United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Dustin had another EMG on the 2nd. Dr Bishop examined him and saw lots of improvement in several of the muscles. However the deltoid and brachialis didn't seem to be firing. Rotation, bicept and scapula were improved from like 0-1 up to 3-5. So at first Dr Bishop voted not to do surgery thinking that it was just time. Then Dr Chin thought that if they could get the brachialis to fire maybe he could lift his arm as the bicept is not strong enough to do it. So looking at his accident being 6 mos past they felt that if they did operate there were more options at this time. Nerve transplant or graft would be an option to get the brachialis and deltoid moving, where later muscle transfer would be the option. Dr Bishop agreed with this and they decided to go in. We were at St. Mary's on the 3rd. They surprised me when the surgery was finished about 2 hours later. They found that there are no avulsions and no torn nerves. There was slight scarring on one nerve but impulses were getting through, though they did scrape the scarring. All muscles were firing when they did an EMG on the opened muscles. So they said that for the injury he is very lucky as all should heal itself. Which means that they did very little while in there (good news!!) Didn't feel a nerve graft could improve his chances as they were best if left to heal as they were all getting signals. So, again it is a wait and see. OK, well work hard and wait and see. Then later after they brought him back to his room he was moving his arm easier than before, even with the pain from surgery. We headed home on the 4th. Today, which is the 6th he finally picked his lower arm off from the bed. He has to place the elbow about 6 inches out from his side then kind of raises the lower part inwards toward his body and up. WOOOHOOOO!!!! This was great that he could get it off the bed. Prior to the surgery he could only lift it if it was on his hip while laying down then could bring it up toward his chest but still just above the body. Any way, don't know if these improvements were due to the scar tissure removal or time. But I am glad to know what is in there. Looking forward to seeing more movement. He cannot bend the elbow yet, it has to have a slight bend to get it started. Thanks for letting me share!!!
Sue

Sue thats great news! It is so nice to hear that Dustin should heal very well with out mre surgery. I wish him the best of luck. It will take a lot of hard work but I know he can do it! I hope he recovers from the surgery with little pain and that his new movement is here to stay!
hugs,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

HI Amy,
Thanks!! Yes it is great news. He hasn't taken a thing for pain. After his accident seems he has a high threshold for pain. He's out to the prom with his gf tonight. GL on your exams!!
Sue

Sue that is awesome that Dustin is already bounced back enough to go to prom, how cool is that! He must be one tough cookie. I hope he has a great time at his prom, If I could hve gone home this weekend, I would have been at prom tonight too, but I am stuck here studying. Thats ok though, the guy I would have went with does not like to dance.
THanks for the luck on my finals, I will need it on my cell biology test.
Amy

Hi Sue & we're thrilled at your good news! I think Dustin might have gone into surgery expecting at least one nerve to be avulsed & then to learn none were is HUGE. Mayo cleared a lot of scar tissue up for John and the difference that made was immediate and very noticable. And also, how wonderful that he isn't on pain meds! Whoa.

Take care,

Ellen

We were expecting one or possibly 2 nerve grafts. LOL, both backs of his legs are shaved, looks funny. But glad with what they found. He is also able to pick up the lower arm when it is on an arm rest on the chair. Leaving the elbow on the rest he can bring his hand close to the shoulder, this is new also.
Sue