United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello everyone,



I was in a motor scooter accident 2 and a half months ago in Indonesia. The doctors there told me I had a relatively minor brachial plexus injury and would recover full use of my arm in 2 months. They made this conclusion without performing any tests. After a couple of weeks I regained some feeling in my upper arm in the bicep and tricep area, however no movement.

At the moment I stayed in indonesia but in my forth week in Indonesia one of the doctors treating me called and told me to return home for treatment. With that said I flew back. The only problem is that I do not have insurance. I went to the County Hospital where I was told I had complete avulsion based on movement test.

The doctor sent me to have an EMG test to confirm his conclusion. According to the test I do not have avulsion of any of the roots but I have severe issues with all three trunks.

I went to the hospital yesterday and the doctors were very pessimistic about my chances of regaining use of my arm.

Recently I have had an increase of movement in my shoulder, I can move it forward and backward and I can lift it to the side slightly. Also I have an increased amount of pain in my forearm and hand and regained some feeling in those areas. I feel pressure if they are squeezed. The moments when my arm and hand are sensitive to touch occur are not consistent and occur when I am active. I tried to explain to the doctors my change of state but they would not listen and for them surgery is pointless.

I was wondering what are your thoughts on my situation. From my description do you think my nerves are stretched are ripped? Do have options at a place like Mayo with no insurance?

Thanks for your help!

I am so sorry about what happened to you, it sounds like you were tragically misled at a crucial time right after your injury. As you probably know by now an avulsion is as bad as it can get with a brachial plexus injury, so it's really important to get knowledgable help as soon as possible after the accident. And surgical repair -- hopefully within six months. A stretch or a tear is more likely to heal so it sounds like everyone is directing you towards an avulsion or some other sort of peripheral spinal cord damage. Besides LA County Hospital,what other hospitals have you been seen by?

Since you live in California(like me) I know that Medi-Cal can be an option if your income is now low enough that you need assistance with insurance and medical care. Although it's unpleasant, apply at your county assistance office and make it a priority. I don't know if it would allow for care at the Mayo Clinic but it would certainly provide care at UCSF or Stanford which is better than nothing, their surgery is not too shabby, it's just not #1 for their Brachial Plexus hand clinic like Mayo. Also, go ahead and contact Mayo and make appointment to go there, see if they can provide any assistance with costs. I don't know what your resources are but I would say that this is something worth sinking all of them into. And if you have none, then screw it -- just buy a couple of plane tickets and rack up some medical bills. So many of us have done just that and I doubt any of us regret it.

I have a complete avulsion of the brachial plexus after a major motor vehicle accident in April of 2007. I had nerve transfer surgery six months later and I'm just now starting to get minor twitching movement in the bicep. The people that have the greatest success stories still have such great difficulty and their lives will never be the same again. So it's really important to get the best medical treatment that is out there. I hope things go well for you and I wish you the best. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

Genevieve

Hi Rock. I cannot use my left shoulder after a cervical fusion in August 08. I'm grateful that I still have my hand. Are you new? This website is so wonderful you won't believe. I have found so many new friends and shoulders to cry on. I wish you the best of luck. As far as insurance, you need to go to your local Social Security Office and visit with them about benefits. Give me a call anytime or write. I try to check this site often. Take care! Suzanne Sommer (214-641-7419)

Hey Genevieve and Suzanne,

Thanks for your input and support...i feel better about my options now.

The doctors told me surgery was not an option for avulsion cases so its good to hear that there is hope.

Other than the LA County Hospital and two hospitals in Indonesia I have not been anywhere else. For this reason I feel in the dark, the language barrier in Indonesia and the questionable treatment at County have left me with more questions than answers.

I applied for Medi-Cal when I first got back but was rejected because they said they only cover those over 65, under 21, Parents and those have been disabled for over a year. I was really frustrated when I was rejected...I will try Social Security next.

I am going to try to be evaluated by Mayo asap...

Right now I go to therapy pool as much as possible to stay active and move my right side as much as possible Though I wonder if this may stress my system and do more harm than good.

Thanks

Rock

Rock,
EMG and other tests are not 100% accurate. They can give an indication but are not conclusive as to whether the nerves are avulsed. You should be seen by a BPI specialist. This will give you better answers. For Dustin they weren't sure if there was an avulsion until they did exploratory surgery. Most drs don't have full understanding of BPI and just looking at it cannot tell them what may or may not return. Dustin is just over 3 yrs from his injury and still seeing improvements. The water should be a great place for you to exercise. They took Dustin to the pool as soon as he was recovered enough to go. It was amazing the things he could move in water. It has been a long and slow process but he has gained lots of movement, unfortunately not enough bicep to make it much use yet. We keep hoping though as he is still seeing improvement and only recently was able to bend the arm up while standing(but leaned over slightly).
Sue