United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

i think i am overusing my uneffectd arm... it hurts (like a shooting pain) when i move it, most of the time i move it! lol! i wrapped it in an ace bandage for now... but does anyone have any suggestions??

Thanx,
Mel, 20, LOBPI

I'm getting overuse in my 'good' arm now but I'm nearly 49 and post menopausal, so that would probably be part of it, I have friends of a similar age with similar issues but who don't have bpi. I think my overuse pain is worse than theirs and comes on more often, but of course that's impossible to judge. We can't feel someone else's pain. Getting overuse when you're younger than me would be horrible and I feel for you.

I just rest the arm, I use it for everyday stuff or I'd starve, but I don't do ANYTHING heavier than lifting a cup of tea until it feels ok again. I'm wondering what the future holds for me but I guess it will just be another step on the path and I'll adapt. Copper oil, ginger oil and icepacks help, but rest is the best of all.

Mel, being the same age, I have began to experience the same thing. What I found was that it mostly hurt during my computer use. I took that to my OT and she got me some mobile arm supports and now my left arm is doing better! They are $80 if you cant get insurance to cover them but absolutely worth every penny!!!

As hard as it is at 20 years old you just need to rest it until it feels better and then learn the lesson, and ask for help. It sucks, I know, I am about the most independent person around and having to ask for help at 20 SUCKS!!! But its the only way I see my arm lasting for a career in OT.

Hope your pain goes away asap!!!!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

OKAY, did y'all hear the important message???
Start saving your "good" limbs and start asking for help NOW!!...Take it from me,you will pay later if you don't.

HUGS all around,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69

Thank you!! much appreciated!! With a backpack full of books it is very hard on a college campus to have someone carry your books... I don't want to be a weakling... but honestly- i think its the weight of the books and picking up and flinging on my backpack because i cant with my other arm... idk what to do about that one!!

~Mel

If you think it is your books and a regular back pack, get one that has wheels! No need to have big heavey books on your shoulders, thats not good for you at all! I have one book a day so I still have a regular backpack but if I get to the point when it gets full I will either get a locker or a rolling backpack.

Good luck figuring out something that works!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN