United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was contacted the other day by a vocational rehabilitation specialist who wanted to talk with me about the long term issues associated with an obpi at the personal level. At the end of our long conversation, she asked me if there were things that I did not receive as a child that I would recommend to parents.

After some thought and the answers about continuing therapy throughout life and not being afraid to try new things, I mentioned how difficult the teenage years were and that my family could have benefitted from psychological counseling, either as family therapy or as an individual. Lots of issues associated with self-acceptance and image as well as family issues of sibling rivalry are intensified for someone with this injury.

I am wondering if any of you OBPI out there had any kind of family therapy/psychological help when you were growing up and if you felt it was beneficial.

Nancy

Hello Nancy,

I am TBPI but I can relate to the sibling thing. I am the youngest of four, who are 6, 8, and 9 years older than I am. I truly was an accident! LOL When I had my accident they were thankful I had my parents to help. But, when they felt I should "be better" I got a lot of grief from them. A LOT!! I was always being told to "get a life", "get a job", "stop sponging off our parents". It was extremely difficult because in a lot of ways I felt that I should "get a life and a job". I never sponged!!!

I had been in counseling before my accident due to a divorce/custody battle. I found it very helpful after my accident. Truth be told I wish I was still going! There are times people just don't understand how this injury effects your every day life. The family dynamics change. Here I was in my late 20's with a child being supported by my parents. My father wanted to retire but he could not because we needed the money. I had a great deal of guilt.

I have always been a firm believer in counseling. I know it would never have been a problem to get my parents to do family counseling but I don't think any of my siblings would have. I know for a fact my second sister would not. My brother would have laughed it off. My oldest sister would have felt we could work it out by ourselves.

This is such an important issue. I will be interested in what others have to say.

Joy

Nancy

I agree we could have used counciling but so could the family. I am the youngest in my family and 6/7 years younger then the first family. My sister was queen preemie until this little injured baby was born. One of my brothers was appaled at another baby and injured..well that another story... The two siblings who helped my mother take care of me and helped with therapy at home were always helpful and supportive.
The other two I call the sibling from... H.....
I am the youngest of 8 my mom lost two before me to birth injuries so she was thrilled that I survived but the sibling not involved with my care... have always given me a very hard time... and still do...
So along with the body image and feeling so alone with this injury many of the teens I fear are faced with siblings wishing they were never born.... because of all the time a bpi baby needs.

Kath

I was just informed that I am practically useless. And that even after surgery, that I will not be able to do much until my bpi heals in about 2 to 4 years. I need another occupation that I can do, with the way that my right arm and shoulder are. But I have not idea what, how, or where to go about trying find out what I can do. Is there anyone who can help me.?
MsPinkShop@aol.com Debra