United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Courtney, and all I just had my accident. I was driving my new Xterra, I had only had it for two weeks and a lady decided that reading paperwork was more impotant than paying attention to the light that was red for her. She was driving a Ford Expedition and plowed into me. I was turning from heading north to head west and she was heading east at about 40 mph.Any way I was very lucky to see her coming I slammed on the brakes and she hit the front of my vehicle and went about eight inches into the driver door. The ER dr said I had this type of injury, slinged my arm and sent me home he said it should be better in seven days, but it is only getting worse. I go went to my dr she gave me pain medicine and I go back to her tomarrow. So this is so very new to me. I just know that I can not live with this pain that travels from neck arms and mid back. Tingling, numbness loss of processing to the left side as if it does not belong to me. I just needed to share this with someone who would understand my frustration.It makes me want to scream out so bad. I am a very active person and this has changed my life. I have such anger, confusion,and sadness.Does this go away? I think it is so unfair that my life is altered.I am sorry for carrying on but I am new andlooking for support too. Take care God bless

Hi SKJansen, yup, can definitely relate to your feelings, had em all and more! Don't let anyone tell you 'should' be feeling either, you feel how you feel. I learned later on (3.5 years post crash now) that seeking emotional support from professionals is at least as important for many as seeking surgery or therapy etc.
Sounds like you need to find a TBPI specialist doc, there are some listed on the resources section on the main site.
Good luck keep posting!

Hi Courtney, sorry this is a late reply. I moved in with my mother a few months after my crash but decided being independent was what i was used to and moved into my house. It was scary at first to be honest, being alone so much, but had a room mate for a while. The feelings you are having are valid and normal. It sounds like you're getting on with it all right. Lost my job but it opens other doors for the direction your life can go. Good luck!

I too get tremendous support just from reading through this site. I had a brachial stretch injury during surgery in January 2003 due to inproper positioning. It has been a long tough road and I have healed a lot and hope that there is more to come. I like to think that I will heal 100%. Sometimes I loose focus and have my own "pity party" but I get back on my positive "wave"!! I think you are doing great, the best thing we can do for ourselves is be strong, and remember mind over matter. I am a Registered Nurse and had specialized in intensive care and those people who were fiesty and strong usually did better. I get depressed but it doesn't stay for long, sometimes I wallow in it for a short day or two and there is nothing wrong with that. I am unable to return work yet due to this injury, YET being the key word here!!

Ali

Hey- I'm new to this group but have had tbpi for 10 years this Dec. I have only recently begun finding effective solutions for my pain issues-my injury is sorta "worst-case-scenario"-total loss of function of right side from my chest all the way 'round to my back-entire brch. plex. & t1, t2 gone.R. Had right arm removed in 95. The depression is really a bitch, but over the years I've found ways to deal with it. Whenever I start thinking about wrapping my lips 'round a gun barrel I tell my self "This too shall pass" and it does. I may feel like I've hit bottom at that moment, but I know it's not always this bad.... There are moments that make it worth staying vertical.Whenever my Doc asks my pain level 1-10 I never let it be 10. I've programmed myself to believe that 10 will kill me.Man- I tell myself some crazy crap like- "if I do 'it' now, I won't get to see the last Lord of the Rings Movie, or I tell my self I can't do that to my daughters.(got 2- 15&18)Plus I WILL NOT give anybody the satisfaction of saying I wimped out & couldn't handle it.Then there's stuff like a nurse who told me about a case where a guy bpi'ed BOTH arms....I figure if he can take it I damn sure can. I get accused of being a little blunt- a little 'without tact' but I'll tell you what- I ain't got the time (or energy) to mince words and be all PC and crap.Aside from methadone, this site is the best thing that's happened to me concerning this injury. My 'friends' my family- they've all heard my bitching ad nauseum Can't really blame them for bein' sick of hearing it.And I'm sick of hearing them say 'get over it- deal with it- it happened ten years ago'- they can't grasp the concept that it has never stopped going on- it goes on every day-to some degree.Good luck and hang tough-"This Too Shall Pass..." ronin

You need a better evaluation--
See a specialist in your area-- neurologist- especially one that KNOWS about TBPI.

I also have it as a resilt of surgery 2000. I am still recovering - all but hand ios functioning-- some finger still wont work.

There is medication to help w/ the tinging- firings-- I use Neurotin. I know some folks use other meds.

Get into Physical Therapy ASAP-- you have to help the nerve regenerate and remember to have sensation.
A friewnd gaver me a " gel ball" --in the beginning I could barely hold it-- then graduaully I was able to squeeze it.
Now 3 years later -- I am doing pretty good considering.

But you need to help NOW.

HI every one my name is todd I have a TBPI to my left arm.It has been a year and a half snice my snowmobile accedent.I have yet to have any surgury on my arm or any part of my body.The accident about killed me I was in a coma for a month,and in the hospital for two month after that.It has been very hard on me,because I lost every thing I had.I was in the home improvment business so I still know every thing I just have figuer out how to get it going again.The thing I hate is i was a very phisical person.I've been reading this sit for about 6 months,The other thing is I was going to get married and after my accident she got scared and left me in about 6 months after my accident.This injury has changed my hole life.I'm 38 now and still trying to go strong but I have my days and it's hard,I'M glad I found sit IT's nice to now I'm not alone.I hope to get some help september 24 at the mayo clinic from a doctor bishop.I just ran the crime race on the 23, 10 miles it was hard but i did it.God Bless you all an take care talk to you all soon. Todd P.

Hi its me agian Todd my injury is root alvions to my c6,c7,c8,and t1 i guess that a what they say but i've yet got a stright answer and not having good insurance and no money is the problem i'm having.
God bless take care~ Todd from Michigan

Todd, i was in the same boat as u, NO INSURANCE, so now i've gone and changed careers. was an ironworker now have become a clarica advisor, selling life insurance..lol...

Hi Todd,

Hang in there. I smashed my leg in the same accident. Was a competive weightlifter and ended up in a wheelchair for 6 months. My marriage ended as a result of the pressures and I couldn't do my job anymore. That was then.

Now: changed wives, changed jobs, still work out with weights, play squash, snowmobile, etc. Am still learning to take that next step into new territories even after 20 yrs. My wife talked me into golfing with my kids this summer. Was reluctant to try, but did, and had a blast.