United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello, my name is Chris.

I'm 37 years old and have a left obstetric brachial plexus injury. I found this site earlier this year and have learned a lot about my injury. Before finding this site, all I knew was that the nerves that connect the arm to the spinal column had been injured during delivery.

Now that I know there are doctors that specialize in BPI, I've decided to find out what type options there are for my arm. I have made an appointment to see a doctor later this summer. I will be discussing the biceps tendon lengthening procedure with him. This seems like it might help my elbow contracture.

Has anyone here had this operation?
And were you happy with the results?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Welcome Chris

Sorry I can't help with the surgery question.
I am robpi and have never had surgery.

Glad you posted.

Kath Robpi/adult

Hi Chris,
I was wondering if you have tried splinting before you have surgery. I have not had that surgery but I do have an elbow contracture and have had amazing results with a static splint that my OT adjusts every so often.

I have heard that there is a pretty high regression rate with that surgery but I dont know if thats true or not.

Good luck with your decision!
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

glad you are finally posting!

Welcome, Chris. Sorry, I can't help with the surgery question, either. As I learned from Carolyn, you can post on any board, and there are no dumb questions.

Joanie, LOBPI, 58 years

Hi Chris,

There are options out there. I started making my list by seeing Dr Nath, and now I've got a list from Dr. Hodgson, one of Dr. Kozin's associates, and boy is it a different perspective.

Like Amy said, you can do a simple extension splint without any surgery. You should find out from the doctor any muscle imbalances, tendon issues, bone issues.. review some anatomy first!

I just got done trying a pronation splint to simulate doing a rotation of the radius. Do you have any inward or outward rotation issues or just elbow contracture?

I know from experience that physical therapists are commonly more clever than surgeons at solving your difficulties - you might want to go to a therapist. I'm working with one to protect my "uninjured" arm.

Good luck

-Erik

I'm 64 and have L arm BPI, ob not injury. Probably poorly rehabbed as an infant and mostly have done my own rehab since I've been 50. I'm curious about pain issues with aging. I seem to be in a bind - not exercising means not strengthening and exercising causes pain under scapula radiating down arm and up to head on the left. Anyone have experience with this? I'm a personal trainer (since my late 50s) , and yoga and meditation instructor. Most of the local physicians are clueless on treatment options and I'm reluctant to take neurontin or lyrica but may need them when it gets cold. My massage therapist seens to have a grip on problem better than the MDs.

SusanCharley

Welcome Susan
I hear you loud and clear. I am afraid of all the medications the doctor has offered and so I deal with the pain. I am debating lately if all the sleepless nights are worth it!

Pain is a major problem for me lately.
I sold my house recently but before we moved we had a hot tub and I found that was GREAT for comfort and relief from pain.
I use to use the tub and slept much better. I am better able to deal with the pain during the day then night time.

I had myofacial release therapy, Massage and ART therapy and they all helped for awhile. Once I stopped PT the pain returned.

I take B-12 injection monthly and also B Complex to help with the nerve pain.
I also take napraxon 500 milligrams twice a day when the pain gets to much for me to deal with.

I am glad you found us and hope you can get some help for the pain.

My pain got worse as I aged into my late 50's and early 60's.

Kath robpi/adult/67

Thanks for the responses. I’ll definitely ask the Dr. about a splint and PT/OT.
My appointment is next week, so I hope to have some good news to post.

Chris,
I grew up in Beaufort and my mom use to drive me to Savannah for physical therapy. I remember as a teen I use to drive myself to the hospital to have pt.. I believe it was chatam memorial? But that was 30 years ago, I am 46 now. (robpi) and live in Fl.. Where are you going to see a doctor? The only surgery that I ever had on my arm was an ulnar nerve transposition.That was at age 40 when my fingers started going numb.
Good luck with your next appointment.
Judy

Hey Judy,
There is still a hospital in Savannah called Memorial. It is on Waters Avenue.
The BPI specialist that I went to see was Dr. Nath. He had a satellite clinic in Orlando, Fl.
He didn’t think that the biceps tendon lengthening or braces/ splints would work for me. He said that a bone lengthening operation called Ilizarov Bone lengthening would be my best starting point.

Erik,
You had asked about wrist position. It is palm down and I can push my hand into the neutral position. I am lucky that I do have good grip strength in my hand, so I can hold and carry things. My injury is C7 and the doctor also said C5-C6 was damaged to some degree. That involves triceps, wrist flexor, and deltoid.