Hello to All,
It's been a VERY long time since I have posted anything and thought I should give an update. I had my six month post op (surgery was a nerve transfer from right tricep to front two lobes of right, very atrophied, deltoid, the posterior deltoid was left with its original neurological "supply line") visit at Mayo in the first week of December 2012. I was told at the time of surgery (June 2012) that there was very likely to be no noticeable changes at the six month emg and not to be discouraged if that turned out to be the case.
Well, good news, I am getting neurological activity where none had been present prior to surgery in the area fed by the nerve transfer! The posterior is still not showing any signs of recovery. The one head of the tricep that supplied the nerve is, of course inactive, but the other two tricep heads are trying to compensate. I'm just beginning to notice a thin layer of tissue developing on the front and top of my right shoulder...today for the first time it was confirmed by one of my therapists who had not seen my shoulder without a shirt on for a while.
I've got some great physical therapists and am working very hard to strengthen the entire shoulder/arm/hand. I've got PT sessions three days a week and have been staying as active as possible.
Accepting where I am now and what my eventual extent of recovery might be is still the most difficult part of this process.
BTW, I ordered and received an athletic arm sling from Dan over the Summer and was able to start running shortly after the nerve transfer...It made a huge difference for me physically and emotionally, Thanks Dan!
The fine motor skills in my hand are still shaky when I try to extend my elbow away from my rib cage but they are getting pretty solid if I keep my elbow supported and locked at rib cage level.
Like all of you, this is a journey I'd rather not be taking, but thanks again for all of the support that got me to the Mayo and to this stage in my story.
Best,
Jeff
new to this site
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Jeff O
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Thu May 03, 2012 11:36 am
- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Sept 20, 2011...first diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis (which was validated by MRI's and EMG's) had four level (c-3 through c-7) cervical spinal fusion. Right shoulder continued to atrophy and symptoms in right hand/arm continued. Recovered very well from surgery, but...was diagnosed with brachial plexus neuritis April 12, 2012. My right hand is my primary hand. Prior to the injury I was an illustrator that specialized in zoo and aquarium exhibit illustration work. I was very physically active playing ice hockey 2-3 days a week, tennis 2-3 days a week and working out. I am a 52 year old male, but was playing hockey in an open (21 and over) league. Now I'm just hoping that the deterioration of my shoulder will stop/has stopped. My right hand is in constant pain/numbness if I move my elbow away from my ribcage. Have a great sense of hopelessness. Just found this site today.