United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I'm seeing Dr. Lee tomorrow at 8:00 AM. I'm seriously thinking about talking about amputation of my left arm. I'm not sure how far up it would be. I hope below the elbow. My accident was 1/2/07. I have no feeling or movement from my elbow down. My arm is still swollen but no where's near what it used to be. I cannot have spinal cord stimulation because of spinal canal stenosis. Dr. Mao wants me to see Dr. Eskender, neurosurgeon at MGH about DBS. I believe that is Deep Brain Stimulation.

I'm very frustrated with the spasms, pain and lack of use from my left arm.

What should I be asking Dr. Lee about amputation? Would phantom pain be less pain than I have now? What can a prosthetic do? Please help with questions.

Thanks,

Janelle

Jeez Janelle, big decision and bigger questions.
When I think about the phantom I wonder if it's not 'tit for tat'? Then I wonder well maybe I'd rather have it and find out stem cell won't come to pass, regrowth wouldn't actually have occurred and stuff like that than to not have it and find out it did.
I wonder how I could have held up as long as you have with your life being as it is?
You are in your own shoes sweety your call.
God I hope something good your way comes and soon.
My warmest,
Scott

I've been thinking Janelle.
First of all be sure there is no stimulation whatsoever.
If amputation is the next step what is the procedure going to entail?
What type of follow-up is there? No cut and run...sorry.
How soon following the procedure will the pain and discomfort from that be over?
What is the recovery period?
What can you expect from a prosthetic and when?
Who, when and where can you expect follow up and OT?
I'm sure your head is reeling with ? so write them all down.
I'll be thinking about you a lot more tomorrow Janelle.
Scott

Dr. Lee is scheduling muscle transplant surgery for my left arm. The muscle will be taken from my right leg. It is a 12 - 16 hour procedure. I will be in the hospital 5 - 7 days. Recovery is about 12 weeks. Three months after the surgey we do it all over again. It is a two muscle procedure. He wants me to have the DBS (Deep Brain Surgery) first.

Has anyone had either of these procedures?

The muscle transfer is mt last chance before amputation.
Janelle

Janelle, I think James had the muscle transfer your MD is talking about. Priscilla, hi mom, posted about it... maybe shoot her an email?
softballmom09@hotmail.com

Thanks, I sent her an email asking for any information.
Appreciate your help,
Janelle

Janelle, I got your e mail. You have mail.

Priscilla