United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My Daughter, Megan, is 10 and lobpi. Megans question is this: How do you deal with you arm when you run? She can't control her arm or make it look like it moves the same as the other. People have made fun of her arm "floping" when she jogs or runs. Her arm is extended and she doesnt have elbow flexion, or supenation. She has some shoulder. She is very self-conscience, and wants some advice. Thank You....

Sandi & Megan
I just read her arm is extended...
my arm hangs down to my side so I put it in a front pocket of a sweatshirt and I use to hold my bpi hand with my unaffected hand to keep it close to my body.
I walk a great deal and usually have my hand in my pockets.
Maybe some one else will have a suggestion.
I am sorry to hear that people are so lacking in good manners as to tease or make fun of her...

Kath (robpi/adult)

Sandi and Megan,
My son is 7 1/2 and runs with his arm fully extended (Statue of liberty style)when corrected he will put his hand in his pocket or grab the material of the jeans. It saddens me that kids are so mean, it shouldn't be like that. I don't know what I will do when the kids tease Brandon !!!!! Brandon usually comes back with a good comeback that keeps the kids quiet for awhile. Hope one of the adults can help you with your dilemma !! Gayle

I dont know if you daughter has the mobility for this but I used to always grab on to either my tank top strap or the strings from a hooded sweatshirt because it felt more comfortable. I always wanted to rigg something up to rest my hands in but never got around to it as a kid and have enough strength now where I dont need it.
Good luck,
Edina

Thank you all for your replys.....Megan is at girl scout camp this week. Her first camp ever other than UBPN camps! I miss her! Agh! Anyway, I was so nervous to leave her, so I talked to the nurse and I left printed info from this website. Yeah! Hope she is having fun, Mom is the worrywort!:-) kinda like on Finding Nemo....... lol She was worried that they will make fun of her for not knowing how to swim yet. My question is this.......Is it hard to swim with a brachial plexus injury???????? I'm not a swimmer either, they kept telling me not to worry...they could teach her.... any other Mom's with kids away at camp for the first time???? Thanks, Sandi

Sandi,

I think this is great that Megan is off to overnight camp. It is hard not having them close. But just think of all the fun she is having and when she gets home you will live her camp experience through all that she tells you. How fun.

One thing I can tell you, we never stop worrying about our kids, eventhou the boys are in there 20's, living far away from us, I worry all the time. It is just a mom thing. Right moms.

Love and hugs,

Karen

Thanks Karen, I needed that.------ Sandi

Sandi
I went to sleep away camp when I was about 8. I had never been away from my Mother before... I had fun then I wanted to go home one minute I was happy the next I wanted my mother. My sister loved it and did not want to go home at the end of the month.
I learned to swim and some great songs that I sing to my grandchildren. Looking back it was a good experience.

Like Karen I worry about my kids and they are all in their thirties. My son does a lot of travelling as part of his job. I worry every time he fly's and is out of town.
I also worry about my grandchildren...
I love her name... I have a granddaughter named Megan.
I think I like to worry... LOL...

I hope she has a great time.

Kath (robpi/adult)


Message was edited by: Kath

Sandi,
I think it is great that you sent Megan away to camp. She will learn to swim and she will love it. Brandon is 7 1/2 and I haven't braved overnight camp yet....don't think that unless he asks that I will......I am a worry wart too. I hate it when he goes to sleep at a friends....I know that I am too overprotective so please do not jump all over me.....LOL GAYLE

Sandi,

Congratulations to Meagan for going to camp. I am sure she is having a great time although I'm sure you miss her like crazy!! I was going to suggest what Kath had suggested with the pocket of the sweatshirt. It really helps give it some support while she is running. It is very frustrating at that age but just remember for every problem there is an ingenious solution waiting around the corner. I hope it works for her and I hope she has a great time at camp.
*HUGS*
Rachel