United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi, I'm 13 years old. I suffered a brachial plexus injury when I was 2 years old in a MVA. I had some nerve drafts done when I was 4 but had no change. My right arm is paralyzed from shoulder to fingers with loss of feeling, except for my shoulder area. All that is being offered to me is muscles being removed from my legs to parts of my arm with no guaranty of results. Has anyone had this surgery? Also, my shoulder (clavicle and scapula) seem to be rising higher as time goes by. Did anyone suffer their injury similar to mine. Did your shoulder loose its shape. Did you do something to help it look and feel more relaxed. Thanks for taking time to read this.

Hey Chica! My name is Courtney, I am 26 and got my bpi from a car accident 5 1/2 years ago. I am in the process of scheduling surgery, where they take the gracilis muscle from the leg and put it in the arm. Where have you been to check into getting that? I am looking at Mayo in MN. Feel free to shoot me an email or whatnot... I can call you if you want to chat more... Im older but let me know! My shoulder is skinny... doent do much of anything either! haha Not sure about what can be done for this...

Courtney

courtney@ubpn.org

G'Day Lil' Champ,

My name is Jamie and I have a left BPI since 2003, I'm 31 and call my arm 'Jack'.

Jack shrunk a lot and my good arm has gotten bigger, I don't know any details but I have heard people talk about surgery to match up size but more for adults. I'm sure you understand that if they put anything in now while you are still growing they are going to have to keep removing the old on es and put in bigger ones to keep up with your growth.


I know you're pretty grown up for your age and will understand when I say it's probably best if you wait til' you're older before you have these kind of operations done.

You are an inspiration to us older peeps with BPI's

Chin up Always You Little Hero

Cheers From Jamie and Jack
Downunder Australia


Message was edited by: Jack1110

Hey Chica!
I know your injury is a bit different than mine in the fact that I was injutred at birth but anyway I wanted to comment on the shoulder rising higher issue. This is do to your compensation. What movements you have are probably coming from your upper trapezious muscle. Which is building that muscle up so it looks different.
You just have to concentrate like crazy to not use the muscle. I know its gonna be hard but it will be well worth it later. If you dont try to relax you might get some upper back pain from the tense muscles.

Good luck
Amy 19 years old ROBPI from MN