United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

3 1/2 years post-accident, I've decided to have my completely flail arm amputated. I was hoping that I could get a prosthesis that would at least allow me to hold a light object, but the prosthesitist (is that a word?) that adapted a Wilmer sling for me says my shoulder ought to be stabilized (the subluxation fixed) before I try to wear a new arm/hand. While the surgeon I've seen at Duke MC (Dr. Richard Goldner, one of the rudest doctors I've crossed paths with so far) says it can't be stabilized; and furthermore, he wouldn't amputate it anyway because I'm a woman and likely to freak out when I saw the stump!
So, any suggestions about who else to approach about this operation? Even if I can't wear a prosthesis, I still want to lose the arm.
I live in Durham, NC, but am willing to travel.
Sandy

I am getting ready to do the same surgery over here on the Outer Banks, NC. I roll to Norfolk. The guy who I have been counciling with is a hand/arm surgeon. No real TBPI exsperience. But a great guy so far. Real supportive and put me with some good prothetics experts.

I am post 7 years and have had the subluxation surgery. as a result of skateboarding real hard over the last three years, all the screws have backed themself out, two are floating. So. not sure what they'll do there. Email me if you would like a contact, or just plain want to talk.

Good luck,
Rob
www.eastcoastaholic.com
www.ampedriders.org

Sandy,

I had my flail arm amputated at the end of Aug 03. My Orthopedist took it off right at the shoulder. The way he did it, was to keep a patch of skin from the top of my arm before he removed it and lay that over the empty armhole. It looks great. Everyone that I have shown it to expected to be grossed out, but were pleasantly surprised! They all say, "That doesn't look bad at all." I don't know anything about the shoulder being stabilized. He said something about building my shoulder up a little, but that's all I remember. I'm in Arkansas. My Dr. did a lot of research before he did my surgery. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

SusieKaye