United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi - Regarding Alyssa and her not having to wear the splint for 8 more weeks.

Dr. Nath specifically said he only wanted her to wear the splint 8 weeks total, and didn't want it removed during the 8 weeks at all, however he did say an occasional bath with the arm in the splinted position was ok. Alyssa's circumstances differ from other kids, as well as the other kids from Alyssa. Dr. Nath seems to think her Brachial Plexus is tight from her initial Primary Surgery and didn't want her arm to be splinted or constricted too long. He also splinted her at a 45 degree angle, differing from all the other splints he has done with the Caps. surgery. Her therapist yesterday too was surprised that they didn't want her to wear it any longer or at night. She put in a call to them to verify this for herself.

Anyway - so now that splint is off, at what point did you start to see the supination? Alyssa is definetely not internally rotated any longer. Her palm pretty much faces outward. Her elbow is sooooo tight from not bending it for 8 weeks. We had to do some exercises last night and I took it so slow with her and she cried about her elbow hurting so much and not wanting me to do the exercises. It was a pretty emotional night. I cried right along with her and just tried to explain how we have to do these things to help her and her arm etc.. and it would get easier and not hurt over time. It also brought back so many emotions from her birth and all I could think about was finding the midwife who did this to Alyssa and let her see what we have to go through because of her.

Thanks for the support - glad this board is here to vent/share my emotions with you all!

Sincerely,

Jody Gallette

Jody - so sorry to read your post- I was so hoping that things wouldn't be so painful for alyssa.

I have a couple of suggestions... first of all get rid of gravity - lay her down to do the exercises. And how about a hot compress and some nice massage first to warm it up and relax it. And then there's always tylenol before you do it.

It will take time but it will get less stiff. I never would have believed it myself that Maia's arm would get less stiff - was like concrete - but you'll be surprised - it'll take a little bit of time but we saw progress every day. It really did take 9 weeks for Maia's stiffness to go away - but then again she was wearing the splint for at least 1o hours a day and you won't have that issue.

I hope things get better soon. Maybe you can tell Alyssa that there are other kids going through the exact same thing at the exact same time. Maybe show her Maia's site and there are pictures of the other kids on there too on the injurednewborn home page... kyle is there and others.... It might be good support for her at this time.

big hugs,
francine

Jody,
Sorry to hear about the rough time Alyssa had. Please let her know that we are thinking about her and Kyle is going through the same thing. He complains terribly about his elbow when I try to do his rom. Although he had a different procedure and was splinted at a different angle. I talked to Lisa T. about this twice and she reassured me it is normal and would just take time. We have taken Francine's advise and massage it real well. This seems to help some. Tell Alyssa to hang in there. It will get easier. Give her a big hug from Kyle and me. Take care.
Karrie & Kyle