United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello faithful TBPIs! I just set a surgery date with Dr. Nath for December 20. I know I should be elated, but I got a very strange vibe about the way they handle things.

I have read many accounts of how good Dr. Nath is, heavily weighing on my decision to see him instead of Mayo. I do want to compare the two (which, in the future, should be done), rather I want to know if there is any dirt the good doctor is hiding. If you have been either happy or concerned, I ask that ANYONE that has had TBPI surgery from Dr. Nath please reply.

Rob

Personally, I would not choose a doctor on the strength of personal recommendations unless the person recommending him had a tbpi very similar in severity to mine. The majority of Dr Nath's patients have birth injuries, not trauma injuries. Trauma bpi is not his main field of interest to date, which is very much reflected in his website, aimed at parents of injured babies. I just went and looked again, and could find very little information relevant to trauma injuries. I did find a section saying that you should choose your doctor on the strength of his experience with cases similar to yours, the more experience the better. Mayo on the other hand are probably the most experienced adult trauma bpi team in the USA at the current time, along with Drs Kline and Teil in New Orleans (not sure how they are doing after the storm) and their main interest is trauma bpi-which means they understand about the pain and life altering nature of tbpi. This complex injury is one that I believe needs a team approach.
I wish you luck whichever doctors you choose :0)

See, part of my problem is that I've got too much time under my belt. I checked into Mayo in AZ and MN. AZ focuses on other things, and MN will not accept you as a priority patient after 6 months. Im almost at the 8 month period, and Mayo won't see me until Feb '06.

I went to the VA for treatment for too long before I figured out they had NO idea what they were treating. Being close to 8 months, I know I have to move swiftly. I know Dr. Nath doesn't "specialize" in adult TBPI, but so few do. He does have adult areas in his web page, one stating a 75% to 25% ratio towards children, although I'm sure that may even be high.

I do take reconmendations from people at this site, for there are so few places you can go and actually talk to patients with our problem. I've heard alot of good about Nash and the MN Mayo. One will accept me, while the other wants to wait until the condition is irreversable. I'm also checking into a local doctor, that I'm sure has even less experience.

The problem is that I am single and have had to get through the majority of this alone. Now that I quit going to the VA, I feel desperate. I know I have about a month to have SOMETHING done, every day past that becomes a life-altering risk. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

Rob

Rob I have emailed you. I had surgery with Nath and have been very pleased... email me and Ill chat more aobut it.

COurt

Rob,
My heart goes out to you. I start fuming out the nostrils when I hear about people getting help inadequately and losing precious time. The Mayo is swamped right now, partly because of Katrina and Kline and Tiel's patients being forwarded up there. I was supposed to get 'tune up' surgery last month, but was cancelled due to lack of urgency. But don't let anything discourage you. I got in there the first time by calling twice a week and speaking to Dr. Bishop's secretary and asking if they had any cancellations. After two weeks of calls they had an opening and I flew out there three days later. Keep on them, and if your not in the place to do it, ask someone who's good with people to do it for you. I don't know how severe your injury is, but if there is something that is savable, then keep at it.

Time unfortunately is an issue with the recovery of this injury, have you tried Belzberg at Johns Hopkins? Best of luck and I'll be putting out all the good mojo I got for you.

Chris

I agree with everything Christopher just posted (including how pleased we've been w/Mayo), and will add my encouragement that you contact Dr. Belzburg at Johns Hopkins. Mayo often refers patients to him, as he can offer the same surgical options they do. Also, he tends not to have as long a wait to get in.

Take care & hang in there (sick joke),

Ellen

Rob, there are other doctors out there as well. PLEASE do not limit your options! Dr. Elkwood in NJ is doing some great things too, his web site is http://www.drelkwood.com/index.html and look under RECONSTRUCTIVE, he was one of the first do donor nerve tranplants with success! CHeck him out too. Also there is a doctor Filler in CA http://www.nervemed.com/aboutaf.html Dont settle, but DO research!!! Email me if ya want mroe info... wildncrazyney@aol.com

COurt

I thank all of you that have left a post or emailed me. I will look into all of the doctors that were mentioned. I really had no idea that there were actual choices out there! Thanks again and live strong!

Rob