United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello everyone. I am trying to find out if there might be any interest in custom made slings. I have been making these for my husbands BPI for over 5 years now, and so many people have asked us about them. I make them in all kinds of fabrics depending on my husbands interests. I've made some in flame fabrics, airplane fabrics dragon fabric etc. I have pondered the idea of making some in silk fabric for women who'd like something more stylish, possibly with some beadwork. I have fun fabrics for kids too. If you know of someone who'd be interested or if you would be interested, please let me know. If enough people are, I'll begin a website and make samples to show on it. I'll let you all know how it turns out either way. Thanks so much for your input!

The children with bpi really don't use slings. It sounds like a great idea but for the kids, keeping that arm in that position for any amount of time (unless they just had surgery and are in a splint or cast) is really bad idea for them. Many children spend a lot of time UNbending the arm or splinting at night or serial casting at night to unbend the arm or even having surgery to unbend the arm. So wearing a sling sets up a habit that's really hard to undo. Thought you would want to know.

However the adults that have trauma injuries might find them very useful. They have their own separate message board on here.

Good luck with your project.

I wasn't even aware that that many people with BPI use slings. What and for how long are they used?

MArlyn

I suppose that I failed to mention that my husbands left arm is totally paralyzed from his Brachial Plexus injury. He uses his slings for support every day, and so that his shoulder does not sublex. He experiences a tremendous amount of pain when his arm is not in a sling. So that's what he uses it for. I don't know how many other BPI people would need a sling like that, but I know how unique my hubby is, how much he likes to express himself, and his slings go right along with that. Dragons, planes music, bible study, anything that says "Hey! I'm still awesome and unique!" I'd love to be able to provide other people with that kind of style and statement! Thanks for your question.

My Daughter is LOBPI and has no elbow flexion. So being 10, she is getting very conscience of her arm. Since she cant bend her arm at all, she feels like when she runs it "flops" or she holds it out front with her shoulder. She asks to wear her old ugly blue TCH sling all the time, I tell her no. But when she does anyway, she says it feels good. I can imagine her arm gets heavy for her shoulder too. So in her case, I think I would be interested in a sling. A pretty one. But Megan is very unique. Thank You, Sandi

Hi Sandi! I would be very happy to make a sling for your daughter. I think for the first one, I'd only want the price of the materials covered, no charge for the service. I would need the measurements of the sling that fits her now IE: how many inches is the length of the strap from the fabric of the actual sling that hols her hand to the part of the sling that holds her elbow? Does her arm bend? Then, what types of things is he interested in? I can look for fabric that speaks to her personality, and favorite color to wear. If you'd like to contact me directly my phone number is (928) 442-2419. I'll not be home next weekend, as I have a wedding cake to make in San Diego, but I am usually home all the time. Blessings to you and your daughter. I look forward to helping if I can.
Polly

Sandi- I can also send you color faxes or I can take photos of the slings I've made to let you see what might be available to her. Hope I can help.