United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I'm 49 and my surgeon gave me BP while fixing my shoulder tendonitis in 1997. This last year I've eliminated every physical activity except walking. Now I find that walking is creating pain in my neck and shoulder. As I don't want to give up walking does anyone have any tricks to this unwanted trade so I can walk without pain?
bob

Bob - so glad you made it to the TBPI board. I know that you will find a lot of camaraderie in here.

Bob, what are you doing to provide support for your shoulder & arm while you're walking? Do you wear a sling or anything like that?

Ellen

Walking is why I came-up with the onepaw arm contraption--works great if it is not too cold out. The main idea is that you need to get thte weight of a dead limb off of your neck and carry it on your hip.
There are pictures of it here and on the UK website. If you want to walk, and your shoulder is paralysed, the gizmo works good.
Onepaw.

Bob,
I made a sling/shoulder harness with a wide strap that goes over the good shoulder/neck area as to prevent the weight it is lifting from driving into my neck. I've always been amazed at the lack of foresight and design of every sling I've tried that would have a thin strap that bears all the weight and pressure of the arm/shoulder it's supporting.

Along with a wider shoulder strap I have a8 inch wide elastic wrap that holds my upper arm (biceps) tight against my ribs to minimize any movement that creates more pain. Good luck.

Chris

Hi Ellen, Thanks for your response. I had tried a regular - off the shelf sling but without success. Are there specific products out there for us BP people? After diagnosing BP my neuroligist warned me not to have surgery so I've stayed away from Dr.s and have not been given any suggestions. If I sit with my shoulder hanging down I get relief.

bob

Thanks 1paw,

can you tell me how to view the "onepaw arm contraption"-- it sounds like something I should have.

bob (rweman@aol.com)

Thanks Chris,
I like the idea of strapping the biceps to the ribs. I need a reminder not to use the arm.
bob