United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

THANKS EVERYONE!!

Thanks you guys for all your encouragement and comments in answer to my last message here. I have taken in all that everyone has said here, and now have a far better understanding of the way forward with the support group set up.

Deep down, I always knew it was something well worth doing, and definitely needed, and I knew that not every adult with a bpi will want or even need support, some never will, but I guess I just needed reminding of that. The whole support group concept has to be multi-layered, like the injury itself in a way; every single one is different, every single one will want or give more or less, at different times. People will come and go, and the whole thing will be fluid, and adjustable to a certain extent to reflect that. At the same time, people new to the injury will need a different kind of support from the people who have had this longer. They certainly don't want or need to have their hopes dashed, or falsely raised; the older injured do not want to feel regretful, as if chances have passed them by. We will have to be careful of that, and I can certainly put things in motion that will help prevent that happening.

All these things were worrying me...but not now. I can see that no-one can control this thing totally once it gets going, but can only steer it along and let it find it's own level.

I know I sure as hell can open the doors that need opening, by kicking or gentle persuasion(!) to get this up and running, but once the doors are open, its up to the people to come in at their own speed..no-one can drag them in, but we will just let people know we are out there to help, and the major thing...that they are not ALONE.

Thanks again everyone...sorry long message again!! I'll leave you alone now for a bit...!! ;0)

Liz B

Liz. . . Thank God (or whoever) for people like you. I don't often post here, but I read a LOT! Your crisis of confidence says a lot about you and your motivation. Thank heavens you have received a fairly unanimous vote of support for your efforts. just for the record I think that info sites have a ot to offer to both sides. .. people who are in need of info are glad to hear it "as it is". Those that can help feel a great boost from being there when needed. The best thing I have got from this rather negative injury is being able to offer help and advice to newcomers, and particuarly helping a newly injured BPI through the nightmare scenario of treatment/medication/therapy options.
You cant have too much help with this.. . it really sucks!