United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello all,
I have been doing a lot in my therapy recently so I thought I would update my web site and then let you all know that I updated. Not only did I update the journal I posted a couple pics in the photo album that go along with the update about kinesio tape.
I hope that every one is doing well!
Hugs,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

here is the link to the journal
http://www.freewebs.com/bpimn/currentjournal.htm

Amy,
Wow!! What a great website. I finally have had time to breathe here a bit and catch up on things. You look great!! And congratulations on your improvements. I'm a bit curious about the kinesio tape I'll send ya an e mail about it.
Love the pics and I'm glad you tried to rock climb. How is that going by the way??
take care
*HUGS*
Rachel

Thanks for taking the time to check out my site.
The rock climbing went ok for the first try. I am nervous to try it again this year but I have worked so hard this summer, I hope that i have gained enought to make more progress on the wall this year. Not sure how soon I will try again. I think I want to try and gain more muscle mass first. I am actually starting to notice the increase in muscle mass. So another couple months of good hard work and maybe I will try again unless we decide to use the rock wall as therapy for me this semester. I get an hour a week with an OT student. So I will hopefully keep making progress.

I will keep an eye out for an email so I can talk with you about the kinesio tape.
Talk to you soon,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Hi Amy,
Nice updates.
I was at the Dells and was sorry we didn't get to talk to you. Dustin backed out at the last minute but seeing that you are still getting so much from your arm I think you would be an inspiration to him. He seems to want to just wait now and not work at it. Some how he decided it is the nerves and he just needs to wait for them to heal. We are now almost 11 mo. post accident.
You sure looked great, if I didn't know it I don't think I would have noticed your arm was any different.
Best of luck with your school this year.
Sue
PS we are scheduled to return to Mayo sept 26 for a follow up EMG and an MRI

I was so bummed when Brenda said you came and I didnt see you because I really wanted to talk to you. Thanks for the compliments!

I think Dustin just needs some time. I have lived with my injury forever, I cant even begin to imagin having full use and then loseing it in an accident. I really would like to meet up with you and Dustin. When you come to MN for his dr. appts do you plan to spend any time here or just appts and then home again? Once I get back to school and know my schedule better maybe I could arrange to meet up with you. Or if you have some time and would like to come see Duluth I could show you around.

By the way did Dustin decide if he is going away to college or staying local? I hope he does great in what ever he decides!

Hugs,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

When we go to Mayo we will stay over a night. Too hard to get up early enough to get there by 8 am. I think we may go up to Minneapolis or somewhere up northern a little. We have some friends up there we are trying to schedule into the trip.
He is still going to go to Green Bay. He just got out of the housing and will commute with his best friend. I think it was that his ex-girlfriends sisters friends were going to be his roommates that was the biggest problem, lol.
Yes I wanted to talk with you too!! But, you were wrapped up in conversation with another lady. So, well maybe next time.
From what I saw there, it seems Dustins injury is far worse than most. His arm is limp at his side when standing. He can move it when he is laying on his side. I am sure you are right it is time. We are just not used to how long it can be. We're thinking 11 mos is a long time and look how you have all had it since birth. But seeing what you are able to do really gives me hope.
Thanks, Sue

Sue,
I will have to see if my roommate and I can make a trip down if you come up to Minneapolis. Thats only about 2 hours from Duluth I think, maybe a little more. I wont know until closer to the date.

I think All of us there were OBPI and have all had a lot of time to recover. Dustil will need time, I know 11 months seems like forever with such a huge change but really it is only a shrort time. His body needs time to heal from that trauma. i am sure he will get there. If he has goals, he can acheive them but it wont be easy. My OT tells me every time I say some thing is hard that she wouldnt have me doing it if it was easy. Thats so true! Its going to take a lot of time and even more hard work but Dustin can do any thing he puts his mind to, some things might just be different than before.

There is always hope! As long as you have hope great things can be accomplished!
Hugs,
Amy