United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi, I think most moms on here can relate to much of what you are going through. I was a first time mom also when my daughter was diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. She has a lobpi--c6 and c7 injured. We had surgeries performed at 5 months old and 13 months old in Houston. She is now a wonderful, beautiful 7 year old who excels in many different activities. She had very good results from her surgeries and her Occupational/physical therapies and aquatherapy. We also experimented some with TES and NMES and kinesio taping. It was a very busy and sometimes time-consuming process, but well worth all the effort. She is doing well, but there will always be certain movements (such as putting her hand on her hip) that will be difficult or impossible for her. And every child's injury and results are different. Just try to gather as much info as you can and understand your child's particular injury. Go to the specialists and realize that many local doctors are unfamiliar with BPI and may not have all the information that you will need to make the right decisions for your baby daughter. Hope all goes well with her surgery.

Thanks Karen. I am so glad your daughter is doing well. All the inspiration everyone has given me is so toughtful and helpful!

Sofia's mom, did they tell you which surgery they wanted to do? Most times, the surgery done at that young age is "primary" surgery which is nerve surgery. You would need a neurosurgeon to do this I would think.

Marieke 34, LOBPI

A neurosurgeon is not required to do primary surgery. Orthopedic surgeons with appropriate training (typically in hand and/or microvascular surgery) can do primary repair as well as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons with appropriate training in microsurgery.

Kate

Wow, They sure can do a lot now for erbs. In the 1950s they did not even come up even the words you say here. So if you think about it is better now for operation any treatments for erbs. I never had surjury but in life my erbs arm I can raise it enough to hold on to a Semi steering wheel for 20 yrs. Now retired. I also am a master diver. The best time to do surjury to me is on a baby , early for erbs. I learn how to get a long in life one handed it work to.

Best Trys,

Tom

Your right, a neurosurgeon does not have to do this. Dr.Foad, at CCH is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand and brachail plexus injuries. I feel very content with him and the team at CCHBPC. Thanks for all the advice and comments.


Message was edited by: Sofia's Mom

To Marieke, they are going to do a nerve transfer.

Just wanted to wish your daughter good luck!

Thanks so much Marieke!

Hi Sophia's mom,
I think the answer about neurosurgeon vs. orthopedic has been answered. I just assumed nerve grafting was done by a neurosurgeon. Dr. Mehlman is an orthopedic , you can find him on line. He, too, has a BP clinic once a month. I am so glad your daughter will be able to be helped at a young age:o)

Stephen's mom