United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well Holly if you feel something is not right ,You would know you are the parent,its very healthy to be concerned believe me they will appreciate it.I know sometimes things get a little nerve racking and you need people to talk to or ask questions too ,these posts are great for that you can Email me at Lucid_707@hotmail.com or just post I will get to you .just make sure that things aren't more than what they seem and remember you are a GOOD parent for giving a darn.

Holly - I think you are on target thinking about the future. You have this strong gut feeling that it's not over yet.

I think it would be prudent for you to get your child evaluated once a year by a bpi specialist and by a PT or OT just to watch if there is any backsliding or to help with any new issues that may crop up. There is a report on the TCH site that does talk about kids who didn't need early surgical repairs show some changes before the age of 5... not saying that this will happen to your little one...but it's enough to make me want to get yearly assessments. It would probably be best to catch anything earlier than later - catch it earlier then maybe the intervention is something easy like some therapy or a temporary splint. Also - maybe your evaluation could be at a gathering so that it can be a fun day as well? http://www.injurednewborn.com/gatherings.html
just putting thoughts out there...

good luck!
-francine

I'm a 63 year old ROBPI victim. I attribute my recovery to years of physical therapy (age 1 to 12). My parents took me to sessions at a clinic that included aquatherapy starting at age 6, supplemented by sessions at home on the dining room table. It was a dedicated and focused effort by my parents with significant financial sacrifice. I'll be forever grateful.

John P.

I have seen a slow down in a lot of posting and I know its the summer and everybody is using this time to get away from things.you can especially use this time to help you or your affected love one to conquer a personal or family goal to keep yourself saying I can do that. I hope times start to get milder and things start to make sense and for those who have trouble coming up with conclusions alone ...always post it does help.

Steph, before I tell you what what to expect for the future, I'll say the outcome has alot to do with your involvement in her life. Be diligent, be active in therapy, learn, expect miracles, believe you can make a difference and be willing to go the distance. It sounds like she is making good strides, keep encouraging her and working with her. My son is now 7. Almost the exact story as yours. I learned how to do his ROM exercises and stretches from the PT. Every night stretches, then isometric exercises, push ups and fun stuff. Isometrics (see Charles Atlas on the web). I started him at 2.5 years old with exercises he could do. We built a pool last year to do water exercises (great exercise,he loves it). Bottom line, he can do 40 consecutive military pushups and the PT's says he is further along than they would have imagined. Most don't know anything is wrong with him. Now, the rest of the story. He has problems pulling up his underwear, putting on his belt, tucking his shirt in, catching balls, and more. His ROM is about 65% his strength compared to his other arm is about 70%. Yes, he will always have to work at keeping it stretched out and strong. We talk with him alot about his condition and his progress. He knows his arm is different, he cries sometimes even at 7 when we do his stretches (hurts me too), but keep loving and caring and praying.