United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well I saw my doctor today for my 12 week post op checkup. He is very pleased with my shoulder and the new movements I have in my hand! Mostly today we talked about how to get pronation because that is the last thing that I really want. I am pain free and loving it but I still really want to be able to pronate. The option we had talked about (taking the flexor digitorum superficialis to the 4th finger) he is not confident in doing and suggests that we not procede that way because he can not find enough research to support that surgery. He thinks that my biceps will over power any possibility of pronation and that would be a wasted surgery. We talked about rerouting the biceps again and the forearm osteotomy again but I am still not willing to go there so I have him researching for me once again. He said that he will get in contact with Dr. Kozin and Dr. shin and another doctor (from Canada) like he did last time to find the shoulder surgery for me. That doctor from Canada is a smart guy! He came up wit hthe idea for my shoulder. So I am hopeing that Dr. Moran will find something for me to get pronation with out losing my supination. They took pics today of how far I pronate and supinate with both hands.

So no more surgery yet but maybe something in the future. My mom wants me to have surgery (if possible due to insurance) again before the end of the year but I am thinking it might have to wait until after I graduate depending on how I do in class.

I have all my restrictions lifted except one, no hanging for now. He says thats not a permanent restriction but thinks it is still too soon and I need more time to heal which I totally understand! I am just so excited to have all my other activities back! You cant even imagine how bored I have been even with as busy as I am.

So today has been a very long day! My dad decided to come to my appointment today, the second one in 20 years worth of appointments and man I wish he would have stayed home! He is worse than taking a small child! We dont get along that great and especially not in small spaces. I am so ready to leave home for school, I need a break from my dad, how sad is that.
And on a good but sad note, they discharged me from Shriners today so this was potentially my last trip there, from here on it will be Mayo for me. It was a good day tough, I got a chance to see a therapist that I have worked with since I was 5 and say goodbye for now. She wants me to work there when I am done with school. So I hope to see her on a professional level in a few years. That would be really cool.

So anyway thats my day in a nut shell. It was a long day!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

Amy
Thanks for the update, it was a busy and emotional day for you.
The good thing is that you are young and so much changes so fast in the bpi world.
I am sure you will be able to find something to make it possible for you to pronate.

I wish I could supinate but that will never happen for me.
It makes me so happy when I see all the progress made, so far, regarding bpi surgery.
I love the possibility that future surgery will offer younger OBPI adults full range of motion.

Kath robpi/adult

Amy,

What a long day for you. You really sounds wore out and as if you need a break. Camp is the solution I think we are all looking forward too.

Doctor visits can be overwhelming because you have so many questions filling your mind and I always feel as if I never have enough time to ask them. I am very proud of you and you sound like you are doing well. I can't wait to see you at camp and see the difference in your arm.

Hang in there girl and we'll see you next week!!!
*HUGS*
Rachel

Well it was a long day and its over and I am at work right up until camp so I am getting the break I need from my dad. We just need space very differing opinions!

I am lucky that I have an awesome doctor who is willing to email with me so I have been able to ask my questions that way although in person would have been better because I am not exactly sure of his response to one question. I will ask my OT what she thinks on Tuesday.

As for my other question it was about the EMG or Mri to find out what my actual damage is and I have asked which would be better so I am awaiting another reply but he said he would be happy to let me have either test. So I will be getting one of the two I just dont know which one yet. I will let you know more as soon as I know more.

Cant wait to see you both at camp!!! Rachel I am so glad that you can make it!!!
Hugs,
Amy