United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello,

My 21 year old daughter was in an auto accident 4/25/05 she received her injury from the airbag. She has c5,c6,and c7 avulsed she had surgury in August and is having a second surgury on April 13th with Dr. Sang Gil Lee at the Mass General Hospital. The 1st surgury was succesful and Sarah has regained some movement! Pain is a huge issue! She is also involved in extensive pt and ot. The second surgury is more invasive and difficult and I worry about her pain levels. I admire her courage and fortitude to go forward with this second surgury. The doctor says she has a 70% chance of regaining some of her bicep. Those are good odds. I highly recommend Dr. Lee he has been very straight forward. I hope she will follow and write here to talk to other people who have gone through this rotten injury. I would look forward to talking to other people who have gone though all this. This has been a life changing event not only for my daughter but for my family. Thanks in advance CarolLynn

Lori

Thank you for your reply! It is great to hear that you have been able to have a good full life despite this injury. It has been heart breaking at times to see how difficult life has been for my daughter- just being able to do daily tasks has at times been overwheming for her. I am looking forward to talking to people who are knowledgable about TBPI as most of the people I talk to have limited or no experience.Sarah has what you have her right arm was effected. Even a lot of professionals. thanks again!

Hi there and welcome!
I agree with xiggers, sometimes I think it's harder on the family than the person with the bpi. My mum would say "Well how will you do that with just one arm?" when I told her I was going to go rockclimbing/play tennis/have a baby when it had never enteed my head that I might have a problem with anything-you do get to the stage where you adapt to the extent that you have little or no awareness that you are differently abled. The early months are definitely the worst for all concerned, and waiting for recovery etc is a huge strain too.
My injury is the same as xigger's, no lower arm or hand and almost no upper arm, no feeling in almost the whole arm. Right arm involved so now I just use my left. I was 21 when it happened, I'm 47 now. Anyone here is glad to talk about any issues that come up, you can either click on anyone's name to get their email address or post here, there are no stupid questions and between us all we have a lot of experience.
Good luck :0)
Jen NZ

Thank you for the replies! And suggestions on using the message board. I am a little nervous about this whole process! But it feels like it will be so great to hear from other people who have gone through this! It gives me great hope to hear about your ability to get through the trials and tribulations of this injury. I have great faith in my daughter but it has been heartbreaking to see her struggle. I have so many questions it is hard to know where to begin!

Carollynn~
I also have c5,6 and 7 lost resulting from an accident when I was 18. The pain is over welming at times but as sad as it sounds you almost get use to it. There are bad days and good days. I don't take any meds for the pain but as you read the boards there are plenty of people who benefit from taking serveral different types of medication. I have had 8 surgeries, all done at Mayo clinic. I have been going up there (I'm in N Illinois) for about 19 years now. As you read on there are mom's who post here and have wonderful stories of the doctors up at Mayo. Just from my years of experience and numberous trips I kid that I have dual residences both in Illinois and MN. Ellen seems to be packed w/ a huge load of info. from the "team" of doctors there and could help you with find the best help for your daughter. I, on the other hand, hope to help with the adjustment of over coming the lose of the function and how to go on with life. Appearence was a huge factor for me..............vein as it may sound. I never let my arm stop me. I went on to get my 1st responder certificate (the 1st level of an EMT) I married and had 4 children, and held many different types of occupations. I am now facing long term effects of this injury, since its been 19 yrs now.
You will have so many questions come to mind but please remember there are so many people here, new and old to this injury, that can help.
Kath in Chicago