United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello all,

It's been so long since I've posted I thought I'd give an update. My BPI is due to damage incurred during surgery for a total shoulder replacement.

I had decompression surgery last summer (July 30,'08)and very long story short, I've seen no improvement. Months of PT were unsuccessful so I had an EMG last month which was, once again, abnormal.

The problem I am having now, as I try to go about my daily activities, is my shoulder slipping in and out of the joint, due to atrophy of the deltoid muscle. There's basically very little muscle to keep my shoulder stable. It even slips out at night and I wake up in horrible pain. I continue to have nerve pain, sensory deficits and have developed a tremor in my thumb and index finger. I am hoping that with time, things will get better, although lately, it seems things are getting worse.

My orthopedic doc and neurosurgeon are also hoping time will hep with the healing, but I can't help but be discouraged. I go back to see my docs on April 14th and I'd love to have some good news to share with them by then.

Maybe things have to get a little worse before they get better? I don't know...I am trying so hard to get better!

Thanks for listening,
MB

MB,
Are you wearing your sling daily? Most people have to use it to keep the shoulder joint from being subluxed and keep the pain down during arm use. I rarely wear mine but at the slightest hint of shoulder pain, I pop it on.
I often say this, but getting in the gym's pool 3 times a week to make the arm a little more weightless for a while helps me a lot.
My doc too is not optimistic on the shoulder but what do doctors know! I'll just keep working at it all te same. It sucks though, i know how you feel, I bust my butt working at it and continuously have little to no gain. Does make me feel better at least when I try.

Robert,

Thanks for the reply and the your encouraging attitude!

The only sling I have is a regular one from post-surgery. It's so restrictive. I've seen a few posts on this web-site with links to all kinds of braces...and some specifically for subluxation. I have thought about getting one of those.

I have been very active all my life and that is why I pursued the TSR...so I could get back to running, golfing, soccer, basketball...you name it, I did it. Now, I am resigned to my eliptical trainer.

I'll keep pluggin' away, though, in hopes that these nerves decide to work again!

Thanks,
MB