United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Dustin is tired of the wait game. Been doing that for 17 mos. now and no functional movement in the bicep. Other area's have improved. They also said the deltoid was not kicking in. Any way, he scheduled a gracilis transfer for June 12 (19 mos post injury). Hoping to be able to bend the elbow up in gravity. That would make the arm useful even if he can't get it overhead. His hand has always been functional. Any words of wisdom or advice would be great. Also will probably bring little brother who is 8, so if you know of anything fun to do please let us know.
Sue

What success rate do they give Dustin for the gracilis transfer? They never actually did nerve grafting in him b4 right? it was the case of some emg signal in OR & they desided to let it try heal naturally?
It IS a VERY hard wait, hope this gives him more, how long will his wait be after this new surgery?

They didn't give us a success rate, but thought he would be able to bend at elbow in gravity. They said could take up to 2 yrs for full recovery. But, I have seen on this site where people have been able to after a few months. So hoping for the best. They did not do nerve grafting as all nerves were firing when they did the OR EMG. He can move out of gravity but just can't seem to get over the hump. He will be 19 mos post accident at surgery time. But now he feels all this work is not paying off. Hopefully after surgery we will see more improvement.

Kaz,
How is your recovery going? Think you had surgery there? Also the walking? Hope you're doing great. Any improvement after your surgery? Sorry don't remember the details, was it a nerve graft? I always watch for your posts, it reminds me so much of Dustins long journey in recovery. So many similarities in the injuries you 2 seem to have had.
Sue

Sue,
Melanie had the gracilis transfer along with the nerve transfers. She was moving her arm in 5 months! She is now, at 11 months, able to bend her elbow against gravity to a 90 degree angle. All 5 of her nerves were avulsed, but she's young (21) and healthy so that helps also. I'm sure Dustin will gain a lot with the transfer as he still has nerve function already! Good luck. Not too much going on in Rochester for an 8 year old except for the mall, the movies and things like that. Sue

I'm assuming you'll be there for about 6 or seven days...If your 8-year-old is driving you crazy and Dustin has a day's worth of DVD's to watch, you could take the little guy to Mall of America for a couple of hours of rides and junk food. But it is a one hour and 20 minute drive each way.

It's strange that Dustin had positive EMG's but no movement so far; Eric was kind of the opposite - nothing on the EMG's and then movement returned. I admire your and Dustin's patience; you have waited a ling time and worked hard. Let's hope the surgery gives him back the movement he needs.

What type of function is this surgery supose to give you? Frankies Ot suggested he go to mayo to see if there are any options for him. I have heard this is one of the toughest surgeries to go through wanted more info thanks Mare

I think the team at the Mayo is great. The gracilis is going to be used to get the elbow to bend in gravity. The bicep just hasn't recovered enough to do it.
Sue

Good luck to Dustin!! I certainly wish him better luck than I had... Mine was a fluke!! Im sure things will be great!!

Please say hi to Dr. Shin for me!!

Keep us posted!!!

Check out Care Pages there to keep people updated too, families tend to really enjoy that!!

COurtney

Sue,
It's slow on the walking, trying everyday with the platform walker to do more until I can get rid of it, my Quad & knee ligaments need tobe stronger. If it would stop snowing up here that would be nice. Yes, I had the nerve graft @ Mayo Jan.4th, so nothing new but it's early, they said 7,9,or 12months. I just keep ROM & any strengthing I can & prayer. and yes Dustin & I have alot of similiar injuries, except he has the advantage of those 20 years and a very dedicated Mom! oh my family is great, I'll be watching for the ideas for your 8yrld son since when we go for follow up this summer my 9yrld twins will come with. We're usually covered if there's a pool in the hotel:)
I'll be thinking & praying for a successful outcome for Dustin's next surgery. -kaz

Okay have the new date and this time we're going through with it. He has surgery scheduled for Aug 21. Would love to meet anyone that will be there.
Sue