United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Kathleen I would be interested in hearing about your surgeries and to what extent your injuries are. I think the world of the mayo clinic but do not want to make 30+ trips their. Ellen has also been a great source of information and a asset to talk to when undergoing a major surgery such as this.

Hi~
My injury is C5,6 and 7 avulsed. Doctors at Mayo did a a muscle transfer. I was the 3rd done at Mayo for this type of transfer; 1988. I had a strong tricep so the made it into a bicep so I had the ability to lift and bend my arm at the elbow to touch my mouth. I have full use of my hand, what a plus but extreme pain in my hand and fingers....that travel up my foreman to my neck. My very 1st surgery was exploratory to see the extent of my injury and then the transfer. At that time (the late 80's) thats all they could do for me. My other surgeries at Mayo were plastic surgeries to my arm to make it look like a normal functioning arm.....I call it "fatting it up" using implants. I still need at least 3 more surgeries, the implant needs to be replaced and I need my shoulder fused...............waiting as long as possible for that. Reading notes here makes me want to wait, read its not a pleasent surgery. but my mom thinks one day its going to just fall off when I'm walking down the street...............hhaaa
I have been going to Mayo since 1987, still going. Yes, Ellen is a good source. They really helped her son. Please feel free to ask me anything. I hope I can help.
Kathleen

Thanks Kathleen could you call me to discuss in more detail about our similar injury{meaning nerve avulsions and potential recovery for me}my # is 1 914 557 8536. Thanks