United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Marieke~
I have so many questions for you. I saw your photo in the last issue of the Outreach magazine. Congrats on fulfilling your dream of becoming a nurse!!!! Seeing your photo has made my life changing decision to go for it as well. I have spoke to colleges in my area (northern Illinois-Chicago area) and was always told I wouldn't pass the physical test of becoming a nurse. So, to prove them wrong I signed up for a 1st responder class at a local community college and told NO ONE of my injury. I had to pass CPR/1st aid, lift a patient with another student, wrap injuries and so one. Well, I received an A in class and got my state licence. HA!
Since then I had 3 more children and 3 surgeries-my focus was my family. I'm getting older and (even before my accident) I wanted to be a nurse.
Can we talk? We can on the boards or e-mail me please.
I think you are AWESOME.
Kath

Marieke~
I forgot to mention, if you reply.....I'm leaving today, Wed., for another surgery at Mayo. I'll check back next week.
Kath

Hey Kath,
Yes of course we can talk..
through here, email or msn even.
marieketrp@hotmail.com

Marieke (31, LOBPI)
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com

Kath, I know you didnt ask for me but I wanted to wish you luck! You can do any thing that you set your mind too! I hope your surgery goes well! Good luck!!!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

Kath
The world needs good caring nurses and I am sure you will do it!

Good luck with your surgery and I will keep you in my thoughts.
Hey if you can take care of three kids you can do anything... LOL..

Kath adult/robpi

Kath.. you back yet?
Marieke (31, LOBPI)

Hi Marieke~
I am back but this was a tough one! I think its just because of were he cut me. I was in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable. My cut started in my underarm and goes down inside my arm. Its nasty. When I sweat its like salt water in my cut. I have a towel inder my arm to help.
Thanks for all of your insight on nursing school. My husband is an Administrator at a high School out here and he was informed our community college is getting a nursing program. Otherwise I had a 1 hr commute to a nursing school here in Northern Illinois. Chicago is too far for school. Big commute-not far in miles but traffic is bad. I LOVE babies, ( I have 4 of my
own) I have to work with them or I will keep having more myself.
Thank you so much for all of your info. You are inspiring!!! Good luck to you. Please keep in touch!
My sister might not be too far from you. She is in Northern NY- only 1 hr from your border.
Kath

Sounds like a tough recovery, pain wise! OUCH. what did you have done exactly? I've only had one surgery for my OBPI, a tendon transfer when I was 14.
Marieke 931, LOBPI)

Marieke
Its a long story. I am going through experimental surgeries at Mayo Clinic. They made me an artifical shoulder 12 years ago. It was never in the right place and I left it for 10 years. It was starting to get painful so last year I went back to fix it. Its a lot of work to get things right but I look nice and its balanced on both sides.
Keep in touch-please!!!!
Kath

Kath, not sure if I asked this before.. do you use msn or yahoo messenger?
I have both, easier wya to "talk".
Marieke
you have my hotmail addy, it's my msn messenger and yahoo is lakeplacidgirl2001@yahoo.ca