United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Brian, Dr. Shenaq and Dr. Nath work together many times. Both of them did my surgery last July. Dr. Shenaq is the Chief Plastic Surgeon of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. You are in very good hands and both of them are very caring people.

Brian,

I have heard a lot of great things about Dr Shenaq. I agree that you will be in good hands with either one.
Keep us posted.

Deanna

Holy Smokes, DO I feel lost! One day of not posting. I would double check with Brenda on that. There has been a lot of people posting that and however, it wasn't the case. We did have to pay some out of pocket however our hospital stay was covered. What kind of insurance do you have though? If its blue cross they won't. I'm not sure why. And I live in Montana and they covered parts of it! Did you check out the sling yet? Not bad! It sort of starts becomming an attachment to your body after a while. I still feel lost with out it! (NOT) I hope you can find out some more information. If you need anything else answered let us know and we can help you out. Eletha is having her surgery done here soon too. Hope we can help. I haven't checked into discounted airfare yet either, if I have to have the next surgery though I am most definately going to have to do it. SOoo expensive. Good luck to you and let us know if we can help you out anymore.

Yes, I did check with Brenda. I have United Health Care and both her and my ins. company said I would have to pay for the whole thing. Then, my wonderful (sarcasim) Ins company said "Can't you go to an orthepedic surgeon or plastic surgeon in AZ?" I sarcastically responded " Don't you think if I could I would have?" I can't blame them for being naive about BPI. I am just frustrated. I am going to contact Dr. Shenaq's office this Tuesday. He is in my insurance network. I just have to jump through a bunch of hoops here in order to get referred to him. I just keep telling myself that it is all worth it. Thanks for all of your help.
Brian

Oh yeah Rachel. That brace looks a lot better. I am not having nightmares about it now. Thanks for putting that to rest for me.I was trying to figure out how I was going to sleep and shower with the statue of liberty splint. This one seems much more user friendly

Brian,
The protocol for splint wearing post surgery varies by individual, but I did not have to wear my splint all the time, so could take it off completely for showering.

Rachel and Deanna, how long during the day did you wear the splint?
Nancy

Nancy,

I had to wear mine for 3 weeks (day & night) & then 3 months just at night. We had to increase the height of it my putting foam underneath our arms. It was eventually raised to 110 degrees at night.

Made your arm pit hurt in the mornings.

Deanna

Ditto here!! It did make your pits hurt! The worst part was sleeping at night especially when you had to raise the brace up. My recliner and I became quite attached. I sometimes catch myself sitting in the recliner and then I move over to the couch becuase it brings back so many memories. Hehehe

Hey all just a little update. . . I finally decided to move forward with the surgery. I scheduled an appointment with a doctor here to have an EMG done. Then they called this morning and cancelled because the machine is broken. (minor technicality) Anyway, once that is working I get to have that done. Crazy me, I forgot to ask the doctor what this test consist of so where better to find out? The best BPI site ever thats where. So if anyone could offer up a little info on the EMG test I would greatly appreciate it. I heard it hurts pretty bad. hmm pain. . . not a big fan. Thanks.
Brian

Brian you are correct. An EMG is not a pleasant experience. I had mine last summer before I left for vacation..BIG MISTAKE. I didn't sleep hardly at all for 2 nights cause my arm ached. Basically they stick small needles in you bpi arm, shoulder, neck, hand and back. It has electric shock that is sent to your muscles to see how they react. When they react they sorta jump. I had my mom go with me for support.