United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have severe BPI that is three and a half months old, I have probable evulsion, however I have not givin up hope of recovery. I recently was reffered to the Univ. of Washington, prior to that there wasn't a clinic that was willing to offer me any sort of treatment with the excuse of no experiance with this injury. That is the best news I have had since the injury. I just don't know what if any surgery will help. Does anyone know? please tell me if you know. keep the faith

Hi Brandon,
Welcome to the world of BPIs. Fortunately, you've found an amazing site where folks can relate to you and with you with this unfortunate injury. Our son Chase (age 7 LTBPI) has a severe injury as well which he rec'd 3/6/05 and had surgery recently at Johns Hopkins w/Dr. Belzberg. You'll find by looking at old posts and asking questions, that there a few excellent choices for treatment in the US, but finding a BPI specialist is critical to your recovery. We live in CA and consulted at Stanford, Washington Univ. in St Louis and finally at Johns Hopkins where we stayed for surgery. One of the best and well known hospitals for this injury is the Mayo Clinic and others can talk to that. Many others have suffered complete plexus injuries w/avulsions and have recovered some function - so do keep the faith and keep asking questions.
Take care and blessings to you.
Lourdes

Brandon,
Do not give up. There are many roads to recovery.
First of all, how old are you? Where are you in the USA?
Get in touch with the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.org/brachial-plexus/index.html)
Don't waste your time locally. They are hands down the best. They live, eat, & breath BPI.
I know, been there, done that. I'm 41 from Cincinnati, and had surgery for the nerve and muscle transfer on July 7th of this year.
Healing as we speak.
Please give me a shout and we'll talk further..

Jim Appello

Brandon,
Listen to what James says, time is of the essence right now. Surgeries used to be done after six months, but now the know better and operate at four months or sooner. I've had surgeries at the Mayo Clinic for my injury as well, and researched plenty and met many doctors before making a final decision. If I didn't have time to do the research before any surgical option, I would go straight there, it's the safest bet. Ask yourself the value of your limbs recovery, if your worried about travel. Best of luck and best wishes.

Chris

Thanks guys I haven't researched, Mayo but have heared so much about it. My main concern is Insurance and out of state care. I need to find out about other resouces. I am 31 and woul love to stay in tiuch it is so nice to meet others with such a devestating injury. Feel free to contactme anytime.
Brandon Hubbard
Brandonhubbard_32MSN.COM

Weezy, I have trbpi and am haveing my first surgery soon. mine is totally paralyzed so right now i would bevery happy with partial movement. That is really hopeful to me that you got even a little movement back. Stay strong and stay in touch I would lve to here how things progress for you and I will do the same any hope is better than none and misery loves company. zmy e-mail is brandonhubbard_3@msn.com
take care and hope to hear more from you soon