United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Guys! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I've been pretty tired. Trying to get used to a new shift. I started a new job - Bartending - at a local bar - it's like 2 minutes from my house - and I work from 6pm-3am - which gives me the day to do therapy-doctor's appts- and whatever else comes up. Canceled day care - now I'm saving $700 a month. No more worries about who's going to watch Darian when she has a day off from school - and when Cassidy gets sick no more worries over taking the day off to keep her home from day care.

Cassidy - 2 more weeks in airplane splint. I'm terrified at how it's going to go taking her out of it! She's coming out in Aqua Therapy so hopefully that will help. But I tell you - during bathtime - which I have figured out is easier if I do on my own with no ones help - she cooperates more and it takes much less time than when I have Daddy or Grama help! I've slipped a time or two (scared the crap out of me) but when I did - her arm didn't move! Not an inch. It's like the shoulder is frozen! So I'm now scared to death at how much pain she's going to be in when they bring that arm down! It's almost like being in the splint is easier because you know it doesn't hurt! But - I know it has to come out! Yuck!

Darian - OT is going well! They casted her for 1 week and when they took her out she already gained almost 10 degrees! WOW! Then they casted her again for 24 hours and when we went back they cut it in two and made it into a splint - now I put it back on her when she comes home from school and wrap coban around it - looks just like a cast again! Her OT is very excited about it - and says if she keeps doing so well she won't need therapy (other than at home) for very much longer.

Regarding her Bi-Polar disorder - how funny is that - I have two kids that are BPI and 1 who is BPD & BPI! What's with the BP diagnosis?????? My family must be prone to disorders involving the letters BP! LOL Trying to make light of it all!

OK - Bi-Polar with Darian - I took her off the Omegabrite supplements and within a week she started settling down - very little aggrivation - no more rages since - and seems to be almost stablized! Of course, this is all subject to change! But her mood swings are becoming more defined now - so if she's in manic mode (talking constantly-can't sit still-can't concentrate-easily angered/aggrivated, etc.) at least I know it's only going to last a couple days and then we'll at least have a couple days of repreve!

Jobs working out well - I'm tired as all get out - most of the time - but I'm sure I'll get used to 4 hours of sleep again (I just hope it's soon!)

Update more soon!

Hope everyone is doing well!

I don't know how you do it! I could never get by on 4 hours of sleep and then deal with a house and kids! You are an amazing woman!!

Anita you are crazy! I could never get by on 4 hours of sleep. I wish you lots of luck. Isn't it crazy what we sacrifies for our children? They are definately worth it though. Don't stress out to much about taking the brace off. For us this went much better than the Mod Quad. We did it a Aqua therapy and let her go at her own speed. To our amazement, when we were done she didn't want to put the splint back on. She held it out kinda of funny but didn't complain of pain. Before the first 8 weeks was up her arm seemed frozed too. I was really worried about it. After every bath I would stress about it to my husband. It loosened up pretty quickly though. (It took a good couple of weeks.) I tell everyone that the worst part of the whole Capsulodesis experience was the baths. I stressed my husband and myself out and we were always at each others throats the whole time!

We are glad to hear Darian is doing good. The casting sounds interesting. Email me if there are any other experiences of ours I can share with you to help relieve some of the stress.
Jodi
robnjodi@olypen.com

Jody,

How's Bailey doing? Sorry to hear she had to have caps too - too bad we weren't there at the same time!

Actually I have found that it's easier to give Cassidy a bath by myself. She cooperates more and I get in done in 1/2 the time - still leaving some playtime! Her Dad is really really paranoid and he just gets on my nerves when he helps . . . and my Mom just kinda gets in the way. The only person who helped that didn't do either is my best-friend Jennifer - but she has a new baby and isn't really available for every bathtime - so one day while the hubby was at work I decided I'd just figure it out as I went - and it worked. Been doing it that way ever since.

It's amazing how good you can feel on 4 hours of sleep. It just takes some getting used to! The first couple of weeks are kinda rough while your body adjusts - but I tell you - I slept for like 8 1/2 hours last night - and I felt worse - because I'm not used to that much sleep. Now I guess I'll have to stay up for 2 days to feel normal again! Ha Ha

Thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear that Bailey was kinda in the same spot and did well! Gives me hope for Cassidy.

If you get around to it - shoot me an email -we can chat one on one!

Thanks again,
Anita