Had my 4 week post-op appt

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
Locked
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:

Had my 4 week post-op appt

Post by hope16_05 »

Hello every one! I had my 4 week post-op appointment yesterday at Mayo in Rochester, MN. So far so good! I only have to wear the splint at night for two more weeks and if I do anything strenuous during the next two weeks. Then I can be done with that splint and go back to my elbow extension splint. I started therapy today and will probably be going three times a week for a while trying to gain my range and some strength back. My OT said she is happy with where the range is at right now and that the rest should come back pretty quick. I am on restrictions though so thats a bummer! I am only to reach a max range of 130 degrees until I see my doctor back at shriners in August (the drive is an hour and a half shorter and the shriners date is better timing). This means that I am not going to be able to do my hair all summer so that sucks a lot! I was talking with my OT today and said I am almost ready to cut my hair and her repy was dont you dare, you worked so hard to be able to put it up! I would never cut t much shorter than it is now, thats my huge motivation for therapy but having to wait for someone else to put my hair up stinks!

So thats where I am at right now, after therapy today I am pretty tender on my scapula but not really hurting so thats good. The hurt is yet to come, my scars are getting adhesions again so that means scar massage and thats not fun at all but it must be done. So on that note, I am off to do my scar massage!

Hugs to all,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
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: Had my 4 week post-op appt

Post by Kath »

Amy
Thanks for the update, it sounds like you are moving forward and that's a good thing!

I know it must feel terrible not to be able to do your hair but it's only for a short time.
I agree with your OT don't cut it.

I had long hair for many years even though it was a struggle to keep up with it.
I wear my hair short now because of overuse and it's easier ... Your young so enjoy long hair while you can.

hugs to you
Kath adult/robpi
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
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: Had my 4 week post-op appt

Post by Carolyn J »

Amy,
Thanks for the update.
Listen, SisterOBPI, you worked so hard to be able to do your hair. When you do celeabrate some special Milestone, do it with a style "Makeover" to Celebrateand it wil be twice meaningful and Special!.only my opinion, of course,lol.

HUGS all around,
Caroly J :)
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
kissygoose

Re: Had my 4 week post-op appt

Post by kissygoose »

Sounds like things are going well. sorry about the scar massage though.
Joanie
Posts: 499
Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2005 9:03 am

Re: Had my 4 week post-op appt

Post by Joanie »

Sounds good, Amy. I agree - Don't cut your hair yet. I keep mine short because I can handle it that way. But I've always loved long hair.

Joanie
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: Had my 4 week post-op appt

Post by hope16_05 »

Thanks Ladies! I am doing well, still not enjoying the scar massage but who would. Well I guess I might enjoy it is a really handsome guy was doing the massage but since its just me for now its not my fav.

I wont cut my hair for two reasons, one I cant part with it, I love my hair long and two, I really just cant afford to cut it right now since I lost my job. I am having a hard time finding some one to hire me for only two months since I am leaving for school at the end of August and I have a weight restriction, my doctor does not want me lifting anything over 20 lbs.
Thankfully, my nephew is only 18 lbs!

Therapy again tonight at 4:45 so we'll have to see how that goes. Trying to make something to cover both scars to hold some gel pads on them to get the adhesions to slow down and go away!

Hugs,
Amy
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
Locked