United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am curious if any of the mother's have sustained injuries and what kind. My son, Joseph, was 10lbs 11oz at birth and became stuck on my pubic symphysis, the cartilage between the hip bones in the front, the dr.s pulled on his little head so hard that instead of Joseph's shoulder becoming unstuck my pubic symphasis separated. An x-ray was done only because my husband demanded it be done. It only took them 4 days and one panic attack while trying to get back in bed to see I really needed one. The X-ray revealed that my pubic symphasis seperated 2 full inches. I couldn't walk without the assistance of a walker for at least two weeks, was in excruciating pain anytime a sat too long, laid down too long, and forget about laying on my side. I couldn't pick up my children for three weeks. Here it is eight months later, after 3 months of PT, and I am still having trouble with balance, leg weekness and I can even feel my pubic symphasis seperate with certain movements. Anybody else have this issue?
Breonna
Mother of Joseph, 8 m, LOBPI

I'm sorry to hear of not only your childs injury but yours aswell!!!I can't say that I had any injuries except that they had a hard time getting my bleeding under control,but I think thats fairly normal......I hope that you will not have to suffer with this much longer!
Dawn

I was not injured, however, know of someone who was severly injured as well as her child. She had to undergo 12 hours of recontructive surgery to get her back in "SHAPE" it was truly aweful. And then they tried to use that against her in her trial for her son and herself. Needless to say she won both hands down, but they put her through HELL !!!

Isn't it awful that we look forward to the warm and fuzzy moment when our lovely cherub takes their first breath and it turns into a completely awful experience?

I wasn't injured at all to the extent you were and I'm praying you heal quickly. I had to undergo surgery to repair the fourth degree laceration the delivery caused. That was almost twelve years ago and all is well so far.

Prayers and well wishes coming your way!
Keri

When I gave birth to Jamie I received a 4th degree tear to the extent that my vaginal opening and my anal opening was a single hole ( A know a little graphic and TMI). I received well over 100 stitches the doctor actually lost count after 100. I still have problems with holding my urine. I also have a visable scar on my perineal(SP?) area.

Amanda (mom to JamieMarie 25 months old ROBPI)

Hi, Breonna,

I had a pubic symphasis separation with Lexi's birth. Severe pain, inability to walk - exactly the symptoms you are dealing with. About a year, I think, was when I finally felt like I was healed. Unforunately, I then got pregnant again! I experienced the same pain toward the end of that pregnancy as the baby got lower in my pelvis - more therapy for months after delivery. Third child - same story. As gloomy as this sounds, my third child is now two, and I am recovered. At least almost. Any time I trip and come down hard with one foot, I have similar symptoms. Any time I am over tired or work too hard, I have pelvic and hip and lower back pain. I think it will always be a "weak spot". But it definately does get better. Email me if you have any other questions. I did have a few other issues that I feel are a little too personal to discuss here!

Amy Clark
Lexi's mom ROBPI 5 yrs.

Injuires to the mom are very common but sadly under reported. It is rare that when I meet with new clients the mother will talk about her injuries. Usually, well into the case, the mother will take me aside and quietly tell me about her injuries. Even then, the mothers often tell me not to pursue a claim on their behalf.There are many reasons for this, some mothers do not want to take the emphasis away from thier child's case, some Mom's are too embarrased to talk about incontinence or sexual issues.

I urge all of the mothers to talk to their lawyers about the injuries they suffered. The injuires are real, often permanent and need to be addressed in the case. It will not take anything away from your child's case. To the contrary, it often will enhance the case.
All of the damage caused by a physicians medical negligence should be dealt with. I know it can be hard and often embarrasing, but there is no reason or need to suffer in silence.

Ken Levine
Klevine@Klevinelaw.com
www.Klevinelaw.com

Hi,
I am Angela the mother of 3 adult children. It was my third born 10 pounds 8 ounces with severe Left OBPI (now 23). My second was 9 pounds 2 ounces (now 24). My first was 7 pounds 11 ounces(now 26).

I didn't then realize just how injured I was. Hurt like *&*%$* for 8 weeks following the birth. I have a rectocele.
I had my children when I was age 28, 30 & 31. At age 40 I noticed on occassion a problem........then by age 50 it affects my daily living.
And of course I am older than that now.

Three years ago my cousin at age 60 had a similar repair, and it failed after 2 years. She told me how long and painful the healing time was. I said I know, I still haven't forgotten the PAIN from over 20 YEARS ago. So now I am concerned about having it repaired and going through all that pain again, for only 2 GOOD years, then back to the same difficulties.

I had never heard of such an injury and did not know enough to even realize, I had one at the time. BESIDES, I was busy with babies....3 of them. By the time I went back to my doctor for my 8 week check up I was beginning to feel better. And my husband SHAMED me, and was useless, and worse. THANK GOD, I divorced him when the children were in Jr. High.

And Ken..........I didn't sue. Wish I had....but I was just too busy to add one more thing. It took everything I had to BEG the Doctors, and then O.T.'s and P.T.'s to help us, my daughter was injured so badly. I/SHE won, they were wrong, and she has functional use. The medical people eventually treated me with respect and we worked as a team, by the time Jill was age 5ish.
As she got older, she was discouraged about her BPI issue and cried and said she wished I had sued too. It has been a long road, but WE, my 3 daughters and I are all STRONG successful women, and go forward with beauty and pride.

THANK YOU,Ken. This IS valuable information to all Mom's and Dad's persuing legal suits.
Eventually!(grrrr) we do hear the important stuff!...but that is the importance of us sharing information, even the "sensitive" stuff that happens to us.

I'll get off my Soapbox now..

HUGS Heal,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI/68

Amy,
I'm not sure if this will go on the message board or to your email, but I am wondering what other issues you had regarding pelvic symphasis seperation.
Breonna.