United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

hi folks i'm new to the community never knew it existed anyways brachial plexus is something that i have lived with as long as i can remember.
I was born in Somalia on October 18th 1986 the midwife pulled me out with a lot of force since i had a hard time coming out that basically caused brachial plexus on my right arm. With my family we moved to the Netherlands when I was 7 year old where i grew up. My parents took me to a specialist who basically said that there wasn't much they could do for me other than physical therapy. I do have some mobility over my right arm but it was never a problem for me in the sense that although i knew that i had some limitations when it came to sports like basketball or lifting weights or even doing a push up i never allowed it to become an obstacle and it actually helped me overcome other obstacles. Having Brachial Plexus is something that has always been with me and something that i have learned to accept. Having brachial plexus is not something to feel ashamed of or get depressed about it is what it is and it isn't something that will stop you from achieving your dreams whatever that may be.

i think its a really hard balance to strike actually, but achievable. I'm not a parents but i have a bpi. My mum didnt really speak about it when i got older but i remember tellin me that i was a bit different (and i dont remember being upset about her tellin me i was different) but she likened it to someone having glasses or having to use a stick to walk or being in a wheelchair - which was great because it helped me understand that everyone was different. BUT one thing i would do differently is outline 'normal', positive differences such as hair, colour, faces, beauty spots, fat/thin. etc. like keep away from comparing to negative/disabled categories.

I also think just being really open about things relating to her arm is helpful but again in a postive way. Your child will find her own negatives and limitations without them being prescribed to her. I mean like if she wants to try the monkey bars...just let her go even if your thinking 'oh she's not goin to manage' - she might and if she doesnt then she'l know herself.

I had no medical intervention until i was 16 and even at that it was just a meeting with a doctor who looked at it, told me it was severely damaged but i was managing well! But my mum wasn't really up for any medical intervention, she didnt see the point in it but I actually did, probably becuase it was my arm! So i guess here i would say what everyone else is sayin and include ur child in all consultations etc AND also go with primarily what your child wants and if u dont think its a great idea still discuss it because there will be underlying reasons why she wants it.

I also think its just about being available - not necessarily what u say and when u say it but just lettin your child know that your there for when they feel the need to talk to you. thats important.

I'm sure you'l manage great theres really good support on here for parents.

Michelle