United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I just wanted to say Thank you to you all for your suggestions for helping me to convince Ashley to go to school after her surgery! She was quite excited when I asked her if she would like to take some special glitter pens with her to school, after her surgery, she loved the idea!

Some of you asked me some questions too so I thought I would answer those now. We live in BC, Canada, until recently they did not perform this surgery here. Ashley will only be the fourth child done in BC. We would have loved for her to have had the surgery at a younger age however it was not an option. We know it will be difficult for her to attend school in such an akward position but she only goes for half a day as she is in Kindergarten. If School is too difficult for her we would absolutely home school her, whatever is best for her works for us. We would like her to go to school though, she loves her class and friends and is generally quite shy, if she keeps going then she can maintain friendships. We asked her if she would like to go to school with her cast because we feel she is entitled to make an educated decision. Ashley is very informed about her upcoming surgery, she is her own individual and it is difficult enough for her already because of her arm. We do not want to make her feel any pressure regarding her arm. We want to support her, love her and let her know that we are willing to do whatever it takes to help her to heal with no expectations from us. Stress and pressure are not wanted in any way. It is very important for us that Ashley feel equal with her peers and loved and excepted by her family.


So...hopefully all goes well, and she enjoys the rest of her school year.

What a great post lenni!

Maia told me that she wanted to never go back to her school! She was SO angry, too! I told her that it was ok for her to not go back there but that we had to go back down to pack her things up. She came with me and sat in the hallway all angry about being there. Then her teachers noticed her and called her friends and told them that Maia was feeling a bit uneasy today. They came out to the hallway and congratulated her on the splint off and just surrounded her with so much love and friendship...especially this one little boy who was marveling that her arm was back! She sat there - trying not to smile - trying not to get coerced into going - then she broke through and you should have seen the twinkle in her eye. She was SO happy that her friends were excited for her. They all hugged her - it was such a beautiful sight! She went into her classroom (I did stay with her) and she had a wonderful morning. School friends can be great support (sometimes at least). I think it's all in the way they are approached and how they are prepared and educated about it.

I wish Ashley the best and hope she gets through this as best as possible. She sounds like a sweetheart and you guys sound like you've got it all together! You're certainly going in with a great attitude!

take care,
francine

Hi, Lenni. I'm glad that things are looking positive for Ashley regarding school. She sounds like quite a girl -- very smart and mature for her age. Thanks too for sharing about your family philosophies. I'm sure that with the great attitude that Ashley and her family have, it will help with the challenges this BPI brings. Take care and keep us posted. -Tina )

It's so good that she's comfortable enough to maske that decision. Michaela is 2 weeks post surgery and it never was a question with us as to whether or not she would go back. We just did a few extra things for her.

Before we went to TCH her teacher took pictures of Michaela with each of the students in her class and scanned them on the computer and wrote under each one what the students wanted to say to her. This way the students were informed as to what was happening and got to say a little Good-bye. She made this into a little notebook we took to Texas with us and Michaela could look at it whenever she missed her friends. That happened alot more than I expected it to. She looked at it alot and made us read what her friends said.They gave this to her at a little going away party her last day of school.

Last week was too early for her to go back yet as Dr. Nath said 2 weeks but Michaela was looking forward to her Valentines day party. What a post op blessing. We made valentines for everyone in the class( what a boredom buster) and then I took her for just the valentines party.She was all excited till we got to the school parking lot ,then she said her stomach hurt. I always know thats her nerves kicking in,but off we went.She played shy for about 5 minutes but after we got her to smile she was fine. All the kids wanted to know what was on her arm and wanted to hug her. I anticipated this so we brought the doll that the O.T. at TCH splinted for us. The kids passed it around the room, touched it , took it off and on, and gave it back to Michaela. This way they could see and feel what it was without disturbing her too much.After that things were back to normal and she enjoyed the party. I know there can't always be a party but a little visit before going back to school can help the kids to understand and won't disturb the class so much on the first day back to school.

We took pictures while we were at Texas of the zoo, Hermann park and the children's Museum and of course our stay at the Hospital. I made a notebook for her to take back to school for the kids to know what she did while she was gone. It's been a positive experience all around. Hope this gives you some ideas. I know all kids are different. LeeAnne