recover differently. I do know that there is another clinic at Medical College of GA in Augusta but I don't know anything about it.

Lucy is now about 19mths out from her primary surgery. She had a global BPI meaning that C5, C6, & C7 were ruptured and C8 & T1 were avulsed resulting in complete paralysis of her left arm and hand. Dr. Schwentker reconstructed the whole plexus. Lucy now has sensation down to her fingertips, shoulder, triceps (which was recently botoxed), biceps is coming around, and is showing some wrist extension and elbow flexion. We are thrilled by the improvement/recovery while it has been very slow. But if we had done nothing she would still have no movement at all.

We have been so pleased with the care we have received from CHOA. The clinic days can be long so make sure you bring something to occupy yourselves. If you are going to CHOA in Atlanta and not to Augusta, let me know if you have any more questions.

Carol

[GAmom]

Hey! I just wanted to let you know about my experience with CHOA and the clinic. My son Brayden goes there. We started our journey this June will be 2 years. They are wonderful. We were to see Dr. Peljovich but he had an emergency so we saw his associate Dr. Lourie. Everyone there is super nice. We made the decision to stay in GA. We live in way southwest GA so it is about a 5 or so hour drive for us with a small child. Brayden had his surgery August 2005 at the surgery center with Dr. Lourie. He is our miracle worker. Brayden was severely internally rotated and he did an osteotomy. They were very informative and were glad to help you in every way. I hope this help you, I know how nerve racking it can be to make any decision like that. We are glad we made the decision to go with CHOA. Like Carol said clinic days can be very long and stressful for everyone. I plan as if we were going on a day trip with lots of toys and book, etc. and snacks as well. If you have any other questions feel free to email them. Good Luck

Ashley, mom to Brayden ROBPI 4yrs GA

[shlecki]

I will be taking my son to Children at Scottish Rite. Dr. Allan Peljovich and Dr. Ann Schwanther. Have you heard of them.

[ccorkra]

Yep, that is the place. Dr. Ann Schwentker is the medical director (and the micro-plastic surgeon) of the Brachial Plexus Clinic and Dr. Peljovich is the orthopedic surgeon for the clinic. They are great and are really serious about follow-up appts. We see Dr. Schwentker every 3 months. She is also fairly prompt in returning my emails when I have questions. Let me know if you have any more questions. Carol

[shlecki]

Thanks now I feel better knowing that they are good doctors and he will get good care!!