United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

It's a slow and tedious process, but the bicep tendon lengthening surgery is working. I just hit my half way mark with my arm in a cast. 5 more weeks to go!

My arm had about a 35(ish) degree contracture and now measures about 17 degrees. Passively, my OT can stretch it to at least 10 degrees, but my joint still springs back.

But anyway it's exciting! It's funny, because now that my arm is straighter and has to stay in a cast... it's harder to do the things that arm was always good at. i.e. buttening pants, doing my hair (right now it's all about hats and headbands), and even drinking out of a cup. My left hand has had to take over during this period. Guess it just makes me grateful for the function I have had in my right arm.

Quite the adventure.. and as you can imagine, I'm educating dozens of people on brachial plexus injuries. Lots o' fun!

Have a great day everyone!!

-Staci McKay (26)
SLC
ROBPI

Staci,

That is great news. Hope it only continues to get better.

I was amazed at how quickly I adjusted to having new function after my surgery. Things I had never been able to do became second nature.

Keep on educating people!

Nancy Birk
UBPN President

That is GREAT news!! I noticed too when my OBPI arm was in its splint how much I missed my arm. It may not do much, but it was sure missed when it was gone!

Great news Staci! You are an inspiration especially in "endurance" of the Casting Period.
You GO, Girl!! Keep on educating people. Maybe WE..BPI FAMILY...will be the ones to eradicate this BIRTH INJURY thru education and spreading Awareness visually when in casts!

HUGS!,
Carolyn J

Staci,
Thats awesome! I am glad that you are getting results from your surgery and as for the cast, I think you are amazing! I only had one fort 4 weeks last year and thatwas definitely enough, I missed my hand so much. Its doesnt do a whole lot but when you cant use it at all, that makes a huge difference.

I hope you keep seeing awesome results!!!
Good Luck,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Staci
This is amazing! I am so happy to hear the good news.
Kath robpi/adult

Congratulations, Stacy! Keep on improving!

I echo Amy's post. Years ago I had tendon transfer surgery on my BPI arm to correct a droop wrist. The cast was on for four weeks. It was a plaster cast, so my arm was totally immobile from just above my elbow, all the way to my fingertips. Boy, did I miss the small amount of use I had from that arm!

Joanie