United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

OK, so I have my appt. to get EMG, MRI,(mon) then see the BPI Doctors on 21st tuesday @ 1:00. My partner is going with me, we fly, I'm still wheelchair bound and alittle anxious about how it'll all go traveling. The big question is How likely IF they want to do surgery will they schedule it right away? I'm 5 months from accident when there, but that is Thanksgiving week. I know I'd have to make the trip again, but I don't think they can just add a surgery in like that, do they? the vote is split here at home. What do you guys think will happen?

Hey Kaz... I will be at Mayo on the 21st as well!! I see the doctors at 1030 am on the 21st and surgery on the 22nd! I have heard of people staying on for surgery but I can not gaurentee that they will do this. I would call there and ask!

Where are you from again? I havent been around much. Maybe we can chat a bit while there... where are you staying?

Courtney (26-TBPI 5.5 years)

Dustin had his EMG, MRI and consultation 2 days in March. He was 3 mo post accident. Then they scheduled a follow up EMG and consultation for May. With a possible surgery date the following day in May. This was 6 mo post accident. So being as your timing is different it's hard to say but, I tend to agree that they are so busy they may need to set another time. But if it is nerve grafts I know they like to be within 6 mo.
Sue

Forgot to mention, many of the Hotels in Rochester are attached to Mayo by an underground walkway that u will be able to use the wheelchair in. May help u to be sure you are staying in one of these. We used the Kahler Inn and suites as Dustin was very unsteady and slow on his feet when we went the first 2 times. I think I did have to push him back in a wheelchair once. His first EMG was 2 or 3 Hrs. They are very thurough.
GOOD LUCK!!!

Melanie had her accident in Nov. 2005 and had her first Mayo appt. on April 24th, 2006 where they did an EMG, CT Scan, Myelogram, MRI'S, and an Arteriogram. They did surgery on May 7th. They told us they don't like the injury to get any older than 6 months before they do any nerve transfers. She also had the gracilis transfer at the same time. They were very accommodating seeing as we also had to fly in from PA. Hopefully they can do the same for you. It's very expensive to keep flying back and forth.

Thank you all for your thoughts and info. I'm from the upper peninsula of Michigan. We're staying at Solderfield Best western cuz of the w/c shuttle pick-up from the airport and to the hospital. It will also be my first night in a nonhospital bed, I've had one in my living room since mid July when they wanted me to go to a nursing home. Oh & my first shower in 5months as long as the shower looks like I can handle it. Woowho the things we appreciate now!

I'm reading your message about the gracilis muscle surgery...how was it? My daughter is having it next week and I'm just wondering about all of it. She's really looking forward to getting it done, get over the pain and being abled to start using it....

Shelley

Shelley,
I really don't know the whole extent of what your daughter is going to have done, but Mel had many nerve transfers along with the gracilis transfer. She was 20 when she had it done and I think the biggest issue for her was the "patch" of skin that they also transfer from the inner thigh area to the shoulder area. She didn't and still doesn't really like the looks of it but I don't think it looks that bad. The doctors say she can have it taken off after 1 year approximately. The pain didn't seem too bad for her except for the drains coming out. Her incisions healed up nicely. We are really in the early stages (she had it done in May) and she is just beginning to get movement. It's very exciting but a very slow process. I sure hope everything goes well for your daughter. Sue

hx for the info. She's having the gracilis transfer on the 22. We're flying out Monday. Did you guys have the drains out and whatever done before you left the hospital or the hotel? How did they "do" the leg for travel home? I'm just curious. I've got good seats on the plane and told them we'd need a wheel chair...just interested in it. Also, when you were discharged, were you able to go straight home or stay there for a few days and see the dr before you left town? Thx for the info...am interested in the procedure of things....Shelley

Sue... Shelley is my mom! How cute!! She is always gethering info foe me as Im so excited I dont think about all of these things! hehe I know it is not going to be a "fun" ride but Im ready!!

Mom- Sue is Melanies mom, Melanie hwo dad and I met at Mayo in April!

Thanks Sue! Ill call Mel from the hossie I am sure!