United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well, have been meaning to introduce myself since I have been lurking here quite often. I am a RTBPI age 31. Injury happened 5/10/04 during surgery after a c-section to deliver my daughter. I have found out that my injury was caused from straining my neck to watch my baby being cleaned up as they were stitching me up. (Originally we thought it was from the surgery, but have found out otherwise.) It started off as shoulder pain and got worse, you know the story. I had only about 2 months that I couldn't lift my arm which was difficult with a new baby, but manageable. I thank God all the time this happened to me and not my daughter, Olivia! I would much rather suffer then have to watch her suffer. That is what kept me going when I was in the worst pain... "at least it's not Olivia..." I am doing well and recovering quite rapidly. I guess my case is less severe then some. There are still some things that are difficult to do, but not like before. My pain is much better and get by most days with a few advil and sometimes an Ultracet. I look forward to a day with no pain at all!

Anyone out there ever heard of BPI from straining your neck in an akward position for a period of time?

You guys are all wonderful for helping each other out and what a blessing it is to have somewhere to go for answers and information!

Thanks for listening!
Michelle in Texas

Michelle,
I'm glad that you are healing.
There is a thing called "Saturday Night Palsy" which a friend of mine got a few months after my injury. It's called that because it usually comes about after a hard night of drinking when someone sleeps awkwardly on their arm & shoulder with their arm raised up underneath the head. When kept in that same position for to long the nerves get stretched and crushed, ending up with temporary paralysis, weakness, and pain. Not quiet the same as your injury but I believe the end result is. It took my buddy over four months to feel like he was on the true road to recovery. I'm glad your baby is healthy and I hope you will be soon too. Good luck.

Chris

Wow, thanks for the information, i'll have to see if I can read up on that. Does sound similar to how I injured myself except the drinking part since I was having a baby Although I could have used a drink about that time! I know it sounds funny, but I don't feel so "alone" anymore. From everything I've been able to find out about BPI, I felt like I was the only one who was injured by being in an akward position. I hope you and your friend are recovering.
Thank you!
Michelle

Wow michelle we had our injuries on the same day. Mine is TRBPI. Good luck with you recovery.
BRANDON