United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

His name is Dr Michael Kliot. 206-598-5637, Good luck to you.

My 17 year old son was injured in a football accident 1 Sep 2010; his C5, C6, C7, C8 & T1 all completely avulsed. Double Free Muscle Transfer to right arm performed by Mayo doctors, Dr. Spinner; Dr. Shin; Dr. Bishop on 16 February 2011 and 25 April 2011. At four months out, he had elbow flexion (we were originally told 18 months before any movement); at six months, he has wrist flexion and some finger flexion (original timeline was 36 months and no wrist flexion). At his 6 month check up, the doctors were floored by his capability. The plan now is to wait til next June 2012 to see what else is going to come back.

The doctors feel that Ryan's amazing outlook on his "situation" is what's contributing to his success. You ask if this is forever, some of it is unfortuately, but I can not impress enough how critical it is to have a great mental attitude, having the right doctors and accepting the new normal. It will also help you to educate your family and friends so they can fully understand the scope of this injury and that it's not going away.

Ryan is finding unique ways to do things and with the UBPN family, there is alot of support here. Continue to post your questions and comments, it is an outlet even for me. I have made some very good friendships here and I am very thankful for that. Good luck and keep looking forward.

Thank You,wafloodzone.
Carolyn J
LOBPI 73+

hi lisa,
i like that question. i've learned that the answer is individualistic. it seems to be a matter of degree of the specific injury. each of us here has similar yet very different injuries. the past year has been the most interesting, painful, challenging, creative,learning experience of my life. what i have come to accept is, yes, my loss of some function i had become so used to is gone, forever. i suspect the pain issues i live with will be lifelong, hopefully becoming no bigger problem than they are now. but, thing is, i'm still here. i'm able to do most of what i did before. of course there is a very difficult transitional period that everyone goes through. i think you should allow yourself to feel all the emotions that any human in this type situation probably would feel. finding the right medicines, proper diet, therapy of all types, and getting the exercise you need are important. it's a stew. over time your life will gel back to what you want. good luck. it is going to take a lot of work. it is not easy. but it is worth it. my advice? give it your best shot. doug

Dr Kliot at UW.He is leaving at the end of November and moving to San Francisco. If I continue with UW I will be placed in the care of Dr Allen Hebb. Phone: 206-543-2340. Good luck. I am headed to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MI to see what they can do. I;ve heard good things about them.