United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

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Kelly

What a wonderful message board this is ! I got goose bumps reading through these replies. I do agree, it gets easier. That first few months is such a knowledge-seeking time -- but, you have just had a baby ! Hormones going crazy, complete sleep deprivation, etc., etc., etc... And, on top of all that-- you are doing research on a subject you have never heard of, but yet, are clinging to every word for this precious newborn's well-being. My son is 4, and it's continued to be a learning experience, but the overwhelming times come in spurts - like surgery time, or new therapy ideas. Otherwise, I'm constantly reminded of how resilient Zack is-- if he wants to do it, he does ! Whether it's climb on the monkey bars, or put on his cowboy belt through the loops on his Wranglers -- he makes it work.

I wish you peace to enjoy every little moment with your precious newborn and strength to get through the overwhelming times.

Sincerely, April Rabb mom to Zack, 4, ROBI

This post has me amazed. To all you mothers out there that have worked so hard at trying to help better your child's injury, you will never know how much you child will appreciate it later in life. I love my mother to death, but I was born in a time period where not everyone had the internet. Thus my mother could not do any research on my LOBPI. She wishes now that she would have taken a more active role in determining what was wrong with me and how to make things better.

So know matter how much time you put in right now taking care of your babies, you will regret not spending other time for yourself and the rest of your family, but not doing anything will cause regret later in life when you BPI child wishes you would have done something when they were younger.

Like I said I love my mother to death and I am not mad at her. But I do know my mother beats herself down a lot for not doing more for me. I am only 23 soon to be 24 and I am on a day by day schedule in how my pain is. It hurts my mother feelings when I tell her that I have had a bad day, bad week, or bad month. I just keep reminding her that I love her.

It is a no win situation for all the mothers out there. It will consume your life now while you deal with your child's injury or it will consume your life when your daughter (let's say) calls you when she is 25 and is in pain from lugging your grandchild around. Or even later in life when he/she calls and tells you that they have carpel tunnel or tendonitis in their good arm.

By no means am I trying to make this sad, but I want you to know as an adult with BPI I wish my mom would have done more research. Your BPI child will appreciate it and any other children when they are older will understand why mommy was so busy with their sibling.


HANG IN THERE. YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING

HERE! HERE!, "Stanleyars", very well said.

My Mantra is also for Moms to MAKE TIME to take care of yourselves too because you are doing the very best you can do with every decision. This IS a "Lifetime of Care" Injury and NOTHING is your fault.

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

Thanks Carolyn and Stanleyars!

Even though your posts made me cry (in a good way), just shows how hard this injury has been on myself let alone my daughter (and family) and that even when I think I am doing fine, the emotions are right under the surface!

Hugs as well

S