United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Thanks John. I've already decided to have the operation. My heart pounds a little harder whenever I think about it but I know that I have to give the best chance to have recovery. These last few days have been more difficult than before, now people are starting to refer me as the 1 arm guy. They say it as a joke, but the fact can really hurt my self-esteem.

I still would like to know if anyone here has got a cross-neck transfer for the deltoid.

I HAVE HAD ALL 5 NERVES AVULSED FROM LEFT SIDE AND ON MY RIGHT SIDE MY ARM, SHOULDER AND SHOULDER BLADE WERE TORN OFF, BUT AMAZINGLY ALL 5 NERVES IN BP WERE STILL IN TACK. THIS GAVE THE DOCTORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRAP THEM AROUND THE FRONT OF MY NECK AND PLUG THEM INTO LEFT SIDE. (WORLD FIRST OPERATION) THEY USED NERVES FROM LEGS FOR GRAFTING AS WELL AS THE ULNA NERVE FROM MY LEFT ARM (AS THEY WOULD NEVER GET ITS FUNCTION BACK).
18 MONTHS LATER, IT IS THAT ULNA NERVE THAT HAS GROWN 4 TIMES AS QUICKLY AND IS GIVING ME ALL MY REGAINED FUNCTION. IE BICEP, WRIST AND EVEN A TINY BIT OF FINGER BEND. IT IS BECAUSE THAT NERVE IS SO MUCH BIGGER AND STRONGER AND HAD ITS OWN BLOOD SUPPLY WHEN TRANSPLANTED (VASCULARISED).
THE OTHER 3 TRANSFERS ARN'T DOING A LOT AT THIS STAGE.

gshann, if you don't mind,where did you get your surgery?

I'm starting to get bicep flicker. 2-3 daily for the past 3 days I've got a weird sensation in the area. Does that mean anything good?

That flickering sounds like your bicep could be waking up-or at least that's what mine felt like when it started recovering. Did they clean up any scar tissue in that surgery you ecently had? That can sometimes start things up pretty quick..
Sounds like good news, anyway, keep us posted how you go :0)

I had the c7 transfer for deltoid recovery last april and am still waiting for results, but mind you I stand at over 6'3" and my shoulders are or used to be pretty broad, so the distance for the nerve regeneration is between 12-15 inches. Figure an inch a month, so I'm still waiting. I had the same recovery of sensation that John had, and also got the work done at the Mayo Clinic. Best of luck to you, you'll be in my thoughts.
Christopher

I only stand at 5'8". I was also told that it would take around 2 years to find out if it was successful. I felt a little uneasy because I thought I might be the only one that had it for the deltoid. But now I feel a little better knowing that other doctors have done this. thanks

I need to ask this also.

How long will it take for me to walk after surgery? And I'm really worried that something will happen to my good arm. Anyone have any bad experiences with a cross-neck surgery?

I walked the second day. My case was different I was still with broken ribs from my accident and pregnant.

wow that sounds good. Did you notice anything bad with your good arm?