United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

This is my first time posting on this board and am trying to get my 20 year old son to start using this forum, but in the meantime, here's my question: Has anyone used or does anyone know of Dr. Neal Naff at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. We are going to use him to do the first surgery. I have also talked with Dr. Kline in New Orleans, but my son is an active duty Marine and we are dealing with the problem of going "out of network" to see a civilian doctor. My son has a LBPI and Dr. Naff is only giving my son a 60% chance of recovery and most likely no recovery to his hand. He can still shrug his shoulder and doesn't have much movement anywhere else. Sorry for rambling. Thanks much.

Isn't Dr. Alan Belzburg also at Johns Hopkins? His is a much more familiar name & we hear positive things about him. His manner may be a bit brusque but since your son is a Marine, then that will just feel normal for him(!)

Take care,

Ellen

Hey Joanne, its Courtney here, we had breakfast in Virgina a month or so ago..... how is everything coming along? Glad to see you posting here! Ask away with questions, thats hwat we are here for. I have not personally heard of this doctor but as Ellen stated Dr. Belzburg at Johns Hopkins has a great preutation in our little community here ezpecially with TBPI! Might be worth a check into... insurance issues are very difficult! Stick with it! Keep us posted! Has your son made contact with Ryan at all since breakfast that day? Jusjt courious!

COurt xx

Hey there Courtney - things coming along ok. Things still being held up for Chris' surgery b/c of his being on Coumadin until at least 12/29. We are approaching the 6 month mark for Chris to have the nerve replacement surgery & have decided on Dr. Naff at Johns Hopkins. I am going to try and get a hold of Dr. Blezburg, but don't want to delay the surgery any longer. We also tried to get Dr. Kline and he could still possibly do the surgery, but we would have to wait until March/April 2005 & that would be over the six month mark - the sooner the better for the nerve replacement surgery is the best course of action for Chris. As far as I know Chris has not gotten in touch with Ryan and I believe Chris told me that Ryan has Chris' number and Chris doesn't have Ryan's number. We will keep you posted on his progress.

Thanks for your help. These forums are great.