United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I know I already asked this question and I know it is different for each person, but did the pain come after surgery and stay forever or a really long time? My son who is 3 has his surgery coming up, and I am wondering if I am going to condemn him to a life of pain? On the other hand if we can restore some function that would be good right? only is it going to happen and then he has a lifetime of pain. I read on this website about the milograms and now I am worried about him having that as well, did anyone have one and was it good or bad, a lot of side effects? Thanks for any input. TK

TK,
My neuropathic pain kicked in at about 4-6 weeks post injury. My surgery was at 4 months post injury. I'm now 4 years post injury. It is my understanding, from loads of research on the subject, that return of function that comes from surgery can effectively reduce pain and even eliminate it. I still have significant neuropathic pain, but it has gotten better, especially over the last 6-8 months, and I've been medication free for just over a year now.

I also had a Myelogram (I recommend doing a search for previous discussions on this site) and believe it was the best diagnostic tool, beside exploratory surgery, in determining the actual damage done. No side effects for me, maybe a very slight headache.

I understand your apprehensions towards the onslaught of directions this kind of injury leads one to, but you're doing the right thing, asking questions. Ask away.

Best of Luck,
Chris

a few links for you...
http://www.umm.edu/radiology/myelog.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tuto ... /index.htm

http://ubpn.org/messageboard/search!exe ... nkBy=10001

Thank you so much Chris. I just don't know what to do, I mean Masen will have the surgery because I believe that is better than doing nothing but it pains me to think of his childhood being filled with pain. Thank you for the websites, I will look at them. TK

Hi TK,

From everything I've read, the younger the person who has a bpi injury, the more they are able to "adapt" in every way, including pain. I think my son John was mentioned to you in another thread - he was 15 when he had his injury, in excruciating pain & on megadoses of three pain meds - and is now off all pain meds. This is partly from the movement he's gotten as a result of surgery (and he had full avulsion so would have been completely paralyzed were it not for the surgery.) It's also from coping techniques he's learned over the years (staying busy, getting enough rest, etc.) John's injury was over 4 years ago & he can't really remember what it was like to have full use of both arms - his life at this point "feels" normal to him.

Hope this helps. Say 'hey' to the guys at Mayo for us!

Ellen

Thank you ellen, I am sure Masen has no memory now or will ever of using or having two working arms. He will of course know what happened to him at some point. right now he thinks the doctor gave him his owie on his head and therapy and doctors are just part of his life now. I hope that since he is so young he will adapt ok. It is so hard going through all this and doubly so for Masen. I can't stand the thought of his little body being all cut up, but to have some function in his arm is better than not having any use. Thanks TK