United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello everyone, it's been a while since my last visit. Brief history... injured 5/10/04 during a emergency c-section to deliver my daughter. I strained my neck to watch them clean her up as I was being stitched up... arms were tied down at a 90 degree angle. 2 years later am doing quite well. Have numbness below elbow and in hand, and still weaker in injured arm, but no more pain!!!

So here goes my question... I'm pregnant again and will have another c-section. My doctor says they can put my arms at a 45 degree angle instead of 90 degrees. Is that good enough? Is there any way this can happen again? IE, does it matter where my arms are? Can I just get another injury from having the surgery itself even if my arms were by my side?

I have contacted Dr. Nath to ask his opinion as well, but I know there are a lot of knowledgeable folks who post here, so just wanted any thoughts/opinions any of you have on this.

Thanks for your help!
Michelle

Michelle,

This is really exciting, congratulation. When are you due?

Glad to know you are doing well.

Love and hugs to you and your family,

Karen

Thanks Karen! Due Dec. 8! Just a little nervous about having surgery and this happening again, but doing some research to try and find out my chances.

How strange...............I have 4 children. 2 were delivered naturally and 2 c-section. I never had my arms tied down!!!! Why in the heck would your doctors do that???? Yes, I had an IV but my arm wasn't tied down. I live near the Chicago Land area and I go to the top level of a hospital to deliver. I would question that first of all.
I would love to hear a follow up to your questions to your OB/GYN. Good luck and congrats!
Kath in Chicago

During surgery your arms weren't out at 90 degree angle tied down? I've talked to a lot of people and they said theirs were, but they didn't really realize it at the time. I've also learned that during most surgeries, that is the position of the patient, I guess do the doctor has more room to reach your body. So it's rare, but people get bp injuries from their positioning during surgery. It is a known cause. Just weird... so I'm a little nervous about another surgery even if my arms are at my side.

I talked to to doctor who treated my injury and he feels like it won't happen again if my arms are at my side and I don't turn my neck or make any movements like i did last time.

We'll see! Did you have natural births after your c-sections? I can go that route, but then i'm worried about the baby being injured or my scar tearing. I guess I have a big decision to make!

Hi~
My husband said my one arm (w/ the IV) was on a board but my other arm was not. So, I was half right I guess.......hee hee. My "owie arm" (as my children call it) can not be completely straighten out due to a surgery I had @ Mayo. My muscle was shorten and will never be completely straight again.
My first 2 babies were natural, #3 (amy) decided to come into this world ass backward!!! Out, feet first, and running. I chose a 2nd c-section w/ my 4th, Johnny. The risks were not worth it to me. I carried a perfectly healthy baby for 9 months, to have a 1% chance of losing him was never worth it to Jim or me. We are talking a 5th.............only talking!!!
I look at it as 12 week recovery for a life time of happiness and unconditional love..............Heaven sent.
It is such a difficult decision for you and I completely understand your fear. I, on the other hand, can not stop wanting more. Go with your gut feeling, God gave you that-no one taught it to you. Its your inner voice.
Keep me updated, please!!
Kath in Chicago

Hey Kath,
I've decided on a c-section for sure. After doing a little research, I agree with you completely... not worth the risk to the baby. I'd rather risk my arm be re-injured then the possibility of losing the baby. I am going to ask my doctor for my arms to be at my side versus 45 degrees. I think I'd be in a much better state of mind that way. I'm going to find out next Friday what I'm having

Wow, 5! I think that's great!

Thanks for the note.
Michelle

Michelle~
Congrats on your decision. Your decision was completely unselfish and you've shown your love already to your unborn child.
Yesterday my family and I took the train to Chicago to the Museum of Science and Industry and I drop the idea of #5 and names..........I said "I like Brian for a name" and Jim, my husband, said "Brian would be a cool name." I believe I've got his mind turning a bit.........we'll see!!!!
Enjoy your pregnancy. We, as woman, are so lucky to feel life inside us. Enjoy everyday of it and let us know what your having when you find out!!!!
Kath

Kath,
Found out we are having another girl! Her name will be Isabella. I'm hoping to get my c-section scheduled soon so I'll know the date she'll arrive! Now that I've made the decisions to have another c-section and have prayed about it quite a bit, I'm completely at ease with the thought and have no fear about another injury. I just don't see it happening again. And if it does, well it will suck, but at least I'll know what to expect.

Hope you are doing good!
Take care,
Michelle

Michelle,

When I had colon surgery this past January, I asked the anesthesiologist not to extend either arm in any direction but to tuck them under me. I didn't want any stretching of the bpi arm and I sure didn't want anything to happen to my non bpi arm either!

They can do that. Esp. if you explain your previous experience. They only put the arm with the IV on the board that moves for their own convenience. But you have a really good reason not to let them do that.

Congratulations on the upcoming birth!

Nancy Birk
UBPN President