United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone,
Well I went to the orthopedic surgeon yesterday. Not the greatest news. They took a bunch of x-rays. Turns out my ball and socket are malformed. It's really hard to explain and I can't remember the terminology they used. I actually saw 2 surgeons. Dr. Hollinhead, whom I had seen before, and the other from australia, I just can't remember his name. Well Next week they are having me see an orthopedic surgeon from washington I believe.
I'm a little down after hearing about my shoulder joint, and hearing in their words that it will take radical surgery for my arm. Oh well what should I expect.
Erica

Thanks Erica

I have been wondering how you made out...
Sorry the news was not what you expected.

But I am glad that you are getting some information and some answers and maybe the result will be some really good .....PT...

Hope you are enjoying school...
Kath

Hi Erica,
Good to hear from you.
The ball and socket usually are deformed for us. That forms in the first couple of years of life normally as the movement of using the shoulder literally grinds out the joint, and if we don't have the movement then it remains flattened and never forms.

Will be interested to hear what kind of surgery they recommend for this. I've never heard of any way to actually repair the ball and socket. hmmm. Keep us informed!

Nancy

Nancy

Is that why my right side has no bump... you know what I mean it appears as if I have no shoulder and all the straps... like shoulder bags fall off?

Kath

Kathleen, I think so.
I can never keep up those bra straps either, and shirts slide off too. No real shoulder definition.
Nancy

I loved wearing shirts etc when shoulder pads were in fashion... I just removed one and I looked even...LOL

Now I have to put one in...that means work...LOL

Lazy
Kath

Hi All,

Wow! Finally an answer to the "missing shoulder bump" mystery. I loved when shoulder pads were in style,too. It was great to have that shoulder definition on the left side.
As for falling bra straps, those padded straps that were formerly only on bras for "big busted" ladies can be found on all sizes by some bra makers now. I've found that they stay up better than regular bra straps. I've seen them on Bali brands but I'm sure they are on others as well.
Take care, Erica. I hope all goes well for you.
-Stephanie

We were at a restaurant for dinner one night last week and one of our waiters asked about Michaela's SOL splint. He wore one similar for 6 months. He was a firefighter and was injured on the job,fell through a floor,and had to have his whole shoulder replaced. From what he told me, they can replace the shoulder just like a hip or knee replacement, I don't think they go that far for a BPI injury though. He said his whole ball amd socket were replaced. Found it very interesting!!!

Is THAT what we call the LACK of shoulders??
missing bumps...........?? hahahahahahaha

And who says shoulder pads are OUT of style???? No one told me! Just call me Ms. Crawford hahahaha (you more "mature" ladies will get that one . As far as the padded Bali bra straps...save your money...been there done that one. They STILL slip off my "missing bumps" hahahahaha What I have decided to do and really works for me...........and of course only took me 45 years to figure out. Is I cut the straps of my newly purchased bra and move them in towards the center on both sides, then resew them in place.
Kind od like a racing type bra but not as "athletic" looking as most of them can be.

Glad you saw the Doc's Erica, and please keep us posted. Nancy, thank you for the info........never knew that one either

Okay Ms. Crawford....laugh all you want...but I still say padded bra straps stay up better than regular ones on the "missing bump" side. LOL! It really IS a funny way to describe it!
I like your idea about cutting and sewing the bra straps closer together. Think I'll try it on a cheaper brand than Bali, first, just in case I mess up on the sewing! Speaking of Bali bras, there is a new one called "shoulder spa" and I quote here from their ad: "ergonomically S-shaped gel strap gently hugs and cushions the shoulder." This is the one I wear and it really stays up better than the others. The "s" shape maybe?
)
-Stephanie