Surgery has any one had any success

[Princess]

Hi Paul, thanks for getting back to me. I'm moving as fast as I can & found 3 specialists already to check with, this way I get three opinions from reputable doctors. I have to get the hospital to release my medical records ASAP then I'll be able to book appointments & see what they say. I'm hoping to find out next week from one doctor if he thinks he can help me. I'll let you all know how it goes. If I disappear for a while, its only b/c I'm on the hunt & trying to get things done. I have my fingers (even toes) crossed!!!

[Paul]

Great Paul

[admin]

thanks . Paul

[Paul]

Princess how are you doing? Paul

[Princess]

Hi Paul. I have made upcoming appointment with Dr. Wolfe, Dr. Price & Dr. Abbot. I'll be seeing them all before the end of the month so I'm not wasting any time. I have yet to hear of what my options are in regards to any kind of surgery that may restore my left arm. I'm so scared but its long overdue. I'm upset that no one told me about these specialists before. When I left the hospital I was under the impression that there is no chance for my left arm & they were suggessting amputation as the best way to go. Can u believe that??!! I'M NOT AMPUTATING, EVER! I may have nost the function of my arm but I'm not about to willingly give up my arm & deform my body that way. I'm afraid of going for the surgery & it not working. But I know myself & I have to try. Nothing is w/o risk & its a risk I'm willing to take. I dont ever want to look back & regret not trying my very best to do all I can do to possibly recover function. Ugh, this is diving me crazy! Will the pain & anxiety ever go away???

[Paul]

Princess great great just take lots of notes and bring someone with you. I bought a digital recorder from RadioShack, its very small for notes or to record what the doctor may want to say into it for notes. I know how you feel no one told me it was a year befor i figured out what i had even thou no one had told me.Keep us/me posted. If you would like your wellcome to call me one night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paul

[Princess]

I am definitely bringing someone with me to each appointment to take notes & be my second set of ears. I expect that day may be too overwhelming for me to absorb all that the doctor will say. Don't the doctors mind you recording what they have to say?

[Paul]

some do some don't...............Princess, honest ones don't mind

[Princess]

Yes Paul, I agree, just dont know how to ask or go about it...how did you go about it, any thoughts would be great!

[Princess]

Hi all. I've been doing a lot of research these past few weeks & have found 3 specialists in NY that work on brachial plexus injuries. I've booked appointments with each of them to see if there is any kind of special surgery that may restore function in my left arm. Although only one doctor participates with my insurance (Dr. Abbott), I'm getting a second & third opinion b/c this is important enough for me to pay out of pocket expenses. If anyone knows any organizations that may financially assist, please let me know. I've read up on nerve reconstructive surgery & will be inquiring soon to see if I'd qualify as a candidate for this special surgery. I want to go there prepared with informed questions. If anyone thinks of one that I missed, feel free to share. Lastly, if anyone knows of or reads anything valuable, please pass it on. This is really scary but long overdue. Wish me luck (fingers & toes crossed)!!! I'll keep you updated...

Dr. Rick Abbott- Beth Isreal Medical Center

Dr. Scott Wolfe- Hospital for Special Surgeries

Dr. Andrew Price- St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital

QUESTIONS FOR SPECIALISTS

Do I qualify for surgery?
If so/if not, why?
If yes- what are my options?
How risky are the options?
What are the disadvantages ?
What are the advantages?
How long is the surgery?
What are the statistics? Percentage of people who got better/got worse?
What is the recovery process, how long?
How much will the surgery cost? Hospital stay? Rehab? Inquire all expenses, payment plans?

This is by far the hardest experience of my life...its comforting to know there are wonderful people out there who truly understand & are willing to help!! Thank you all!