United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi there, 2 1/2 weeks ago I was out for a motorbike ride with my Dad when a Lorry I was overtaking moved over to my side of theroad without warning and knocked me off. Despite coming off of my bike at 60-70mph on a tree-lined road the only injury I have sustained is BPI to my left arm.
Thanks to the wonderful people at Cheltenham General Hospital I was quickly referred to the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore, London. Just 7 days after my accident I was operated on by Prof Burch and his team and I am now enjoying 30 degree temperatures wearing a neck brace and sling.
I have ruptured my C7 nerve and avulsed my C5 and C6. I've been told that I there's a 50% chance I won't move my arm again.
I was wondering whether anyone out there would be able to help me with my prognosis, is there anyone with a similar severity of injury who has regained movement in their arm. Reading through the messages that have been posted I can see that things could have been much worse but I have also been worried by the reports of ongoing pain - I hoped that the pain would wear off in a few weeks, judging from other experiences am I going to suffer pain for years?
I'm glad that this site exists, I could use some help getting am idea of what my future might be like.

Hi Simon,
So sorry to hear of your accident. You've found a wonderful support group and a wealth of information at UBPN - we've rec'd so much encouragement. My son Chase (age 7) was on dirtbike when he was hit by an adult rider coming off a jump and thrown off his bike. Miraculously, he did not sustain any other injuries other than his BPI. He avulsed C8 & T1 and injured C5 & C6 (unsure about C7). I understand the pain is very unique to each individual and based on the extent of the injury. It's my understanding also, that the pain is much more intense for adults than for children. Chase is also paralyzed, but we hope w/his recent surgery to regain some function/sensation to his upper arm. I do hope you find relief and your surgery was helpful. Take care.
Lourdes

Hi Simon
As soon as I saw the word Lorry I knew you were in England! It also made me think a bit as a Lorry came onto my side of the road too, but mine was a long time ago. Those lorries are pretty solid, eh?
It's great that Prof Birch has operated so early, it really can make a difference in recovery.
I don't know if you're aware that there is a group in the UK set up for tbpi injured people with its own website http://tbpi-group.org/ . There is a message board you can reach from that site, too. Many of the people posting there are bikers or ex bikers, and many are Prof Birch's patients. The group is having a meeting at a bikers pub in Yorks in August, check out the site for details. I went 2 years ago and had a blast-well worth the airfare from New Zealand (ok I was visiting family too but meeting the group was definitely a high point!)
Take care Simon, I look forward to hearing how you go.
Jen NZ :0)

Hi Simon... you and i Have the smae nerves damaged... though that does not mean that we will get the same recovery... as fara s waht the future hold, it hold whatever you want it to hold!! My accident was just over 4 years ago... since then I went back to university and got two degrees.... working on a third... getting on with things as I normally would have.... or so I think.... You are in great hands with Prof Birch! I have heard only wonderful things about him! I am in the states so he is not my doc but keep us posted as to how yo uare getting on.... and check out the UK group website too! They are a great bunch of peeps! Journied accross the pond last summer to attend the get together at Squires and meet them..... was wondeful!!!

COurt xx