Are the surgeons lying?
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borninseattle
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:43 pm
- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Born in 1951 with "brachial paralysis due to extended time in birth canal" the doctors told my mother. She was also told nothing could be done, but that I might get sensation back if she massaged my arm (which she did.) My entire right arm was paralyzed (hung completely limp) until 10 months of age. I had a little physical therapy when she could afford it. I cannot straighten my right arm - it is a little crooked, and about 3-4 inches shorter than my left arm. My right shoulder slopes (will not hold a shoulder strap purse) and I've always had to do one-arm push-ups. But I feel very blessed that, except for some weakness and limited movement, I have lived a pretty normal life with my injury. Until I found this website, I always assumed this disability was normal/natural - and not caused by human error!! Wow! My mom passed away without a clue....very sad!
Are the surgeons lying?
Hi! I just found this website and learned for the first time that it may have been the doctors responsible for my paralysis when I was born 60 years ago! Anyway, I have lived pretty well with my somewhat crooked arm....have about 40% mobility....but it's pretty strong and I've had little complaint, until about 5 years ago when I became more active in strength aerobics, pilates and yoga. Then it really bothered me that I could not do a lot of the exercises and poses due to my arm. So I went to the orthopedic surgeon and asked him if it was possible to straighten my arm. They took x-rays and told me that the abnormal shape was due to "soft tissue" not bones and that it would not be possible. I'm still confused by that answer. I suppose I should just be very grateful my disability is not greater than it is. It is so wonderful to find a form for others hurt during birth.
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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: Are the surgeons lying?
Hello borninseattle,
Welcome to our UBPN Family. I'm in Tacoma.
It would be more helpful to you to have an OBPI Specialist Evaluate you. Did the Orthopedist you saw know anything about Brachial Plexus aka Erb's Palsy Injuries? There are a number of different Orthopedists at UW and you can call each of the different clinics and ask that question. Good Luck.
We adults welcome specific questions too.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/74.
Welcome to our UBPN Family. I'm in Tacoma.
It would be more helpful to you to have an OBPI Specialist Evaluate you. Did the Orthopedist you saw know anything about Brachial Plexus aka Erb's Palsy Injuries? There are a number of different Orthopedists at UW and you can call each of the different clinics and ask that question. Good Luck.
We adults welcome specific questions too.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/74.
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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: Are the surgeons lying?
If your contracture is due to soft tissue then you should be able to get your arm straighter over time through wearing an elbow extension splint at night. Ask your doctor for a prescription for occupational therapy and express your interest in straightening your bpi arm. They should be able to make a hard plastic splint for you that you can have readjusted over time.
Good luck!
Amy J 25 years old ROBPI from MN (also an occupational therapist)
Good luck!
Amy J 25 years old ROBPI from MN (also an occupational therapist)
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN