United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello all, long time with no posting for a good reason. Colleen has been doing well with her arm, but has been having other problems.

She is depressed and has been on medicine for over a year now. It breaks my heart to see her this way.

Colleen had an OBPI and had two different surgeries by Dr. Nath/Shenaq.

In addition, she has been complaining of pain in her shoulder. I have been dreading the day that would happen.

Have any of your older children dealt with depression? and what happened to the "Teen" board? I was going to send her there to post and in hopes of getting to know some other kids her age with BPI.

Donna

Hi,
Yes the teen years were tough... not just because of having an OBPI, but being a teen is just tough. I wasn't on meds, but almost was put on some when I was 13-14. Looking back, I think it would have been better maybe, but in the end I made it through. I had a few good friends who supported me and was in a few school activities/groups that helped and made me feel "normal" (I hate that word).

Good Luck.
Marieke (31, LOBPI)

Hi,
I have a son with BPI, but I have a "TEEN" daughter and I Can tell you that with No BPI the Teen years are a challenge.

I think Marieke is right, a good peer group is a must, I think that is where we are having our problems. I have my daughter involved in things and to be honest this summer she will be working !! I think that this helps her not to have to ask for everything, and to be able to buy what she wants within reason.

It is tough, I dread the Teen years with my younger two, but remember...they turn 20 and then things usually get better !!! LOL GAYLE

Dear "PEACHES",
Depression is written about somewhere in our "Medical Information for Adults with OBPI" Link on our UBPN Home Page. Depression is referred to as one of the Secondary Injuries of OBPI'S. I can certainly attest to the reality of our Lifetime Care Issues. When I read that Medical Article it really eased my mind that this is directly related to My "difficult" OBPI JOurney thus far. I have to be constantly vigilant,'cause this "2dnary"thing sneeks up on one.

Little me know if you are not able to find that informative Article.

HUGS all around, 's
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI/68 & Proud of it!

Hi Donna,
I am not a teen any more but I am not far off either. I just turned 20 in February. Pain in the shoudler sounds very familiar to me! I finally found relief with ultrasound treatments and deep tissue massage followed by kinesio tape. I have used the kinesio tape for a year almost.
A figure eight shoulder strap also helps some.

Its way late and I have 8 am class so I have to go for mow but will try to reply more this weekend if I have time. but in the mean time feel free to check out my website, I have a journal on there that talks about all the issues that have come up in the last two years and as much as I could remember before that. There are also pictures of the shoulder strap and the tape. THe link is www.freewebs.com/bpimn

Hope that helps,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

Hi, my mom is letting me write under her name, and Iam 14 years old, I just turned 14. I would love to have your daughter write me as a pen pal! My little sister has ROBPI. But it would be nice just to talk to another girl my own age. anyway if you want her is my email address, dossailsa@yahoo.com & here is my mom's in case you want to check me out melanie_doss@yahoo.com. Hope she decides to write me. Thanks, Ailsa