United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I finally found out that being born with a wrist drop meant indeed I had been born with bpi, ofcourse being adopted all my medical files are hush hush. It took until my adult years to find out I have bpi. My question is this, why is this more reconigsed in America than other countries like Australia. Ofcourse there are those of us out there, but you guys have law firms, hospitals all dedicated and willing to help, I think I could safely say that no doctor here would come before a court for wrong doing and it annoys me. How could one go about trying to sue doctors or get any help for the injury, when we sweep this injury under the rug here. I can't believe that our country is so ignornent of this. Many doctors told me especially when I was in my teens I was an attention seeker, but ofcourse I did have bpi, I don't have atrophy and lack of left hand usage for the fun of it. I just want to know from anyone that does know, why do American's embrace this and Australia thinks all us bpi's are a bunch of loons. It annoys me that in this day and age medico's should know better, frustrated ...

Hello,
I am the mom of a nine year old with ROPBI. Yes, it seems that it is more recognized here, but I am not for sure that it really is. Yes, we have lawyers and some specialists but we also have those that have turned there heads not wanting to be bothered so to speak. Let's see, I met the doctor that wanted to amputate my son's arm, because it would never be right (HE was two months old) she told me there was no use. I have walked out of numerous doctors offices(GENERAL/FAMILY PRACTICTIONERS) that never heard of it, or just didn't want to learn. I had one doctor that told me that Erb's Palsy was a figment of my imagination and that he didn't have it !!! Anyways, keep you chin up and things will get bettter !!!
Gayle mom of Brandon 9 1/2 ROPBI !!!

Gayle
I think we visited some of the same doctors offices.
I've had doctors tell me how extremely rare it is and how I must have had a mild injury... NOT so... all nerves involved and Horner's. Most doctors have not treated anyone like me before and still assume it's rare.
Here in USA once we are out of pediatric care we are on our own and there are no bpi specialist just for adults.
We have come along way in the last nine years. Before that I thought I was the only one in the world with this injury.

Kath robpi/adult

Hi

As a fellow Australian with an OBPI I feel your pain - you've had a crappy experience - but not all doc's in australia are ignorant of our injuries (or unwilling to help). I think we definitely do get the short end of the stick, though, simply because of our population size. Fewer people means fewer injured parties, which in turns means that less people are interested in our day to day struggle!

If you'd like I can give you details of a few of the australian specialists that deal in brachial plexus injuries (The Royal Vic hospital for instance has a great reputation for dealing with childhood BPI's, including surgical options), and there are also a few law firms that deal specifically with BPI's - although unfortunately the statute of limitations is 21 years in most aussie states...so unless your injury is traumatic rather than obstetric (or you're under 21), you're left up the creek without a paddle. But hey! We could always get other aussies banding together to get some compensation happening!!

What area are you living in? I'll see what info I've got for your state and see if you find that helpful.

All the best!

Lacey, 27yo ROBPI

Hey thanks guys, I am amazed though that this injury has been around for such a long time, yet only advances are being made. I live in Adelaide, Australia and it is nice to see Aussies out there especially through this network. You know above posters I too had the same experience of doctors wanting to amputate, lucky I have an understanding family, but it amazing how ignorant some doctors can be, you will only create more problems with amputation. I would like further info if you have it on doctors that deal with this in Australia. I had very limited surgical interventation as it is rare and I can only lift my left arm up to shoulder height, I would like to find doctors who are willing to perform surgery as I am sure with surgery I could have some of my muscles released and freed up so I could perform a range of motions, so thatnks guys for all your help, cause it seems like an uphill battle in the little land of Oz, so thankyou for any help...

Hello!
I'm also living in Aust. And although my local doctor was always supportive nothing in ways of help was ever offered freely.
I would love to to chat with other aussies and gain any helpful info that you may have to offer.
Email me.

Thanks