United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone, sorry haven't posted on boards for a while but have been really busy. Have managed to get into a course this year. Start next week 9th Feb. Going to do Real Estate - eventually specialise is property valuation. Looking forward to the hard work and study, hopefully will get the brain going again and take my mind off the pain. Give me something else to think about. Fortunately course is only one day a week, but I think this is enough for me at this stage. Will give me time to still go to hydrotherapy, physio and complete any assignments or homework for the following week.
Just thought I would let you guys know that Jamie, Gina and Jack are in Sydney and are heading out to our place tomorrow for a barbie and few drinks. It will be great to meet them and really look forward to it. Jamie has been in Sydney for pain management course. Have spoken a few times over the phone, but will be great to meet another bpi member face to face. I find it really hard here in Sydney people with BPi injuries don't seem to want to meet or talk about their injury, they just seem to hide away in their world.
Anyway guys, will try and get Jamie on the computer tomorrow when he comes. Hope you are all well.. take care everyone....regards Michael.
P.S. Slowly getting more and more ability to move the arm out from the shoulder. As they say every little bit is a bit improvement.... take care

Glad to hear this Michael! I have met so many BPI and it really is a great feeling to get this opportunity! Jamie seems like a great guy too...... glad to hear that you are getting movement too, if even just a little, thats where it all starts! Have a few beers for me here in the states! Good luck with the real esteate thing too! When you get rich, dont forget about us! hehe HI to JGJ please!

COurt xx

Michael,
I can see it now...the "Donald Trump" of down under. When you own half of Sydney don't forget about us. All kidding aside, I remember being very self conscious about my injury for about the first year. I can see how people would have a hard time dealing with it. For a lot of people it just rocks their world, and sends it spinning out of control.
That's where you guys come in...you help to right my (our) world. So, here's to you all (fill in your name here). Yes, there are so many we could thank. So Michael when you finally meet with Jamie and Gina and Jack, perhaps you can throw down one for all who contribute. Cheers...Karl...

Hi guys, what a great time had by all. It was so good to meet Jamie and Gina. It was amazing to be able to talk to someone face to face and compare notes on how we are coping with our injuries. As Jamie said it was like having a big brother around (because I don't have one). I am off to school tomorrow and looking forward to it and yes Karl hope to own half of Sydney in the next few years. Just think hopefully will get you all down here (not in Sydney) to Airlie beach as Jamie said for the next BPI meeting. What a thought wouldn't it be great.
Take care all...will post again soon regards Michael

and WHERE were you guys when I was in Sydney then?? ay? ;0) We (me and Neil) were there in December, and again in early Feb just before we left to come back to the UK (Feb the 5th I think...still can't work out what day it is!!)

I guess you guys didn't see my message on here, and I was looking forward to the barbie too...oh well, guess we'll just HAVE to go back next year!! bummer!! ;0)

All the best guys...
Lizzyb :0)

PS I am DEFINITELY up for a meeting at Airlie beach, or better yet, one of the Whitsundays...not fussy which one!!

Any chance of hiring out a whole island to ourselves? peeps with a TBPI that is? :0) :0) I'll start saving now....

Lizb

Hey Liz, did see your message about coming to Sydney, and sent you a message with our address and phone etc, but I think you had already left before you got the message. Anyway would love to have you guys here in Aussie land anytime. What a time we would have in Airlie beach. The whole island to ourselves....definately. Would have the chance to teach you all to fish with one hand....I am becoming an expert. I hope you had a wonderful time over here. Take care regards Michael

Michael
If you can, take pics of how you fish with one hand, I'd love to know how to do it!
Jen NZ

Hi Jen, Have posted some photos on the bpi photo site of my with the fish I have caught so you can have a look there. I will take some photos of me in action so you can see what I do. But what I actually do is once the fish is hooked, I try to sit down and put the rod between my legs and start to wind in. I try to play the fish out a bit so it tires. When I get to bring the fish right in, if I am on a bank, I walk back until I can pull the fish up, but if in a boat etc, have to stay seated and wind until I can lift the fish up. Hopefully it doesn't come off and I lose it. If the fish is any real size, pray to God you have someone with you so they can land it for you. I am working on doing that myself though and intend to be able to do it all myself eventually. I am going away with my dad in July for a week to fish for Bream. This will be mainly boat fishing so am looking forward to this because it will give me the chance to get these skills fine tuned.
Just for your info Jen the first fish I caught with one hand was a few months ago and was a 4 pound carp, about 80 centimetres long. Unfortunately didn't take the camera with me that day so didn't get a photo. I fish mostly catch and release. I have to admit I love to fish and always have but more so now because it is one thing that I can do quite well since my injury. Will eventually get back into golf, and learning to throw a ball etc.
Hope this has all helped a little bit, take care Jen regards Michael

Hi Micheal,
Sorry I haven't been on here for ages. (been busy mustering on my foot operated bike)
Count me in for the Arlie Beach Union!!!
So glad to hear your first bit of movement has happened, and you to Jamie - meds free!!! How is that going and what pain clinic did you go to.
Bye
Gayle