United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Everyone!!! I think it is time to update you all on my progress since I got my brace off both during the day and at night. I am almost 8 weeks post op and doing great! I started therapy at 4 weeks and we have been in the pool. I love the pool therapy, my arm is doing great. Actually better than I thought it would but at the same time the recovery can not come fast enough.
So the awesome news first, I am still pain free at almost 8 weeks and loving it! My scapula is actually stable even when I am moving my arm. This is a very exciting first for me! It no longer is winging out when I move my arm in various directions. this week in the pool I was able to get my arm to 120 degrees and hold it there as I came out of the water but only for a couple seconds. My arm is still very weak but it is coming. I wast able to get to 120 degrees after a year of hard therapy, I could only muster 110 degrees. So this is pretty exciting news for me!

I dont see my doctor for another 4 weeks but after Wednesday when I reach 8 weeks we should ber able to start increasing my range beyond the 120 degree mark. He didnt want us to past that until after 8 weeks or we could jepordize the surgery. So I can start to play catch again this week! And get closer to doing my own hair again, man I can not wait! I want to do my hair in my time, not when it works for every one else. Its so annoying having to coordinate with every one elses schedule, I want to sleep in again in the rare event that I have a day off.
But that will come in time, hopefully before school but if not I will survive.

Thought I would share as it is all very exciting news for me!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

Amy, that is so great. I'm so happy and excited for you. Keep up the great work.

Great going, AMY!...where are you working?? it's interesting that you can work with all your therapy. Isn't pool therapy great! I've missed that & hope to be able to return to it after Camp.

'See & Hug ya soon now!!
Carolyn J
adult LOBPI


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

Amy, I'm so happy for you! I couldn't do my own hair until I was 17. You reminded me of what it was like to get my hair done on someone else's schedule, and to be grateful that my mother could do it for me at all.

You have so much determination. I know that you will go far, doing whatever you want to do.

Joanie

Amy,
I am so happy things are going so well for you!!
I am looking forward to Dustin being able to bend his arm in gravity after his surgery. Hearing of others success gives me great hope.
Sue

Carolyn, I actually have 2 jobs, one is in an assisted living center the other is at a head start. My OT is so awesome to schedule my therapy around my jobs as much as we can. I love the pool therapy, its working wonders for me, just wish I had a pool at school to use. Will have to look into something out in Duluth.

Thanks every one! You support makes all my recovery much easier!
Hugs,
Amy

Amy,
It is awesome that you are able to work during this healing time...& at venues which are practical for your journey to be an OT. Very Valuable experiences for you. You are such a role model for all of us who are proud to know you. I predict that you will have the OT Job of your dreams before you graduate, girl!

FYI, I am better and am eating small meals often and naping with my swet dog, Maggie. That darn ole' flu bug flying al around Tacoma WA caught me, good! I AM on the mend!

HUGS,
Carolyn J