United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Is there a good or great BP doctor in the Philadelphia area for non surgical advice and guidance? I stopped using the affected left arm to reduce pain. The unaffected arm is now a problem from overuse.
How can we strengthen the unaffected arm when lifting any weight in either hand causes pain? Has anybody dealt with this? Truthfully, i'd rather have feedback from you guys than most any dr.

I don't know of any tbpi doctors in PA, but maybe Scott Kozin from Shriners could point you in the right direction, he specialises in obstetric bpi injuries but from what I have read he has many contacts among other bpi doctors and would know who might be good to see.

The whole strengthening the unaffected arm thing is a problem, in my case I have no choice as I have no use of the affected arm so for 26 years I've just used one arm for everything. I do get problems but they are not as bad as they could be. I find that if I stop using the arm the second it starts hurting, I save myself a day with no arms at all the next day! It took me a long time to learn this, throughout my 20s I totally ignored my bpi and lifted incredible weights without a thought, I was totally pigheaded about it. I do think that attitude got me through the trauma, it's unhealthy to focus on the dam thing every second. Babies did not help much, either, but I did put them down a lot more than my 2 handed friends did! In my 40's I started having bad neck and back pain so I am very careful now, and although I'm not problem free, I have some friends my age (47) with worse back and neck problems than me who do not have bpi. My shoulder isn't so great and I'm very careful with it-touch wood no probs there for a while, and they do go away if I rest it. I now get my worst pain from long sessions at the computer so I limit myself. Be aware of what makes it hurt and stop doing it! At least unlike the bpi nerve pain in the affected arm it can be eased somewhat by painkillers and I have a choice of whether I overuse my good arm or not. It's the shoulder and neck joints that bother me the most, watch out especially for overhead moves and the neck gets worst from sitting at the computer.
A couple of years ago when all this overuse pain started I was devastated, having come to terms with the nerve pain I was not expecting the joint and muscle pain from the good arm and I envisioned an old age with no usable arms at all. But I am careful and I think it can be managed. Look after yourself and don't be too hard on yourself.
Take care :0)
Jen NZ

I know of a Dr. Scott Fried in Blue Bell, PA. He is an Upper Arm Extremity doctor and is very conservative. If you need more information, let me know. good Luck.

dr zager with university of penn hospital.
sensitive caring guy. and he will be honest with you.

i have rsd in my upper left extremity as well as a tbpi. i don't let pain stop me, and i didn't before i knew i had rsd. i've managed to regain the 2 inches of muscle atrophy. been going to a gym and doing a workout with guidance from an ex-pt. what worked for me may not work for you however. maybe talk with a pt about this as well as a doc? you gotta use that arm!! if you don't you'll lose muscle and once its gone its incredibly difficult to get back!
all the best,
gillian

Dr. Scott Kozin operated on my 20 year old son. He got special permission from the hospital to treat him, as his case was so extreme, and he was close to being a child. He is wonderful. He's knowledgeable beyond belief and kind. He will guide you in any way that he can. His staff is extremely helpful as well. I encourage you to call Shriner's Hospital in Philly, and ask to speak to anyone at the Kozin clinic, and tell them your story. Let them guide you.
Blessings on your journey,
Sherrise

i say call dr kozin he will point u in the right direction he operated on my son in 09 from tramatic bpi 13 nerve grafts still waiting the outcome hope and pray every day to see something as of today nothing