United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

May 23 bicycle accident. Have good movement from elbow down including fingers. Delayed paresis of shoulder about 1 week. Cannnot flex or abduct arm at shoulder. Had MRI, EMG and awaiting C5/6 steroid injection and neurosurgical consult. Orthapedic specialist is primary treater. Primary diagosis is nothing avulsed or ruptured and scheduled exploratory BP surgery in September. For those who have had surgical intervention, who did it? Neurosurgeon, orthopedic or who? I'm 56 and an active cyclist, skier and diver and hope I will be able to continue those activities at some point in the future. Advice, encouragement?

Dan look for me on AOL and I will chat with you there..... just back from seeing my surgeron and very tired and sore hand.....

wildncrazyney on aol.....

COurtney

My screen name is thomasnthomas if you wanna IM.
Dan

Hi Diverdan
Sorry to hear about your accident, it's great you found UBPN so soon. From what you say, the doctor thinks your injury is a milder one and stands some chance of natural recoivery, here's hoping.

I haven't had surgery myself, but over the years have spoken to many people who have and have carried out a lot of research into treatment and surgery of tbpi, and read vast numbers of papers published by tbpi doctors. They come from all disciplines, but the majority seem to be orthopaedic surgeons. BPI treatment is as much about bone and joint issues as the nerves, and orthos deal with both areas.Doctors from other disciplines often have an ortho on the team as well, so don't feel that any one kind of doctor is best, in fact all the evidence I have read shows that teamwork is best, and timely treatment which you seem to have already had.
Whatever your eventual recovery (which will probably take years-be prepared!) don't worry about continuing the sports you love. At the tbpi uk website, we have members who skateboard, surf, ride horses, ski, ride bicycles, race motorcycles and go karts against able bodied people and generally don't let the bpi limit them in any way. Many have no use of their arm at all, from shoulder to fingers. Check it out at http://www.tbpi-group.org

Good luck and keep us posted with your progress.