United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Bryanna has a mod quad surgery date of August 10th in houston. I am feeling a little overwhelmed with all the plans i have to make. More importantly has anyone's child had this operation? Any advice would help greatly!

My son had Mod 6 years ago at 14 1/2 months old. This surgery was the miracle for him. I would do it again tomorrow if I had too. Make a list and do a little at a time, make sure you check off completed tasks. That way you will not forget anything.....Gayle

My son had a partial mod quad in November of 2002. It was very successful and greatly improved his overhead movement. We had the surgery in Houston as well.
As far as advice, get everything planned ahead of time. Yes, it can be overwhelming but you'll get through it. Also, it will probably be hot as heck in Houston in August.
Where are you staying?

My son had the surgery at 2 1/2 in HOuston also. It truly was a miracle surgery as far as results and we are definetely glad we did it. Anticipating the surgery was the worst part so being busy can be a good thing. We always tried to plan fun activities so he would remember something other than the hospital. The zoo is great (and free) there is also an aquarium downtown and a great children's museum in the museum district. The zoo and the museum are close to the hospital. We also were able to get astros tickets easily and catch a couple games when my son was older of course. We've been to Houston five times!! My son is now 9 1/2 and he is grateful that we did everything possible to help his arm when he was little and he has few memories of his surgeries but remembers the fun things!
Good Luck!!!

My daughter had the Mod-Quad in Sept. of 99 at 13 months. She is now almost 8. It really is "the miracle surgery" She gained SO much function from it. If I had to do it again today, I would. So many of the things they said she would never be able to do (like put a ponytail in her hair etc.) she does on a daily basis. We are headed to Houston next week for the Triangle Tilt. The best advice I can give is to have everything planed in advance. Book your room close to the hospital, and make sure they have a shuttle if you don't rent a car. This is a hard thing, but you will get through it. And I think you will be very happy with the results. And make sure to give Bryanna lots of hugs and kisses! That will help both of you. Good Luck. I'll be thinking of you.
Raina

I don't believe that the zoo is free so you probably don't want to plan on that.

I think the zoo is only a couple of dollers a person, one of the cheaper things to do. plus you can ride the rail car? to get there which is pretty cheap. My daughter had mod quad and it was GREAT FOR HER. She had it when she was 18months and she is 6 now. She still has most of the movement it gave her.

I live in Houston. I recently checked out the zoo website b/c my neice is coming to visit and I'm going to take her. It's only free for children under 2. It's $4 for kids and $8.50 for adults. The Children's Museum is 5 dollars, but Thursday nights are family night and admission is free from 5-8 if you're here at that time!
Shari

We are going to stay at the Residence Inn. From what i understand it is close and has a shuttle to the hospital. I have receive so much great feedback from everyone i really feel a bit more at ease. Thanks ! No when i finish fighting with the insurance and know exactly where i stand i will breathe a little easier

Amysue,
Please keep us posted on how Bryanna's surgery goes. I hope other families are there at the same time. We really do support each other i our BPI Family. I NEVER stop learning when I come to these Message Boards.
Hugs to everyone & Camp 2007 or BUST!,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI