United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,Francine. I saw you post the recipe for the ginger oil, but now I can't seem to find it. Can I use it on Michaela's arm before doing the roms. Her elbow is still getting stiff from nonuse in the splint but they told me not to worry about it so I leave her in the splint and take off the arm strap 3 or 4 times a day to just bend her elbow. Massaging it some first and doing the pronation supination first seems to help,also. Also her strips are almost all off and instead of the scar being pink it's really red. Is there anything i can put on it or do to help them lighten.

You can e-mail me if you want,Francine.

Lee Anne - don't worry about the scars. In my training I learned that you are not supposed to touch a scar for 6 weeks. It is supposed to be red and should be pink in some stage for an entire year or so. It's very easy to get an infection at this point so be very very careful with them. Infections can end up being really serious.

As far as what to massage the arm with - just stick to some normal cream like Eucerin - non drying and very neutral in ingredients.

Food oil isn't a great idea when an arm is tied up in a splint like this and not getting a lot of air. It can get rancid where there is no air and that would not be good.

So my advice to you is to r-e-l-a-x. Stiffness in a splint is normal and it will work out when the splint is off. Nobody stays with their arm up forever. That's why pool work when the splint comes off is a great thing. (and keep your dirty paws off the scar!! especially with the steri strips still on!!! Yikes and a half!!)

I know you love Michaela and want to do the best - but sometimes (in the case of scars just healing) less is best. Cover them up with gauze and just let them do their own thing for now.

big hugs,
francine

Thanks Francine!!!!! It's just that when I start them she ouches out loud alot but after about he 4th or 5th she doesn't ouch,elbow roms that is. The only thing I've done is to put a dab of antibiotic ointment on the spots where the steri strips have come off. Anyway I knew from my own scars that they tend to be red or pink at first but this was redder than the night before. No streaks or anything. I'll take your advice and relax.Maybe I'll take some valerian root to help me out a little , so stressed out lately. Anyway, Thanks a bunch! I thank God for you and the knowledge you have. Wish I had this advantage when she was born, but I know Maia is younger than Michaela and there was no site then.Checking it out a little at a time!!! Hugs and prayers to you and Maia.LeeAnne

maybe you should take your sweety to have an incision check...if they are getting redder then infection could be setting in....better safe than sorry ok?

You're probably right! Thanks!

Yes but I would still like to have the recipe too! Sounds like it may help my aching hands out....Can you email it to me Francine/

Thanks

Christy