I'm really finding that I'm getting the run around and being passed off from dr to dr. I saw the neurosurgeon two days ago and things are moving fast now, but has been 6 wks since injury and finding that insurance company (nofault from car accident) has been horrible (even though the accident was clearly not my fault), my arm has become more and more painful and the use of it is getting worse. I have a herniation at C5-6 along with two more in my low back, but neuro thinks it is damaged in my shoulder, the physiatrist thinks my neck and the ortho (for shoulder that is also separated) thinks neck. So another EMG next week, injections into my low back and neck today and I'm feeling very frustrated. I started on the Neurontin and two nights ago, not helping yet.
I have been looking at the boards and really want to see someone who deals with BPI specifically, there are three dr's listed in NYC which is 3 hours from me, does anyone have any info on them or experience they would share? This entire thing is so frustrating, dealing with all of the injuries, insurance, doctors, this arm by far is the most painful and frustrating, today is the first day I have lost the positive spin on things! Any help would be wonderful!
I saw Dr, Scott Wolfe at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. He is very straightforward. He does not take insurance but may help with insurance if you need surgery. I think you will be able to get a straight answer from him.
Robin
thanks Robin. I have since had the ESI thursday, the nerve damage is definitely in my neck, I actually didn't have pain for 25 hours after, but it has been gradually worsening. I'm not sure what that will mean for the damage. Wondering now if surgery on the disk would correct the BPI... nobody seems to have any idea. My insurance said they would cover travel, etc. Keeping my fingers crossed, but getting used to things one handed and feeling more positive...
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02
Level of Injury: -dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed
BPI Related Surgeries: -2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle, -Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts. -2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting. -Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps. -Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle. -Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.
Surgical medical facility: Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN (all surgeries successful)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." ~Theodore Roosevelt
Make sure you get the best help possible, you don't want to trust your nerves or neck w/anyone that isn't on top of it.
Ive seen Dr Wolfe as well, he's great, he came highly recommended by a family friend and world class shoulder specialist. Wolfe recommended that I follow through with surgeries at the Mayo Clinic since they could offer more recouperation for my specific injury.
I don't believe in 2nd grade health attention, if it can be helped. Don't settle for anyone your not sure on...
thanks, I'm going to look into all further. I'm seeing another neuro on thursday and hoping that things will keep moving. I appreciate the input! It seems everyone really has a lot to say about the Mayo Clinic, that is a long travel for me, but like you said, the best is worth the travel. this last 7 weeks has really made me realize the importance of so much in my life...
Katie, Upstate NY