United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My son goes back to Mayo on the 24th. I was wrong what I posted about nerves being avulsed , they aren't I just left out the "not". He no longer seems to have palsy of the lattisimus dorsi, but the triceps has not improved, He also has had no improvement with his hand. The small muscles which connect the thumb and the first finger appears to be completely atrophied. I have harped on him about performing mind body exercises, along with just plain muscle stimulation and movement. He is 19, I think depressed and not motivated!
Can some of you on here give him suggestions on what he should be doing to keep the muscles viable. He will not listen to my suggestions. His email is Rberriz@comcast.net, he can also be found on FaceBook under Robbie Berriz. If any of you could take a minute out of your day to encourage and teach him what needs to be done, this mom would be most grateful! He goes to PT/OT twice per week for a total of four hours. He has a small stim machine which he claims does nothing! I anyone wants his cell number, PM me and I will gladly give it! If anyone is in the DC?Virginia/Maryland area and can offer encouragement, please contact me also.
Thanks you so very much....
Raisa

Hi!

I am really sorry that you, your son, and your family are going through this.

I am 21 and just suffered a RTBPI on Dec 3rd during another surgery I was having. The nerves were cut. I am also in college and this has affected my life greatly. My injury mainly affect my shoulder though with weakness in my elbow, thumb, and first finger... so not exactly the same as your sons.

The only advice I can give you is to be there for him. While he is 19 and at that stage of not wanting to be dependent on people, he still needs you. When I first had to do things on my own in the hospital my mom was there for me... and I hated it becuase I wanted to be independent. It was embarrassing and frustrating to be relying on my mom when I was 21. At the same time, I was very thankful that she was there. Do not step in to do everything for him, but be there for him and let him know that if he does need you then you are there. I am sure you already have done that though.

I got a little depressed about my whole situation too. Although I have to say it is just now really hitting me. I finally gave in and am going to speak with a counselor just to help me deal with the chrnoic pain and adjustment to life in college with one arm. It is helpful, but since this is a life changing injury - it still takes lots and lots of time. My mood changes - I have good days and bad days. It is something I am still adjusting too just becuase of how frustrating this whole injury is.

Additionally, according to your previous post your son sustained this during an armed robbery... there is very much a chance that he is depressed - he is dealing with not only this injury to his arm but the emotional aspects that would come with an armed robbery and being shot. He is probably unmotivated due to being a down concerning this and having problems adjusting to it all. If I was in his situation I am not sure how I would handle that either. He must be a very strong man and have a great family to get through all of this.

If you or your son ever want to talk you can contact me though. My email is: its1105@yahoo.com
I am also on Facebook so I can give you my name if you want to find me on there. I would me more than happy to keep in touch if you wanted.

-Marie

i just read your situation with your son - my son suffered his lfbpi 8/7/08 - words can not express how hard it is to watch your loved one (especially your child when you are moms) suffer - we will also be in mayo on 2/24/09 for testing as surgery is scheduled for 2/26/09 - he has to have additional testing as he was on weeks of life support for ards (advanced respitory distress - his lungs were shattered in the accident) we were airlifted to the university of michigan hospital on life support - it seems u of m and mayo are mentioned on here often - u of m was our first opinion on the brachial plexus - we flew to mayo a couple weeks ago and chose them for a 2nd and are staying with them i have a lot of compassion for your son and your family shelly