United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Marlyn, I think your reasoning makes sense as far as supporting your son's arm. I'm sure that just being in the water will be a relief for Javier's arm hanging. Maybe you could be a vest for general swimming safety and then use a floatie or noodle for supporting his arm. The arm floaties and noodles are both inexpensive. Kate brought up your concern with pulling up his arm past 90 degrees, which I had overlooked. I'm just curious why you have this concern. Don't you do overhead PROM or were you advised not to do that, if you don't mind me asking? I would be concerned with not doing that stretch. Does he have contractures and you can't lift his arm passively overhead? You can e-mail me if you're more comfortable.

~Tina, bpmom@comcast.net

I find my obpi arm floats in the water and I have a better range of motion... BUT the water MUST be 86 or better for comfort... I was in the pool this weekend and used the noodle in the deep end. My grandchildren have the vest and they get to move their arms better. Teaching them to splash as best as they can is great fun and good exercise. I can move my arm better in the water.
Kath

Not exactly about arm floaties, but... I noticed with Joshua before he had his capsule release that his internal rotation and adduction posture was significantly *worse* when he was in the pool. It was almost as if the more he relaxed his arm, the more the muscle imbalances showed. I just remembered being surprised - it was opposite what I expected!

Kate

Marlyn:

I am with you about the arm floaties - not only because of the tightness around the hurt arm, but also because they restrict movement.

Danny uses one of those Speedo suits with the floaties built in around the chest. It is GREAT! Not only does it allow him more freedom in the water, but he can use his left arm to swim (okay, dog paddle) and strengthen the muscles!

You can get them at Target or Wal-Mart.

Happy swimming!
Janet

dmom- i got one last night. I am a walmart typro' gal. lol

I love Walmart!!


Marlyn(being silly b/c of the heat)

Marlyn:

You're so right about Wal-Mart! I'm totally addicted to that place. Especially the bargain DVD bin. That is always my downfall.

If only I could get out of there JUST ONCE without a completely full cart! (I'm working on it - ha!)

Janet

I think the idea with the noodles velcroed around is SO great!