United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am compiling life success stories of people with brachial plexus injuries. I'd like to hear of any interesting careers, hobbies, activities that anyone does for some research I am doing. I think I saw a post once about waterskiing? Please share and tell me what you do that might be an inspiration/model for others. Everyone has talents- I'd like to hear yours.
Thanks for sharing,
Carrie

Carrie,

I think this is a great idea but I'd like to know more about your research and its purpose before I encourage people to respond and participate in your study. Can you tell us why you are conducting this research and if it is going to be published or used in any way?

Thanks much,
Nancy Birk
UBPN President

Carrie, I would be happy to share but I too would like a little more info first. Thanks and I hope that we will be able to help you.
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Me too!
Marieke

me too!

Kath robpi/adult

Hi Everyone,

I work for Cincinnati Children's Brachial Plexus Center and have considered the idea of creating a children's book for kids with brachial plexus injuries. I am not sure what format it would be- a fictional story or something based on real people.

At this point I am interested in hearing stories from people of all ages to learn more about what it is like to live with brachial plexus injuries. As I learn more, I will have a better vision in my mind about what I what to turn this into. I would not use anything shared on this website without permission from UBPN and the indivuals sharing and at this point it is more background research. I would like to ultimately create something positive to inspire children and demonstrate to families that you can live a dynamic life no matter what challenges you face.

I hope this is enough information. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks,
Carrie

Carrigan,
I do have a question. What Profession are you in? Any Reasearch I share in, I need to know this background information first.
Thank You. I am a Cautious "Young Lady" of 68 years!
Carolyn J
LOBPI


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

Carrie:

My daughter had her tendon lengthening surgery at CCMC last November. If you want active kid (age 10) stories, let me know and we'd be glad to share her's!!

Best of luck,
Keri

I guess thats enough info for me for now. I think it would be great to have a book for younger kids or tbpi about what is possible to accomplish. Life is not over after bpi it just gets more interesting.

As for success stories well, I live for softball! I do not have enough use of my right arm to catch or throw so I do both left handed. It was tricky at first but now its so simple for me.

At age 17 I learned/gained enough strength to put my own hair up into a pony tail.

I tried water skiing this summer and almost got up but pulled a muscle in my left arm and decided to wait for next summer to try again. Next summer I plan to adapt my pull rope so I will be able to ski.

I have tried climbing a rock wall and so far have only gotten about three feet off the ground but hey you have to start some where. I plan to tackle that wall I hope by next summer but if not in 4 years by the time I finish college.

Swimming is also very possible with out full use of an arm. I can swim pretty well while racing my sibling or a friend. I even beat my cousin once in a race

Right now I am in college to become an OT. That will be a great accomplishment but I still have a few years for that one.

I hope you get lots of info and stories. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Also feel free to check out my website on brachial plexus injuries. It has a full version of "my story" with my successes and trials. www.freewebs.com/bpimn

Good Luck!
Amy 19 years old ROBPI from MN

Carolyn,

I don't blame you for being cautious, I am the same way. As far as my profession, I have a background in English Literature and am working towards a masters degree in biomedical writing. I have also written and directed children's plays. I work as the administrative coordinator and do writing for Cincinnati Children's Brachial Plexus Center.

I would love to hear your story. To get all different ages would really add a dynamic dimension to this.

Thank you for your interest. I hope to hear from you soon.

Carrie