United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi All,

I've not quite been diagnosed with BP yet. I've seen my Ortho, who had me get an MRI thinking I had once again blown a disc in my neck as I have already had fusion between c-5 and c-6. Not another disc, so he starts discussing BP as a possibility, and tomorrow I go to the neurologist for an EMG.
I woke up in horrible neck pain in the middle of the night, within 3 days I could not lift my right arm. This was about three weeks ago for the onset. I'm good from the elbow down, but at this point I have no deltoid function and very minor bicep function. I do also have tons of pain, and a burning sensation. At first my upper arm felt almost numb, but now it feels painful to the touch.

I hate to say it, but as a soon to be divorced 40 year old, I am scared! After having read the site, read a bit of the boards I am really worried about what will happen next. I am however glad I found this site!

Welcome Gidget,

This is a great site,with lots of support and information. I am glad you found us.

Good luck at the doc. tomorrow and let us know what he/she says.

I have a son, 27, with a LBPI from a motorcycle accident almost 5 years now.

Best to you,

Hugs, Karen

Thanks Karen!

Today at the Dr's he did an EMG, and says he thinks I have BPI from a viral infection, which he says should clear up on it's own in about 6 to 8 months judging on how far down my shoulder/arm it goes. He will be talking to my ortho and calling me later today he said. He mentioned physical therapy, pain management, and more testing as the months go on. Does all this sound normal? I suppose I should feel relief that it "should" clear up..but in the meantime I am left without a working arm and a lot of pain.

Gidget,
My accident was also recent, September of 04. I too am seperated (April of 04)after 18 years of marriage, which will end in divorce. I am 52 years old and I know exactly what you are feeling. Thank God I worked all those years and have a great job and I can afford my home. Also I have a daughter who is 18 that is still at home and a great help. This accident does scare the crap out of you and takes some adjustment. My advise is to be pro-active in seeking the best medical care available. Research everything you can about BPI and know that these injuries take time to heal, sometime a lot of time. Please feel free to email if you ever need someone to talk to. Maybe we can chart our progress and stages of recovery together. Sending hugs, prayers and good thoughts your way.
Hang in there,
Annette

Annette, I can't thank you enough for your response! It actually brought tears to my eyes. I didn't even have a "real" accident, best they guess at the moment is that it came on from an infection. I have been married 18 yrs, he announced to me last Dec (after 17 yrs of marriage, and two kids a girl now 15 and a boy now 11)that he was done and wanted a divorce, but not to tell the kids yet as he didn't want to ruin their Christmas! Ugh...so, he left I've got no signed seperation agreement, I had to scrounge money together to hire a lawyer, his parents pay for his and also for his lovely apartment. He wants the house, has said numerous times he wants to see me living out of my car, and that the only reason he wants the kids is so he won't have to pay me child support. he's a peach. I have been working for the last 4 years as a middle school substitute teacher, basically part time/no benefits. I rely on his benefits still to cover my medical needs, and I have been looking for ful time work, but have yet to land a job. I'm thinking how hard this is going to be with the loss of my dominant arm. I'm begining to feel like Job! LOL...It's all crazy and to add to it I broke a tooth this morning...when it rains it pours. I find myself thinking of all the "I can'ts" at the moment and I'm finding it daunting. All my online reading does is to serve to scare me a bit more than I already am. I'm not very good with a diagnosis that says "you should" as opposed to "You WILL"
It's helpful to know that there are other people out there experiencing similar things! I'd raise my right arm in a salute to you Annette, if I could raise my right arm!