United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Has anyone done anything with this? I am interested in checking it out... but curious if any of you have done it and/or had any luck! My biceps and triceps are firing at the same time, maybe part of the reason they wont work to do anything.

Thanks!!

Hey Court!! Haven't tried it yet but I would like to have Dustin try. Had several extra expenses this summer so maybe we will later this fall. I think I did ask his OT about it but as I recall they didn't have or do it or something. There's alot of discussion on the General board about the Myotrac. Did you get to try Kate's at camp?

Sue

Yeah I did... but I am interested in what TBPI have done with it... if they have used it and what results they have seen.

I am interested in seeing a PT here to get started with one possibly, not really interested in just buying one without proper training first... if that makes sense.

Thanks

COurtney

Makes perfect sense. I already called the therapy dept at the hospital to see what they have. I will have the dr write a scrip to get Dustin in if they have what we need.
Sue

Courtney,
Mel used biofeedback several times with the PT at Mayo. It is very useful to "see" which muscles are firing and how to get them to effectively fire at the intended time. We had them write a script for one but the cheapest one is over $400.00 and I'd have to get it online so then add shipping and handling. Mel's insurance doesn't cover it and she didn't think it was worth the money so I didn't get it. Sue

You can rent the myotrac all the info is on the general board. Mare

Yes I have seen it there... but I am wondering aobut TBPI using it...

Thanks Sue! I think I am going ot try and track down a PT and see about using one!

For what it's worth, this is my experience, RTBPI 6/06,
sural nerve transfer 1/07.
Depending on your knowledge, and I think we all become anatomy experts trying to 'fix' ourselves, it basically works to 'inform' you which muscle is firing as you contract/function, it's an assist to focus on the proper muscle for a function vs compensation by another muscle.
For me it really wouldn't tell me anything and if it wasn't going to jolt something into working or wake up then no need. Now direct current zaps, those I'm getting happy with. I know people have mixed feelings on out come but you know there's something to being able to see your bicep twitch while you patiently wait to be able to initiate it yourself!
If you can get the PT/OT to give you a session with a biofeed back before purchase I think you'll be able to judge if you think it will help you just that one time.

Our hospital therapy dept doesn't have one. They said that the behavior sciences has it. Hmmmm, may have a hard time convincing Dustin to go there. He will think it is his brain. Also, they were the ones that wouldn't answer a few questions for us and asked us to leave when we asked about a test he had earlier on. Guess they are not used to people who want things explained to them.

The reason that I think this would work for Dustin is because about 3 times in the last 2 years, when not purposefully thinking about it, his arm has done "normal" things. Like once early on he just reached up with it and grab a tissue out of his other hand. Another time it was in his lap and then he noticed it was 1/2 way to his mouth. However, when asked to do this, when he is aware that he is trying, he cannot replicate the movement. I think he tries to force it soooo hard he is kicking in other muscles and they are fighting each other. Also, his brain injury caused what they call pea bruises all down both sides of the brain with large bruises at the front and back. When he woke from his coma it was as if the brain had lost contact with all muscles. It took several weeks to teach him to swallow, then to finally move his limbs. Yes, it was as though he had a stroke on both sides. Only that the right came back faster and the left still has trouble. The left leg is still less coordinated and of course the arm is limp with the BPI injury. But still gaining a bit of strength there. The drs at Mayo gave him a grade 2 in bicept. So maybe there's hope.
Sue

I finally found a therapy center here that has a biofeeback machine. I have set an appt for Dustin for next tues. Will keep you posted on what we find. I am hoping he will give it an honest try. They also said that they could order us a machine to take home and see if insurance would pay for it like the e-stim. If not they will order it for me at their cost, which she said would be between $350-$400 with shipping. I am just glad that we can try it before putting out that much money. We will have to pay our $15.00 co-pay, or wait medical assisatance should pick that up for him.
Sue