United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,

I'm new to all of this, I had surgery on 12/18/07 they held my arm in a improper position for coming. causing this BPI. I found a great DR. in Rochester NY. 5 hours form my home town who is working with me.

I just can't understand all of this. I feel numb in my arm yet it is feels picky when clothing rubs on it??
When water hits my arm it drives me crazy this has been like this since the surgery. my thumb always feels like it is sleeping.

It all seems weird how can the arm be numb yet feel picky?
I'm going to see the new neurosurgeon again in two weeks he wants to see me every week to two weeks to watch me.

I can't raise my arm in the air straight up or out to my side I can use fingers and bend, from elbow to wrist is good but again is numb. I seem to have no control of upper part of arm.

Living were I do it took a month to get some where, I live way Upstate NY on Canadian border 2 hours north of syracuse NY. So as I say hickville NY took awhile to figure out what the heck was going on.

well, thanks for they help.

Hi Mary Beth,
I actually know where Massena is, been there a number of times when I used to compete in figure skating.

Your arm can feel numb in spots, prickly when things touch other spots, feel asleep.. all this is due to nerve damage/disturbance. It falls under the category of neuropathy and neuropathic "pain".

Neuropathy often results in numbness, abnormal sensations called dysesthesias and allodynias that occur either spontaneously or in reaction to external stimuli, and a characteristic form of pain, called neuropathic pain or neuralgia, that is qualitatively different from the ordinary nociceptive pain one might experience from stubbing a toe or hitting a finger with a hammer.

Neuropathic pain is usually perceived as a steady burning and/or "pins and needles" and/or "electric shock" sensations and/or tickling. The difference is due to the fact that "ordinary" pain stimulates only pain nerves, while a neuropathy often results in the firing of both pain and non-pain (touch, warm, cool) sensory nerves in the same area, producing signals that the spinal cord and brain do not normally expect to receive.

Depending on how much damage there is some sensation will return, along with movement, but it can take up to 2 years to see final results.

It's good that you finally found a doctor who can help you and will follow your progress.

Good Luck,
Marieke (32, LOBPI)

Hi Mary Beth,

Wow...we have a lot in common. First, my name is also Mary Beth! My BPI was also caused by surgery (total shoulder replacement). I, too, have the same skin sensations as you, as well as the "sleeping thumb." And like you, my elbow, wrist and fingers are fairly functional, but my shoulder is not.

I had an EMG three weeks after surgery (August 4th) which was abnormal. Since then, I have made good progress with all muscles except my shoulder and upper back. X-rays I had taken on December 18th (your surgery date) showed the head of the humerus shifted forward in the joint. So, today I go for another EMG and a CT Scan. My doctor said the two nerves they are concerned about are the axillary nerve and the suprascapular nerve.

Have you had an EMG? Are you going to PT?

I will post when I get back and let you know how the tests went.

Hang in there!
MB

COOL one of you knows Massena the other, same name.

I did have EMG 9 days post op but the neuro I just saw said it was useless to soon after surgery. I just got new appointment for Feb. the. My upper arm does not work can't raise arm or hold it up at all.

I have not started PT the doctor really did not seem to think it was 100% necessary, I'm stretching and lifting arm so my shoulder does not get stiff. I do go to a swimming water aerobics class twice a week and i'm still doing that. it feels great takes the pressure of arm and shoulder. arm is still in sling when it is tired doctor said to do this for shoulder. So that is the story..

The surgery I had was a lymph node removed from under my arm, very minor surgery so they told me lol.

Mary Beth

me too felt numb, but picky like a thousand bugs between my thumb and left wrist when touching something. Gradually after 11 months things calmed down and regained mostly normalcy.

Hi Mary Beth!
My husband (who has the BPI) and I live in Syracuse and he attended Clarkson so we're very familiar with your general area! Small world. If you don't mind me asking, who are you seeing in Rochester? DH and I saw a neurologist there for a time. DH has much of the strange sensations you describe. I hope you're able to find some answers and healing.
Amanda

Hi Amanda,

I just spent a week in Syracuse, my sister lives there.
she lives in camilus. I'm going to spend another week with her in Feb.

the doctor I'm seeing in Rochester is Dr. Jason Schwalb he is the Neurosurgeon. and the neurologist is Dr. Logigan.

Keep in touch my email address is
mbcameron12@aol.com
we could talk more if you want..

Thanks,

Mary Beth(Massena NY)