United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I'm hoping that some people might be able to give me some advice. My brother just had the Gracilies (sp?) transfer done at the Mayo last friday the 14th. The operation went great but he is in an enormous amount of pain. He and my mom were supposed to be flying home this wednesday the 19th but there's no way he'll be ready to fly yet. He's got some sort of wedge or pillow for his arm?? Those of you that have had the surgery would know what im talking about. Anyways... we're worried about the comfort on the plane and how he's going to be able to fly with this pillow... does anyone have any suggestions or tricks on how to make this any more comfortable??? Would more stops coming home be better to get off the plane and rest and then go again or just stay on the plane and come straight home ?? Any advice is much appreciated.

Thank you!

My son had the same surgery at Mayo. He wanted to "endure" the plane and just get home as soon as possible. But maybe that's a judgement call - others might prefer the overall trip taking longer, with stops along the way. It's usually best to request an aisle seat so there's a bit of "wiggle room", but be aware that might leave him exposed to people pushing past to go up & down the aisle. At the very least, see if there's a way to request an empty seat next to him on his injured side if at all possible - i.e. that unless the plane is completely booked, the empty seat next to him be the last to be assigned. Don't know if airlines can try to do this but it would be nice if so.

Also, to help John with dressing, I bought some cheap, extra learge tshirts & simply cut them up the back. He could easily slip them on and then I safety pinned a couple places up the back. He wore a light jacket over his shoulders, which hid the safety pins. I considered replacing the pins with velcro strips after getting home, but never got around to it.

Take care & good luck,

Ellen

Ellen you're such a good mom! It's a nice thing to think of moms helping their wounded sons,something special there.

I actually stayed at the Mayo Clinic, just short of a month after my gracilis transfer since I was scheduled for a follow up appointment two weeks after my surgery. So I didn't experience the plane flight home,many surgeries since that one and flew back to Los Angeles immediately following my release. I personally would recommend what John wanted to do, "endure" the flight home. Have your mom talk to the doctors and get some extra opiates for the flight home. They should fully understand. As long as your brother can tolerate opiates, it's what I recommend.I know Ellen's son John couldn't tolerate OxyContin, but for me it worked out great for things like this. I don't recommend staying on the drugs too long, as they helped contribute unknowingly to my severe depression, and lack of drive and motivation. I should've gotten off them all after one year post injury, problem was that I was getting the surgeries up to 3 1/2 years post injury.

I wish your brother speedy recovery and safe journeys.

Christopher

PS have the leaves started changing a back in New Hampshire? I won't be able to be back there this year until Christmas, I wish I was there now.

My daughter, Melanie had this surgery done May 2006. She had it done on a Friday, was discharged on Monday and we flew back to Harrisburg, PA on Friday. She also had the big abductor wedge immobilizer along with the big arm cast. It was very annoying to her and clumsy and we had to travel on one of those little commuter planes. I had her sit in the aisle seat and her right arm (the operative arm) was by me. I was very careful with it and I sort of watched everyone else so they wouldn't touch it. I think she was bothered more with all the attention and stares she got (she was 20 at the time). She got tied of people inquiring how she got hurt, but then she started making up stories like, "I had a fight with a dog." and "I got bit by a shark." It made the trip a little more interesting and bearable for her. We had one lay over in Chicago for about 2 hours and then we went home. I think if your son can endure the whole trip it would be better for him to stick it out and get home asap. Like Ellen I bought lots of big shirts that made dressing easier. Good luck! Sue

Thank you to everyone who replied to my message. My mom and brother returned home safely last night. He's doing pretty well. He said that the arm "wedge/pillow" is only there to aggrivate him

Thank you again.

Melanie used to joke about looking like she was selling peanuts and popcorn at a ball game with that big black wedge pillow. It was funny because there was a little change purse that was velcroed on the side so she would ask for tips!

He seems to be managing. He drove on Sunday so I think he's doing pretty dang well ! I haven't heard him say too much about the pain so i think the meds are controlling it fairly well. He hardly limps at all now so the healing process has begun. Thanks again to all who left thoughts for him.