United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Dustin is supposed to be heading to college the end of the month. Now he is getting very nervous and asking how we can be sure he will be able to go. He isn't sure his brain has healed enough. I think he should be ok, just may have to do things different than before. He may actually have to study. He wants to change to a college near here and stay home. I am starting to think that may be a good idea as I am afraid he won't work out his arm and we will miss swimming with the hospital therapists. We have put OT on hold as our insurance pays a limited amount each year but he and I work his arm here at home and they let us go swimming when they have the pool rented. He can pick up 8 lbs when in an out of gravity position (laying on his side with a low table supporting his arm). I think we are getting close to being able to pick it up and don't want to lose the hard work he has put in so far. His bicept is stronger but they think we need the shoulder more stable so we are working on that at this time also.
He is also wondering about a lap-top. Do you all use lap-tops at college? He has a mini recorder for notes. I also understand that some professors put the notes on line?
Sue

Sounds like he is getting cold feet! I would suggest he still go away to college, try it for one semester, IF it is too much/too far/misses too much PT... then come home and transfer.

I got transverse myelitis 2 yrs ago, (paralyzed from the chest down) and decided to go back to school a yr ago. I wasn't sure my brain was ready either. I am still on a lot of medication, some of which can affect concentration. BUT, I am making it work. I study a lot, yes, but I also make sure that I get enough sleep (or at least my min. needed to function). I no longer have PT, but my school has a nice gym. Does Dustin's college have a pool? Many of them do and there are usually open pool hours for students. My other college did. I miss the pool!

As far as laptops go, YES, I have one, make my life in school much easier. These days most professors post lecture notes online or added material. I much prefer having my laptop than to having to go the library or computer rooms to download the notes.

And the laptop means I can go just about anywhere to work.

Good luck,
Any other questions and I am sure Amy or I can answer.
I have also started a blog, it has pics too... take a look.
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com/

Marieke (LOBPI)

Sue,
Is Dustin a freshman this year? I cant remember. Here is something to check out, at Dustin's college that he is currently signed up for do they have a PT/OT program, mine does and they allow me to have a second year grad student and one of the OT's work with me for an hour once a week. It is great since I am away from home and not able to see my regular OT all the time. I know many people are not comfortable with a new OT/PT but I think sometimes they are almost better because they are so willing to learn. My student from last year still emails me for updates. And as an added bonus they all get a bit of bpi experience. Also a lot of college therapy programs are not billed through insurances so you don't have to worry about that. They may charge a small fee but its nothing compared to what is normally charged. (mine was $110 total for first semester and free for second semester last year.)

I would encourage him to follow his dreams. Although he very much needs the therapy it can not be the main focus of his life. He is so young and can do any thing he sets his mind to, I know he can! If his dreams bring him back home to a local college then that's what is supposed to happen. But I would not encourage him to come back home just for therapy.

College is different than high school anyway, I thought since high school came so easy I would not have to study as much but I sure found out that was a wrong idea and started to study a lot more. I actually have to work for my grades now.

I didn't get a lap top last year because I thought it would be too hard to type on because the keyboard is smaller but I kinda want one now just because when I do come home it would be a lot easier to do my homework. Its really a choice he needs to make. I did end up getting a lap top for my birthday that is ancient but I can type papers on it so that's really all I need and it is a bit harder to type on because I am not used to that size keyboard but I am getting used to it and I like how easy it is to take with me. But for now I still have my desk top computer for my room at college and I use that most of the time. You can get by with out a computer but I like the convenience of having my own in my room.

I wish him the best this year!
Hugs,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Dustin did start as a freshman last year. His accident was 11/2 so we ended up withdrawing him. So, yes he will start as a freshman again this year. But he had 32 AP college credits from high school which means after the 1st semester he will be a junior. He had started at Stevens Point but was transferring to Green Bay which is where he was planning on starting this year. But now he talks of Oshkosh. Partly because he plans to be a Dr and oshkosh has a good nursing school which is a good way to become a Dr. At Green Bay he plans to start with a biology major and economics minor. The Economics guy asked him to sign up since he had 6 college credits in Economics already. So we'll see I am not pushing either way, I want it to be his decision. I think part of the change may be that he recently broke up with his girlfriend and she is going to GB. Also he is signed up for an on campass apartment with 3 of her sisters friends. That may be the real reason, lol
He does have a desk top computer, but I was just wondering if there was enough of a reason that he would also need a lap top. I'm thinking he'll be fine for now.
Sue

Best advice I can give to any new BPI is try and live your life as if you dont have the injury (allthough it can be very hard). If you dont mind me asking what medication is he taking? At the end of the day if he finds it too dificult at school he can always withdraw and i'm sure the college would let him do so without acidemic penalty (since he has a good reason). Hope my advice provides some help.

Andrew (20) RTBPI (4 years post accident)

Sue, if he ever does go in for nursing on his way to an MD, tell him I can help him out! LOL. I am going to start my 2nd yr of nursing school in 9 days...!
You and he can follow along with my life as a nursing student if you like.
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com/
Marieke

Thanks Marieke!!
Andrew we are so lucky he has no pain. Hasn't been on any meds for several months. He does get tired and really needs to make sure he has enough sleep.
Sue

marieke,

What type of BPI do you have just out of curiosity? And how much use do you have?

Thanks,
Andrew

Hi Andrew,
I am LOBPI. I have full hand function, but my active shoulder movement is limited. I don't have much active external rotation either. Passively I have full ROM.
I also have Transverse Myelitis, which is why I walk with a cane and a leg brace.
I take a multitude of medication (which makes me sleepy and lowers my BP). So school can be a real challenge at times.
Take a look at my blog, I have more info there, as well as links to TM info.
Marieke
I don't mind answering questions BTW!

Sue, I think the roommate thing might be playing a huge part in Dustin's wanting to switch. College can be hard with bpi mostly because you are in a new place with new people who dont know what a bpi is. I found my freshman year harder than all my k-12 combined mostly because I never went a day with out someone asking what happened to my hand (I had surgery on my hand last summer and recovery was a bit slower than I anticipated and I ended up having to wear a splint on my hand the entire year.)

What kind of Dr. does Dustin want to be? I think thats so awesome! I always wanted to be a Dr. when I was younger but now I have found OT and I love it! I am only a sophmore this year so I have a few more years but I think this is definitely the right career for me. if the next 4 years go as fast as last year then I will have a degree in no time.

If Dustin ever wants to he can email me hope16_05@hotmail.com Tell him I say good luck!

Hugs,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Out of curiosity Sue, will you and Dustin be going to the bpi gathering in the Dells? It would be awesome to meet up with you both if you are. I am getting my mom to come with me and am so excited to go.