United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I'm having problems keeping Frankie motivated doing his therapy its getting boring for him and to boot the OT wants him to sleep in his splint at least one night a week (boy did that go over big) I think its because the last doctor we saw said that what recovery and gains that he has now from the the mod quad is about all he will get. He didn't think Frankie would ever get his arm past 90% and the deltiods won't be kicking in (SO he says) Anyone whose had mod quad how long were you still seeing gains and any ideas for home exercises that will be more fun then The (TES) and stretching. His OT does cool stuff at OT but I don't have all the expensive toys.
have a Great Day Everyone Mare

Hey Mare,
tell Frankie that gains can happen at any time!!! He just has to find something that he likes to do that he has to keep doing his therapy to be able to do it. Like for me, I love that I can do my hair now but if I dont keep up with my therapy I lose the ability to do my hair.

Can you find simple cheaper versions of the "toy" Frankie's OT uses with him. Or if you have insurance they might cover some of the stuff?

Good luck!
Amy

Hi Amy
I bought some of the stuff like I got the giant ball, a skate board for him to lay on the ground and push up and back a plastic bat now he doesn't use them any more. Being 14 its had to find things he wants to play with other then ipods a video games I was even thinking about buying him the WEEE new interactive video game $400 not including the games. Mare

I'm confused as to how sleeping in a splint only one night a week is supposed to help? How did the therapist explain this? It seems to me along the line of me telling myself that exercising one day a week is going to help...not really in the grand scheme of things though. I'm confused.

Tanya in NY
Amber's Mom, ROBPI, 4 years old

She's hoping to keep him from getting tight in between therapy he goes Tue Wed and Thur the rest of the week we do ROM, Exercises and Umpi but the real stretching I can't do because his elbow is dislocated and his shoulder pops at the clavicle so Dr Nath felt it best if only the OT does that for now. Frankie wore the splint for 4 months but never got past 110 degrees and he tightens up quickly only been splint free about 3 weeks.The OT is hoping to prevent this and in time get him to 120 degrees. We go to see Dr Kozin tomorrow and that is the 1st thing Frankie wants to ask him (if he really has to wear the splint EVER again) Frankie was really upset when she ask him to wear it 2-3 times a week and he agreed to one night only, she said she would take what she could get. I try to do what she asks since she works with alot of older kids with BPI just after surgery and keeps in close contact with all the doctors. As to if its helping or not I feel it can't hurt and I'd rather do it then have him contract again. I'll let you know what Dr Kozin says. Mare