United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

A lot of my friends love country and latin dancing. They get so excited about going and all I do is hurt inside... especially when they insist I go even when they know about my arm.

It looks so fun... if only I could raise my arm over my head. I hate to be the party pooper so sometimes I tough it out and go- then when I'm dancing I tell guys I hurt my shoulder in some sort of accident. Usually they're all pretty cool about it.. and dance with me anyway.. but I'm still so self conscious the whole time.

Anyway.. I'm just venting a bit. Right now I'm still in a cast from the bicep tendon surgery. My friends are going dancing on Saturday night- so maybe I'll just go and be entertained from the sidelines. Then hopefully in 7 weeks... or so... my arm will be ready for the challenge.. I hope I'll work my butt off until I get there.

Have a good weekend everyone...

Staci (26)- SLC
ROBPI

Go. The point isn't to dance well, the point is to dance. If you love it then do it. I know it is hard to not be self conscious about your arm, but the more you do it, the easier it will get. You can't let your arm stop you from enjoying and living life.

38 lobpi
MN

Staci

When I was young the only thing you could do was go to local dances.
I would hate to think how lonely my life would have been if I had backed away from going because of my arm.

I can't put my arm up over my head but I danced all the time.

Go to the dance socialize and have fun.
Dances are really more about socializing then the actual dance unless your in a completion.

Enjoy yourself and your friends.

Kath robi/adult

Staci,
When I was young & single--"long ago",LOL--I loved to dance & didn't let anything stop me even when my Left BPI ankle could lock up anytime on me.

Staci, you'd be surprised that NOBOBY is really looking at you that closely...I found that out, soo I really danced my 20's away big time.
HUGS,
Carolyn J
LOBPI, age 68 & proud of it!

Staci, I totally understand how you feel. With the dances these days I hate to go because I cant raise my arm up either. I try so hard not to be self concious about my arm but fdancing is the one maor thing that still really gets to me. I hardly go to dances at school, I would rather do some homework or something that does not put me in that totally uncomfortable situation.

I hope that your surgery will let you achieve your goal of reaching above your head so you can dance your heart out and not be self concious!

Good luck,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Staci,

Life is too short not to do the things you want to do/love to do.

Even if you can't raise up your arm, do the rest of the dance; or raise it up with your other hand (my daughter does this sometimes).

The best thing you can do to is to be comfortable with who you are, BPI and all. If you comfortable and at ease, then those around you will be too.

I say get out there and dance, cast and all!

Peggy

I always have to laugh at myself when I go to a concert; everyone has both of their arms up in the air and I'm always cockeyed with one arm up and the other half up. I doubt anyone really notices although it is us just being self conscious of ourselves. Just don't do any wild swinging jitterbug moves!!
Good luck to you and as the song goes..."I hope you dance!!!"

Hey Rachel
You dance just like I do... one arm up and the other midline.
I love the song Shout... but when it gets to the part where you throw your arms up and shout... I throw one arm up... LOL... no one notices but us...
Kath robpi/adult

*L* Oh Kath,
you sure do make me laugh. I do the same thing what on earth else do we do right? I guess at least we have our legs to move our bodies at least. *S*
I hope all is well.

Staci,
Have you danced yet?? Let us know when you try it,OK?? You must try it!! It IS so joyful when you've risked to do something new...

HUGS,
Carolyn J


Message was edited by: Carolyn J