United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi, someone referred me to this website and so... here I am! I just had some questions regarding different treatments, therapies, etc.

Over 22 years ago I had a traumatic birth where I ended up getting stuk in the womb and long story short I was diagnosed with brachial plexus. I don't believe much was done at the time of the injury. To this day, I am not even sure if the nerve was pulled, stretched, etc... When I was about 11 yo I had several surgeries at Shriners in which the bone in my arm was broken so that I could straighten out the arm more and so that the fingers wouldn't lock up. Currently, I have limited function in my arm. My arm never fully developed so my wrists hangs down and the fingers are small and curled. I have minimal sensation in the arm and my strength is limited as well. I cannot lift the arm above my shoulder and I can barely grasp objects. Fine motor coordination is impaired as a result. I was curious if there was anyone else in my position that has been able to gain additional function in the arm this late in the injury.

Also, I am currently in Nursing School (2'nd year out of 3) and was wondering if there were nurses, students, etc in a similar situation that could offer advice regarding skills (ie injections, working with tubing, suctioning).

Thanks for your time and any advice/suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!!

Hi Helen! Welcome to the boards, hope you are able to find all the information you may ever need and more.

My best suggestion for you is to search out a CHT (hand therapist) who does splinting and see if you can get a splint to rest your hand/wrist in a better position and gain some use and maybe even sensation in your hand.

I am 20 and until 17 really didnt have a lot of use of my hand. At 17 I started seeing a very creative occupational therapist who is also a hand therapist and have since gained the use of my hand (my fingers used to stay in a fist) Now, I can open and close my fingers quite functionally! Never give up! Thats even better advice for you.
I had surgeries at Shriners at ages 6, 10, 12, and 18 and my most recent surgery at Mayo at age 20.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have no matter how small the questions may seem, many others often have similar experiences and havent shared.

Sorry I dont have any tips for nursing school but good luck!!! I am going to college for Occupational therapy! I just turned in my application to the masters program today actually. Starting classes next fall.

Hope all is well,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

Welcome Helen
I'm Mare my son is Frankie 14yr old lobpi he has about the same amount of function as you described maybe a little less. The Mayo Clinic has a great BPI team there maybe that could get you started in finding out what is damaged and what is just weak and you could maybe get splinting done for your hand that helps make Frankies hand more functional also find out about options for surgerys if interested.
Good Luck Keep us Posted Mare

Hi,

Thanks for the warm welcome. I've started asking my doctor for some more information and I guess I'll start from there then possibly try the Mayo Clinic. I saw an OT a while back because I wanted some assistance with performing the nursing skills but she wasn't very helpfull (at least in that regard). Yea, I'll start with my doctor and see what I can do from there...Kaiser takes awhile... Thanks!

Hi HelenGrace,

Welcome to the boards!
I too have an injury, but have good hand function, not shoulder though, same as you, I can't lift my arm above my shoulder level.

I too am in nursing school, 3rd yr out of 3! So yes, graduating this year (May 2008)!

Not sure if I have any tricks, though I do modify the way I do some things too..sometimes I don't even realize I am doing that.

Marieke (32,LOBPI)
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com

email me if you like,
marieketrp@hotmail.com


Message was edited by: marieke

Welcome Helen Grace

I was hoping Marieke would check in because she would be the best one to advise you about nursing skills and obpi.
I knew that Amy would have more information on surgery.
I'm glad you found us and hope that you will feel comfortable asking any questions. There are no silly questions when it comes to obpi.

Kath robpi/adult