United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was hoping others could elaborate on their extent of injury so I could gauge mine. I hope this question does not offend anyone. My apologies if it does. I'll go first.

My left arm is obviously bent and the tendon( i think) is taut, even though my arm will not straighten. My shoulder blade, sticks out , a lot when i lean forward or make certain movements. Both my arms are about the same size, but I have limited movement in my left, I have a hard time raising it unless it is using someting else for support, i cannot turn my hand upside down, its weaker than my other. and the whole arm just can do the same angles the other one can. It also aches a lot, and really badly if I sleep on it wrong.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated. Thanx.
Rosie

Hi, and welcome to UBPN. No question is "dumb" so don't worry about that!

I assume since you are posting your question here that you have been affected all your life with this? That it happened at birth? Have you ever had any surgeries or any type of treatment in PT or OT?

It sounds like you have a contracture of the elbow joint, as you say your arm is always bent and it sounds like you are unable to straighten it. I don't have one though.

Many others on here have that as well. Your shoulder blade that "sticks out" is called winging. This too is typical of the injury. Mine too does this.

You cannot lift it over head? That again is common with a BPI, depending o which nerves are effected. I can't lift mine over head or even get my hand to my mouth.

You say you can't turn your arm over, do you mean turn your palm facing up towards the sky or the other way around? I can't turn my palm up either, this is called supination. Palm down is pronation.

Your arm being weaker is "normal" in a BPI too. Your arm aching can happen if you use it too much or try to force it to do things it cannot. BOTH arms can be affected with pain, so be careful not to overuse your "good" arm as well.

Are you able to see a doctor who knows about BPI or at the very least a neurologist who could tell you exactly what nerves are effected based on your deficits or even get a referral to a physical therapist who could test your muscle strength and tell you how much you are affected so you know where you stand and if there is anything that can be done.

Marieke, 33 LOBPI

WELCOME to our UBPN Family!
I don't know how old you are but I know I lived all my life not having a name or interventions(it was basically ignored, just called "your birth defect"...HOW I HATE THAT PHRASE!!)...until I found UBPN at age 65. It was very emotional for me and I read message topic threads for hours there is sooo much information, caring support and Instant understanding. here I groew up thinking I was the only one with this "birth injury/defect" as it was referred to in the dark ages.

There is no dumb question anywhere and everyone is welcome on any/all forums...I learn alot from parents and persons with TBPI's. YOu also can type a questio, subject or phrase in the "Search Forums" Link at the top of any page and all the posts on the subject will come up for you. I do suggest putting a timer on for yourself because it is easy to "lose" 3-4 hours fast & it also helps not to be overloaded with too much information all at once.

I also recommend checking out the "Medical Resources" Link on the home page to see if you are commuting distance from any BPI Specialists listed on our web site. It really helps to know the interventions for your injuries...everyone's is different in degree and function.
Hope to "see you here again soon to tell us more about yourself.

Carolyn J
LOBPI/70 & proud to be


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

Ok, I am 56 had my scapula broken at birth and it does not wing. My elbow was fracture to I have torn nerves out of my neck. My only true use is to left it enough to hold on to a steering wheel of a semi and was a local Semi driver around Chicago. I retired with no tickets or accident ever. I am a Padi Master Diver. There is always the thing of what you cant do with ERBS, But it is way more important to fine things that you can try to do. If you fail , you try something else.

Tom

Thankyou so much for your reply. It was very helpful. Have a great day!

-Rosie

Hi Rosie,
Welcome to the boards. I am glad that you found us.
Judy 48 ROBPI