New from FL-- Long intro

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
JemsGrl
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:54 pm

New from FL-- Long intro

Post by JemsGrl »

Hi! I cannot believe I stumbled upon this site a while back. I've been soaking in all the stories I could (wow! others like me!) and thought it was time to introduce myself.

I am 32 yo with ROBPI. I have never been officially diagnosed though, but I can't deny the symptoms (can't raise arm above head, can't place arm fully behind head or behind back, can't rotate forearm to have palm face up, and can only extend arm to a little over 90 degrees). My mother never knew what injury I had and was never told. When born, my affected right arm was completely paralyzed. I had to stay extra days in the hospital for evaluation. when I finally went home, I had a home health nurse who came to help me with PT. My mom tells me it did wonders and brought life into my once little dead arm. But around 2 yo or so, the arm began showing signs that all wasn't well. I began to have difficulty straightening it and my arm was becoming stiff and mobility wasn't great. I did exercises with weights and my mother massaged my arm nightly up until I was about 9 yo, but to no avail. At that time we saw family doctors but no one knew anything. I saw more doctors, had tests done, but the years just marched on with no answers... not even a name for what I had.

I am grateful for the mobility that I do have. But I always wondered if something could be done to increase it. And now with a 2.5 yo and 4 yo, I'm beginning to feel the effects of my limitations. This site has give me hope that I might have options.

I have contacted Dr. Grossman in Miami (I have family there so it would be the easiest first step for me). He wants me to come in for a consultation. I'm a bit nervous, and excited, as this is the first time I will see someone who KNOWS what may be wrong and if anything can be done. I just want to know if I have any options.

Anyway, thanks for letting me get it all out. It's the first time I've been able to share my story and actually have a name for what I have. :)
Judy-T
Posts: 557
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2001 11:59 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Right arm OBPI One surgery at age 40 Ulnar nerve retransposition
Location: Florida

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by Judy-T »

Where in Florida do you live? I Live in Palm Bay.
Judy 44 ROBPI
JemsGrl
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:54 pm

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by JemsGrl »

I'm in St. Pete. Where exactly is Palm Bay?
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by Kath »

Welcome Linda and thanks for introducing yourself.
I hope you get to meet up with Judy.
It is great to meet up with others who share our life experience with bpi injury.

Kath (adult/obpi)
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
Judy-T
Posts: 557
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2001 11:59 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Right arm OBPI One surgery at age 40 Ulnar nerve retransposition
Location: Florida

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by Judy-T »

I Live on the opposite coast. Near melbourne/Cocoa beach. Anthony lives near you. Anthony where are you?
JemsGrl
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:54 pm

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by JemsGrl »

you know, it never occured to me that I could meet someone nearby. I would love for the opportunity!

I know that there is camp (is that held in a different place each time?). Are there local FL chapters, support groups or the occasional gathering?

I appreciate the info. And thanks for the warm welcome. :)

kd's daddy
Posts: 171
Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:38 pm

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by kd's daddy »

Jems,

start one Post it here. Get all you can just do a call out to floridians however you might wanna waight till after the scare is gone. God bless you all in FLA I hope you are all safe. I love Clearwater Beach.
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by admin »

hey I am in Orlando :) Yay more people from FL....I am mostly a lurker myself...
~Whitney
Judy-T
Posts: 557
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2001 11:59 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Right arm OBPI One surgery at age 40 Ulnar nerve retransposition
Location: Florida

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by Judy-T »

We should all meet at universal island of adventures and ride the hulk. We could match up arms and each hold one up on the coaster!
JemsGrl
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:54 pm

Re: New from FL-- Long intro

Post by JemsGrl »

Love the idea of meeting at an amusement park!

After the hurricane, a FL roll call would be good. Hopefully there are more Floridians out there.

Definitely count me in for a FL meet-up if one is organized.


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