United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My daughter is almost seven needs assistance to wipe her bottom from the rear, especially after she poops. I can see that her non-BPI arm is used for balance, and that BPI arm cannot reach to make a rear wipe. I need your suggestions.

(By the way, she has had functional use of her BPI arm for a little more than a year as she is mod-quad post-op.)

BPI Mother

you said that the non bpi arm is used for balance? does this mean she is standing to wipe? might I suggest that you teach her a sitting method that way she is supported by the toilet seat and can then use her non bpi arm to wipe. Also - we use baby wipes - it makes it easier for my daughter.

Baby wipes are the answer. They now even have flushable wipes for kids in the toilet paper Aisle....I never run out of them....GAYLE

Suvi has wiped herself for over two years now. At least. First she had problems with her balance, because she always nearly fell of the toilet seat when she tried to wipe.

I just now asked her to show me how she does it and she stands up a little bit and does not use her left arm at all.

So maybe the main problem here is the balance?

same problem here, six and a half, ROBI. Balance is the big issue!

Our daughter also had trouble. We use the wet flushble wipes as well as teaching her a way to sit on the potty. she can balance herself & hold herself up leaning on her affected arm. depending on severity of injury this may not work for you.

On this subject...What does the OT say??
I hope we all hear from one. It seems to me that this IS an essential Daily Life Activity that should be addressed by Occupational Therapy for all children with OBPI and TBPI as well. Just my "2 Cents"...
Hugs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI,68
ps...by college yrs, I figured it out!!...LOL

Same situation here, mine is 6 1/2 years old and just recently began wiping on his own, he gets better at it a little bit everyday. I agree that balance is an issue, I also think that pulling up pants, pull-ups, etc.. is part of it as well. Seems to me that when we mentioned those things to his OT, they really don't get into those specific areas and leave the potty problems for the parent to handle.