need some advice for surgery

[painful]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading the message boards for about 4 months now. I have really gained a new respect for families that have children with OBPI. I was just recently diagnosed in May, I am 42 years old and sat down and cried when my Dr. finally told me the name of what was wrong with my right arm. I've told people all my life that it was just messed up when I was born. Which is true but I didn't have a name. I am going to TCH the end of January for surgery with Dr. Shenaq. The closer it gets the more excited and nervous I am just thinking about it. Is there any way to prepare for this surgery? Are there certain clothes that I will need to bring with me? Rachel has answered some of my questions, I guess that I am just nervous. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be doing this because these Dr.'s need to be helping the children with this problem so that they can get better. I don't really know how much better there is for me but I am willing to find out. The shoulder is getting more painful as I get older and when the weather is colder, so I know that something has to be done. Thanks for everything, and I look forward to hearing from some of you. Eletha Lawrimore. If you need to contact me directly my e-mail address is elethalawrimore@yahoo.com.

[Dean-na]

Eletha:

I am 32 & had the mod quad. It will be 3 months ago this Friday. I went to Texas too. I know there are SO many things going through your head right now. What type of surgery are you having? If you are having the mod quad, you will need some larger shirts. I bought some big t-shirts. My arm was in a pillow type sling & it fits on the outside of your clothes. You should not feel like the doctor needs to be spending all his time correcting the children. I think it is wonderful they have someone to help them, but we need help too. I wish I had someone when I was younger. They are not lucky to have this injury, but at least their are doctors out there that has knowledge about it. I have to go back in February & have another surgery & I am nervous all over again. This time it is more of an anxious feeling. I am so glad that you found this site. If there is ever anything that I can answer, I will do my best.

Take Care!
~Deanna

[Francine_Litz]

Eletha

I want to comment on your question "Is there any way to prepare for this surgery?"

I went to a seminar last year in Houston put on by Dr. Karen Pape (director of www.tascnetwork.net. Dr. Pape discussed what to do to prepare surgery... she talked about how so many people just figure that they are having surgery so they can let go - eat junk foods and not do any therapy, etc. She explained how that puts you in the worst health situation rather than being completely prepared.

Dr. Pape talked about eating the very healthiest foods, taking vitamins, getting good sleep and doing as much therapy as you can so that everything is loosened up (and easy to get to in the O.R.). She said that you will heal better and faster - have less pain - less stress, etc.

It makes so much sense! I hope you consider it.

good luck with the surgery - we will pray for the best fo you,
francine

http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/homepage.html

[njbirk]

Hi Eletha,

I had the surgery at age 47 and it will be 3 years this coming January since the operation. It was a good decision for me in very many ways. Less pain and improved range of motion are tops on my list of the changes.

Nervousness is normal. I was literally shaking when I was in Dr. Nath's office the day before, with both anxiety and excitement all mixed in together. Finally a doctor was willing to do something. There were no guarantees, they had never done the mod quad on someone my age. I would do it all again, and definitely earlier in my life if I could have.

You've gotten some great advice here. All I can add is regarding clothing. Sounds like you are in a cold climate. I found that I couldn't wear a coat but that a shawl or a poncho worked well and went over the splint without any trouble. The only other piece of advice is not to be afraid to ask questions of your doctor either before or after.

Oh yeah, and the therapy afterwards is really really important. Some changes happen quickly, others are slower. I'm still seeing slow improvement but need to keep at the stretching consistently.

Keep asking us questions. You've got a small group here of adults who have had this surgery recently, with Deanna, Rachel and myself.

Nancy

[rachelcasa]

I understand your nervousness as you know! As far as clothes go for the surgery, really anything light and not bulky can fit underneath the brace. Like Nancy said the pancho idea might be great for the winter. I have pictures of my brace the right after surgery brace and also how high it is now. 120 degrees!! No, make that 122!! I allowed room for slippage!! If you want me to send you those pics let me know.

[Francine_Litz]

Here's Rachelcasa's pictures.....

http://www.injurednewborn.com/rachelcas ... lcasa.html

(hey rachel did you forget you had them here??? lol lol - and by the way do you have update pictures for me??)

[rachelcasa]

I have some just of my raggy ol splint that I did a fabulous job at! *L* I should sent you some updated ones. My digital camera is on the fritz right now. As soon as I get it fixed I will definately do that! Thanks Francine!!