United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Alannah has had fever and slight GI upset. She complains that her "surgery arm" hurts. Does tylenol or ibuprofen help with this pain? Does it go away on its own. Thanks - Camille B,grandma

With my child, when the arm hurts we know that some sort of sickness is on the way. It's a barometer and actually I'm thankful in a way because usually we can head off a possible big thing by doing the "right things" immediately (sleep, vitamins, healthy food, etc.)

When I used to get scared or really nervous (like before an exam/test/appointment with doctor/dentist) my arm would hurt too.
Marieke

I am so confused.
The DR and the PT told me she doesn't have pain from this type of injury.
Does it only occur as one grows older?
If shes screaming when the PT is raising her arm up and stretching is it really hurting her and not just a "tight" feeling like the PT says it is?
I DON'T want to rush my last baby to grow up but this makes me really wish she could talk!

Thanks to everyone for the help!

Amy & Family

Nerve injury can produce pain. I have pain when my arm is touched too hard or I bang it, it hurts more than if I would have banged the other arm.
I am not sure why they said that this type of injury doesn't produce pain, many of us on the board feel pain, to varying degrees. Also what brings pain on differs for us all.
I also have a more recent spinal cord injury (nerves are damaged) and I feel pain from that. It is a nerve injury too, and pain is felt...
I would suggest you ask them to clarify what they mean by no pain and why they say that. If you have to give examples from us, those of us who can vocalize and say YES WE FEEL PAIN FROM THIS INJURY!
Marieke

Yesss, we have pain due to nerve damage and growing/healing in weird ways.Crying is a baby's way to tell you it hurts. Ignored, it hurts more..aspirin or tylenol helps.
HUgs,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI, age 68

My daughter had pain up until she had her primary nerve grafting. I know it for sure because she was really a different child afterwards, much happier. But she has had many bouts of pain since and you can tell. Her face gets white. Her shoulder and elbow almost always hurt now.

Jody just got over a viral sickness(hand foot and mouth) and while he had a fever his Right arm was killing him. He cried for about 3 days straight. The only thing that helped him was a warm towel- i put it in the dryer for a few minutes. his elbow always hurts during cold and rain.

marlyn mom to jody 2

My arm is more sensitive when I am sick.
I have more pain if I am overtired.

Kath adult/robpi

My son always gets what he calls "electric shocks" in his arm with a fever. As one person said above, it's a barometer, and often my first clue that he's coming down with something. He says it "shocks" him about once every minute or so, and he flinches with each one. He's 10 by the way. If I give him advil or tylenol and the fever comes down, the shocks stop. I've heard from a number of people that they have something similar.