United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well - this time we're talking about Darian. Remember the blood test when the nurse found that her arm couldn't extend all the way. . . .well she too was injured at birth. . just not as bad as Cassidy. Well, we saw the Orthopedist today - and he confirmed that all this is from her being injured at birth - it's a product of nerve damage. She's got some winging in the scapula - and a possible contracture in the bicep tendon. . . some weakness and some tightness suppinating. So we're now doing OT with Darian twice a week for 6 weeks - and if this doesn't help it - we'll be going back for Botox Injections along with Therapy - and if that doesn't work we'll be looking at other procedures and decide if it's worth putting her through all of it to get back what's she's lost and if it interferes at all with function. She doesn't really seem to have lost any function - but the OT will be testing her to see if there is any loss.

So here we go again - with kid #2!

Cassidy is doing good. She has no desire to go back to school. I'm trying to figure out a way to stay home so she doesn't have to go to day care. Or at least find a night time part time job somewhere so there won't be any day care!

Update soon - after we see the OT!

Anita- I am so sorry to hear about this. It sounds like Darian is already going through so much. Good luck with the therapy and everything else. It is so hard to find a part time job. I stay home with my kids but it is very hard on us finacailly. Let me know if you think of or find a good way to bring in a little extra money.
We are thinking about you guys!!!
Jodi

Thank you so much! At least she'll be seeing the same therapist as Cassidy - and she already knows her and is actually excited about going. They both like Janet!

WOW! I can't believe this is happening to you! It is just one of those things that is so stupid!! Maybe she will enjoy the therapy and not need much else....
About money....the best idea that I can give on bringing money into the home is finding tips to save money. I have 6(sometimes 7) kids in my house and I stay home. We don't have a lot of extras but the one thing that saves money is I cook everything from scratch(I also cook alot of Vegatarian meals-meat is expensive!). When you go to work you usually need nicer clothes(than jeans and t-shirts) so that saves money. You don't go out to eat as much or bring instant lunches....just try to save everywhere you can...If you make a list of savings compared to income you may be surprised how much you saved and are able to stay home(daycare, gas etc...). I buy bulk rice, flour, sugar and beans from Costco...every little bit counts and I am much happier knowing that I can stay home with my little ones....Maybe when my youngest goes to school I will consider going back to work. I try to keep my skills up to date so I won't get rusty(that's the hardest part!)
There are a lot of fun free things you can do with kids and have just as much fun....For example we climb mountains more than we visit the local arcade!
Well, I wrote book sorry! Have a great day and keep your head up!
T.

I know there are a lot of extras - but even our necessary bills (therapy bills - emotional and PT & OT) and bills left over from our copays from the 1st 2 surgeries with Cassidy and household bills! Ugh!

Thanks for the tips! I am going to try and utilize as many as I can!

Good Ideas! I wish we had some mountains nearby - we're in MI - so it's pretty flat! ha ha

Again - thank you!

I'm so sorry that Darian has some residual bpi problems. Our Ohio picnic this year is June 1st at the Columbus Zoo...so you could have Dr. Shenaq evaluate both daughters. Maybe the OTs who are there can make suggestions for therapy.

I hope you can resolve the financial stuff so you can be home more. Now if we could only clone mommy so she could do everything, 24 hrs.a day, eh?!