United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am finally able to raise my arm again after 3 LONG years.I had a broken collarbone,ribs and nerve damage after a crush injury Oct of 2001.For 2.5 years I could get my arm no higher than 55degrees.Now after almost over 2.5 years of aggressive therapy and pain Im now up to 155degrees.So all you out there-dont ever give up.Now my therapist and I are working hard fo get more movement for lifting the arm up sideways and getting some strengh back.If anyone wants to email and compare notes,fel free to do so.
Sandi

CONGRATULATIONS!! This has to be one of the hardest injuries to stay focused for the long haul, when for much of the time there aren't signs of progress. Your words of encouragement are timely. Keep on keeping on!

Ellen

Sandi, your words are very encouraging. What kind of nerve damage did you have? Did you ever get surgery?

Thanks,

Susana

Thanks for responding.No surgery was needed in my case.The nerves were all intact so I was told they would heal on their own,with ALOT of time.Yes,3 years so far is quite long.I believe was axially nerve and the other I cant think of the name.Right now Im recovering from the frozen shoulder.I could barely move the first 7 months after the Oct 2001 accident and everything all tighted up badly.Im just thrilled on the progess made with my therapist help.I never thought I would be able to use that arm again.So there is hope for us all. Sandi

Thanks for sharing that Sandi, it's so good to hear recovery stories! The little recovery I got took place well after that 2 yr timeframe the doctors always talk about too, just shows they don't know everything.
Hope your strength continues to grow and well done!
Jen NZ

I agree, without therapy I would not be where I am today. With the help of surgery and therapy, i am so much further along in my recovery.

Linsy