Hello all!
First, I would like to say it is comforting to hear all of your stories, and I can totally relate. My right arm was affected and shoulder dislocated and torn nerves. Luckily, my parents spent many hours treating me to physical therapy, acupuncture, and electrical therapy. It was hard being a child and spending all my free time at the hospital and three concescutive years (7,8,9) in a cast. That's right, three surgeries. One to rotate my arm, two to tighten the tendons, three I can't remember. I wish the doctor's knew then what they know now.
If you are a parent coping with your child's injury, please continue treatments and exercise no matter how much they cry. I hated it. I never thought it would work. I still don't have 100% movement, but I'm sure I'm in a better state, than if I had not done all that treatment. I think the best exercise is swimming, running (running makes all the muscles work) and yoga/pilates. Exercise alone can relieve stress and depression. Yes, I am still facing depression but I am genergally happy. I like to remind myself it could have been worse. It was only until 5 years ago, that I finally considered myself disabled. Yes, I'm eligible to get a disabled parking pass because I carry heavy art equipment and my unaffected arm is feeling the pressure. The only problem is, you will be stared at because youo are not walking with a limp. (an old lady yelled at me the other day) She's the first to approach me after 5 years.
I have accomplished so much, despite my disability. I have found happiness in creating art (painting is my emphasis) because it helps me express my inner self and emotions within. I've tried sports, dance, music growing up, but of course it never worked out. Although, I do enjoy running, hiking, and swimming. I always found myself drawn to art, and ten years ago I decided to be an artist. It was the best decision I ever made.
MARYANNE D
SUGGESTIONS
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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: SUGGESTIONS
Welcome Maryanne!
I just had to comment on your art. I just finnished up an art class and my teacher told me I should continue drawing as it is a good way to express my inner self and my emotions. I am taing painting next semester and I cant wait but I think I will continue to draw, I loved it!
If you have any questions feel free to ask. THere are no silly questions when it comes to bpi's. I am still learning so much!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN
I just had to comment on your art. I just finnished up an art class and my teacher told me I should continue drawing as it is a good way to express my inner self and my emotions. I am taing painting next semester and I cant wait but I think I will continue to draw, I loved it!
If you have any questions feel free to ask. THere are no silly questions when it comes to bpi's. I am still learning so much!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
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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: SUGGESTIONS
WELCOME,Maryanne!!
I am glad you found UBPN and posted your message.
I am suggesting to you to Copy and Paste your above post onto the General Message Board too because it is very uplifting and some parents do not come here to this Adult Mesage Board.
Please come back, often,Maryanne.
HUGS,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69
I am glad you found UBPN and posted your message.
I am suggesting to you to Copy and Paste your above post onto the General Message Board too because it is very uplifting and some parents do not come here to this Adult Mesage Board.
Please come back, often,Maryanne.
HUGS,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
Adult LOBPI
Re: SUGGESTIONS
Amy and Carolyn have said the rest of it better than I could, so I'll just say, "Welcome to you, Maryanne."
Joanie
Joanie
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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: SUGGESTIONS
Maryanne
Welcome to the Message Boards. I'm glad you found us and hope to read much more from you. It's a great place to ask questions and vent if necessary.
Kath robpi/adult
Welcome to the Message Boards. I'm glad you found us and hope to read much more from you. It's a great place to ask questions and vent if necessary.
Kath robpi/adult
Kath robpi/adult
Kathleen Mallozzi
Kathleen Mallozzi
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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: SUGGESTIONS
Yes, Welcome!
Marieke (32, LOBPI)
Marieke (32, LOBPI)
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crw
Re: SUGGESTIONS
Welcome "home"
I just found this board recently. I suppose I'm in the opposite situation as yourself. Affected on the right side I was never given treatment, exercise or PT in any way. The most I had was a one time visit to a physical therapist and a one time visit to a chyropractor...whom never worked on infants - so I've no clue what damage that possibly did.
Hope to see you around the boards, happy holidays!
~Caiti
I just found this board recently. I suppose I'm in the opposite situation as yourself. Affected on the right side I was never given treatment, exercise or PT in any way. The most I had was a one time visit to a physical therapist and a one time visit to a chyropractor...whom never worked on infants - so I've no clue what damage that possibly did.
Hope to see you around the boards, happy holidays!
~Caiti
Re: SUGGESTIONS
Amy
Please do keep drawing you are very good at it I wish I had your talent I trace alot but can't draw a good stick figure. Mare
Please do keep drawing you are very good at it I wish I had your talent I trace alot but can't draw a good stick figure. Mare
Re: SUGGESTIONS
Welcome MaryAnne
I'm MaryAnna (Mare) I'm glad you found us and plaese post some of your art work its such an inspiration to all especially the younger ones its shows them they CAN DO anything they put they minds and heart into.
Mare
I'm MaryAnna (Mare) I'm glad you found us and plaese post some of your art work its such an inspiration to all especially the younger ones its shows them they CAN DO anything they put they minds and heart into.
Mare