United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Today Matthew is one year old. This time last year we were not sure if he was going to make it through the night and here we are a year later!!!! Wow what a year.
For the new people posting, I'm Cindy mom to Melanie (2 1/2) and Matthew (1) both robpi. Melanie recovered around six weeks and Matthew is still traveling that road. He has had primary surgery and has pt/ot/acupuncture (great results seen from that)/chiropractic with reiki energy (also good results seen as well).
Cindy

Happy Birthday Big Hugs and Kisses from me and Thomas

Happy Birthday Matthew!! Hope you had a great day celebrating. We want to see pictures of you smooshing your cake!!

Happy, happy birthday Matthew! I swear Melanie and Matthew are two of the cutest kids I have ever seen! Hope all four of you had a wonderful day!

We all had a great day. Thanks!!!
Cindy

As soon as I get some pictures I'll send them.

Happy Birthday!!! Can you discuss more about the acupuncture? Lisa Myers(Abrielle's mom)

Sure, I'm not sure what you want to know but I'll give you a general overview of our experience.
Matthew was about 4 months old when we started. He had no movement at all. His right arm was colder than the left. After the first treatment his arms were the same temp. Then after a couple of sessions he started getting some finger/wrist movement. By the time his surgery came around he was moving all of fingers and wrist. Then when he had the surgery the surgeons were "baffled" (the word they used) about his recovery to date. In clinic the day before they said C7&8 were fine maybe a little damage b/c Matthew couldn't extend his middle finger all the way. The next day during surgery when the doc came out they said Matthew had a rupture at C5 which had one of the largest growths of a neuroma they have ever seen. C6 was avulsed (acupuncture can't help that) C7&8 - they said he should not be able to move his wrist and fingers at all based on the size of the neuroma.
About 5 1/2 months Post op - Matthew has had really good return to date. He can get his arm up 90*, has about 30* of bicep movement and can bare weight. His acupuncturist uses a combination of needles, energy, and herbal treatments. We have used a sesame ginger oil that helps keep his arm loose. If you have any other questions that I didn't cover please let me know.
Cindy

Happy Birthday to Matthew!!!
He sounds like your little Angel baby!
Best wishes,
Krista