United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

54 years left obpi

I realize we have talked about emotional scars and problems before but....I know there are those obpi's out there that are not posting yet. I'm right huh....

Think of it this way, If we can open up honestly and share emotions good and bad (there has to be at least one good emotion within us) with each other, this will also be a HUGH and GREAT benifit to the parents of obpi children. There are parents out there that are scared to death about what to expect from their child as he or she is growing up. Whether or not surgery has been done or not. Come on guys, let's see some posts from EVERYONE.......

As for me, I really think I have more emotions now then I did when I was growing up. There are so many things I can't do now that I used to be able to do, that it is very very frustrating. Of course when I found the message board I cried all night just reading the posts and knowing I was not the only one with this "rare" injury. Now I find out it stilll happens on a daily basis. That makes me sick to think children are still born obpi.

Ok kids it's your turn

Sharon

OK Sharon

I am following your lead. You are right. I did not realize I had scars until I found this board. I think the worst for me is the frustration of not doing what I want to do... My spirit is willing but the hands and arms are worn out way before I was ready. I stayed on this board because I felt I was not going to waste all that this injury has taught me ... I stayed because I wanted to be there when others found this board and needed support. Support I never had and now because of all on this site I realize that we help each other and are a valuable asset. I hope that we can help the parents who are so scared for their children and worried about their future by share our lifetime of various experiences.... both good and bad...
One thing I have learned is that Obpi develop a thick skin early on and turn many of the sour experiences into humor... so I guess we can all be grateful for our sense of humor and chalk that up to a gain from obpi... LOL...

My friends described me as the only hyperactive 40 year old years ago... I loved to be busy... At 50 it felt like someone put a choker chain on me... I wanted to do so many things but the aches and pains made it harder to push.... I still have tons of things I would like to do and I try but I understand better now that I talk to my doctor about obpi on a regular basis that pain causes fatigue and stress...
So I get b-12 shots doubled my B-Complex vitamins... The nervous system requires B and depletes B under stress - pain is stress... so it is a vicious cycle... I walk at least 4 hours a week...because when the legs go I am a paper weight>>>LOL... I don't power walk but walking decreases stress even a slow walk... but that is not what I want to do
I want to use my potters wheel, garden more, dig in the dirt... sew more... work on my photographs more... do more of the crafts I use to do......I have tons of hobbies and the frustration of not having the energy or the ability to use my fingers anymore really stinks... but my friends still think I have more energy then they do... I think it is because I am obpi and still trying to prove not only can I keep up but can do more.... hmmm have to wonder about that one...
But being and optimist I still try all of the things and just don't give up... persistent....that is one of the good things or gains from obpi....you spoke about...
Kath

BUMPING UP for Trooper Brian. FYI there are manythreads on this topic, Just type "Emotional Isses", "Teasing", "Bad Memories" etc in the SEARCH FORUM Box at the top of the page and all posts will come up for you.

HUGS,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69

I'd rather not reiterate myself...but the thread I made (new here, not new to bpi) when I first found the board can summarize a few of the emotional scars I have.

Sadly on top of those scars are physical scars. A daily reminder of my past.

Therapy was a scary notion for me - but after a few sessions so far I'm opening up a little and can hopefully move on someday.

Bumping up for Jennifer.

Carolyn J