United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Oh my goodness, thank you for that information! We've been wondering about the sitting, crawling and walking. She can't hold herself up when she sits, and we were just talking about that yesterday. We figured it was her balance - it's good to know that is normal for her injury and that things will happen, just later. We can deal with later.

She gets all her bandages off on February 28th, and not a minute too soon! She's so bored because we can't really play with her like we can without her being wrapped up like a mummy.

I'm sure it will be hard to see her right arm completely paralyzed again... The primary surgery is pretty much 10 steps backwards to (hopefully) take 30 steps forward. Time will tell. We had a wonderful, wonderful surgeon who we trust completely - and, as you well know, that's half the battle.

I'm so glad to have met you!!!

My e-mail address is m.hemingway@adelphia.net if you'd ever like to send pictures of your Olivia!

Mica

not sure what you think about this idea but would either of you be interested in making web pages for your children? I have found that very helpful for myself! Sorry to be butting in here I do not have a bilateral injury but I do have an injury its to my right arm.
I like being able to look back and see how far I have come.
My website is www.freewebs.com/bpimn if you would like to check it out. and it is on freewebs so making it is super easy and free!

Just a thought.
Hugs,
Amy 19 years old ROBPI from MN

Veronica-
See my last post under "our local paper wants to do an article". Trying to send you a ((((HUG)))), hang in there...

Sincerely,
Natalie

This board is so GREAT! I wish that I had found it when Olivia was still a tiny baby. All the support- you guys have helped me heal more in the last 2 weeks than I accomplished alone in the previous 2 years! This board has made a difference in my life. I feel like I know you all!

Amy- a website is a great idea. I have been meaning to start a scrapbook- a website may be easier. Thanks for the great idea. And, by the way- I dont feel that there is any butting in here. You have been living with this injury for 19 years- I have so much to learn from you! How strong you must be!

Natalie- thanks for the (((hug))). I needed it. I remember believing the lies that the doctors and hospitals told me. I really believed, for over a year- that her injury would just resolve itself. If only they had told me the truth! You have been through so much, all you mothers with older kids. It is such an inspiration. It will be such a relief when I can let go of all this. I'm trying. Thanks for the post about your daughter- I worry that kids will be mean to her- it's great to hear that your daughter is so popular and active! It gives me hope!

Anyway- I just wanted everyone to know- this site has made a difference in my life. To know that someone else has been where I am and that they are okay now. It helps me not worry about my own daugher so much. And it helps me know that I am not completely crazy.

You are all so wonderful!
Veronica

Hello Veronica, Natalie and all other new Mom's and Dads!

Welcome to our UBPN Family...we are all in this LIFETIME of CARE Family together and together we will all be informed and survive whatever comes. Besides ALL of the Message Boards(you are welcome to read & post on any Message Board)have a tremendous amount of information and emotional support, I hope you all continue Vent too, as much as you need too, all of us were, or are, where you are today. However, Venting is not a substitute for seeking Counseling if one is stuck in greiving, anger or Depression. By the way, if you think these wonderful sharing and caring parents and Adults with OBPI's are lifechanging, just consider attending UBPN Family Camp 2007 next Labor Day weekend in
Washington State.

When I attended my 1st Camp in 2005, it was sooo healing to see all the children's faces light up when interacting with others with the same type of injury & playing a sport too, sometimes for the 1st time. There was sooo much Joy around everywhere..it was very emotional too to meet and talk to other adults with this same injury for the very 1st time in my life(at age 67!!) Please consider it. The Board of Director's are trying very hard to keep it very affordable. Watch for details in the next issue of OUTREACH magazine and on the Camp Forum Message Board, or Home Page.

Hugs all around,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI, 68 & Proud of it!

If you aren't getting Outreach please send Nancy your name and address. She can be reached at nancy@ubpn.org.

We hope to see all of you at camp this coming Labor Day week-end here in Auburn, WA. South of Seattle.

Hugs,

Karen
UBPN Camp Cordinator
karen@ubpn.org