United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Please feel free to write to me. I was in a horrible car crash with my sons in 1997 and have been there! Through the pain, the surgery, the Dr.'s who didn't know what they were dealing with, the pain clinics, the PT's, the OT', the stress...he's a terrific 20 year old man now but he's been through hell. But it never stopped him and he's quite an inspiration. Maybe I could help your wife with some of her questions. You let me know. I'll keep you in my thoughts!

I don't know, Scott, it might not be too late. I am a Mayo patient and I have had this injury, well going on 21 years! Just 5 years ago I went back to meet with the team (whom were not my original doctors at Mayo (they were just babies when my injury happened) They had several options for me to get more movement out of my arm. I opted not to do it-I had lived almost 16 years with it the way it was which was more than have of my life-and I was use to it. I went for pain back then. Which I was told with or with out my arm the pain would be there. If you really feel cheated by not having options, I don't think its too late.
Kath
Chicago

Pete, My son was 11 when he was injured. Hes 15 now. He had nerve grafting 5 months after his injury. He had a completely flail arm and hand. After nerve grafting, he did get some sensation back in certain areas, but it wasnt what you would call normal sensation. After we did the wait and see how the nerves would heal his muscles had almost completely atrophied. He only had a couple of finger twitches. 2 years ago, he had a trapezius transfer to stabilze his shoulder, then 5 weeks ago he had a gracilis muscle transfer. Hopefully in a few months well see how it works. He still has the severe burning in his hand thats hes always had. But, everyones story is different, everyones injury is different. You are in good hands with them at Mayo ! Good luck, keep us posted !

> Hi all,
> I am sorry to say that I will be applying to the club
> that no one wants to join (43 y/o male). On 3/15/08 I
> was in a bad car accident. I was in the hospital for
> 3 weeks and rehab for 3 months(for various ortho
> injuries). My left arm is totally flail from the
> elbow down. I have been told that i likely have some
> avulsions based on poor EMG results,etc. Just today
> (7/11/08) I had a myleogram and will discuss the
> results with the Mayo team on Monday and will likely
> have a surgery on Tuesday. Does the surgery alleviate
> any of the pain?
> Also as I said, my wife and I are currently at the
> Mayo in MN, this place is pretty impressive and I
> feel I have made a good decision in coming
> here...thanks for your time!

Hi everyone,
I just want to update everyone on my surgery at the Mayo....
Everything went well and I am back home in CT
Drs Shin, Bishop and Spinner were all excellent as well as PA's and residents. I was not surprised to find out that all five nerves were avulsed and I opted for the most agressive surgery, which entailed using nerves from my good arm... I now have some numbness and a little pain in my wrist and forefinger, but I am told this is normal...anyway I am glad to be done with surgeries!

Im glad its over for you and youre back home. Hope you heal up fast and dont have too much pain.