United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

me again, we're new to this and we live in delaware so by that i mean my brother is something they've never seen before, i've bought him a shoulder restraint which wraps around his belly with a hand holder, he has no feeling and doesn't want to walk around with his arm dangling, any suggestions?

i've been ltbpi for a little over 3 years now, and i just keep my hand in my pocket. keeps it from dangling.

The only thing I can suggest Sara, is try & get your brother a sling that doesn't go round the back of his neck, because it will give him a sore back & it will do nothing for his posture, I have a sling that sits on my left shoulder & I have velcro round my chest to hold it into place, & the lower part is operated by little leavers so I can have my arm in three diffrent positions. I will try & find the web site I saw some slings on just recently & email it to you. Goodluck.

bigsel
Scottish tbpi

You can just stick your arm in your pocket, but it's a bit more difficult with some types of trousis, eg:
jeans. Leaving the arm dangling looks pretty horrible, but I found eventually (after 4 years) that I had more pain if I had my arm in my pocket than if I left it dangling, even with subluxation. However, the best thing I know of is a harness designed by a Dutchman, called the Wilmer Carrying Orthosis. It goes under your clothes, and supports your arm in a more-or-less natural looking way. I don't know how you'd find one in Yankeedoodleland, but the UK's contact is Mr Ken Spooner at Ambroise UK. Check out their website.

I had my physical therapist order one of the wilmar orthosis's for me. It's not here yet (stuck in customs) but I'll let you know how it works out.

when i first had my bpi i used to feel the need to stick my hand in my pocket or whatever, for the last 10 yrs or so i just let it dangle, i'm used to it now, it seems normal. Letting it swing as you walk helps lots with posture etc, i never even notice it now and haven't worn a sling/support/put it in my pocket for years. I wish I'd been more laid back about it years ago.

hi sara - look at the way bottom of this page...
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/splints.html

hope this is helpful,
francine

http://www.armsling.com/ This the most comfortable slings. I do a lot of skateboarding and surfing and I used these as a starting point and made some mods to it. I know make my own, and really only use the sling when I am riding. Here is a link from my last trip to Louisville KY, http://criticalthrash.com/action/louisville/
I am the one they refer to as "slot machine"
A closer look at my sling can also be seen here
http://criticalthrash.com/action/wanchese
the pic on the bottom "robfs" and the doubles movies are me. Good luck and let me know if this helps.

Huu... great stuff the skate pics!!
But,, Rob how do you protect the shoulder and the collar bone? I dont know your, but mine is all skin and bones!

Bye
Paulo G.

yea how Paul