United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

9 weeks ago I was in a snowboarding accident that left me with a bpi which the doctors believe is not permanent but they also do not believe it to be fully recovered for 2 years if not more. I was just wondering if anyone knew of any possible interventions that may speed up the recovery. I am open to any suggestions.

Hi Janet-
What leads the doctor's to that prognosis? The only reason I ask is that I had two neurologists tell me that since I had no avulsions, I wasn’t necessarily a candidate for surgery and would likely recover my functionality in 12-18 months. I was excited about this news, but since I had heard that it was best to have surgery within 6 months of the injury date, I went ahead with an appointment with a BPI specialist and he confirmed that I did indeed need the surgery. I do hope you have a full recovery without having to go through the 9-11 hours of surgery, but I would want to confirm that with a BPI specialist. If the doctors you mentioned are BPI specialists, then ignore everything I just wrote! ).

That said, being active with physical therapy, as well as keeping a positive outlook is always a step in the right direction. Since my surgery, I’ve been taking a B-complex vitamin as well as Omega-3 (learned of this here at ubpn) to help stimulate nerve repair/growth.

Keep us informed of your progress.

Frank


Message was edited by: racerboy

Frank-

I had an EMG done on the 15th which led the doctors to this. Although they are not bpi specialists they are neurologists. I've been told that recovery could take up to 2 years (if there is a full recovery). I would honestly go through 9-11 hours of surgery if it meant not living with this. I am fairly active and like my tennis in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. It's easy to say that i'm not a very patient person.
I have ocupational therapy twice a week which seems to be helping a little. And as hard as it is, I am trying to stay positive.

Thank you for the advice,
Janet

i am in the exact same position 5months post accident and i just got a second and third op from a bpi specialist and hand surgen proffessor please do the same just to make sure. they both want me to have surgery in the next 6 weeks rather then the wait and see option. now i have a decision to make whether i go to the mayo or go with the best two guys in australia or wait and see. ITS A GAMBLE BUT MY GAMBLE

Hi Janet-
I know just how you feel. It is so hard to be patient! When I went to see Dr. Wolfe at HSS (after seeing the neurologist who said I would recover in 12-18 mos) he was of the opinion that if I had not had any return in 5 months, it was unlikely I would see great results with the 'wait and see' method. He also told me they get the most optimum results when they do the nerve transfer surgery within 3-6 months of the injury. While there are no guarantees with the surgery, and no to BPIs are the same, I felt like I had to act, and act fast. Within 2 weeks of my visit with Dr. Wolfe, I went under the knife for four nerve transfers.

I'm not saying your neurologists are wrong, i would just get an opinion from one of the BPI specialists. The more information you have, the more informed your decisions will be.

Frank


Message was edited by: racerboy

Janet,
BPI is a very specialized area. Most neuro drs have some knowledge but not what you will find with a BPI specialist that is up to date on all the new procedures. An EMG is only as good as the dr doing the test and interpreting it. They are not 100% accurate. If you have some movement in all areas then "wait and see" may be alright. However I would strongly suggest you get a second opinion from a BPI specialist. Nerves heal at roughly 1" per month so, recovery will depend on where the nerves are damaged. My son was injured 3 1/2 yrs ago. He is still seeing improvement. The drs are amazed at the amount of function he has. However the arm is still not useful. Although he can do most movements it is not strong enough to be usefull. I would say that 12-18 mos is just a guess. What someone else said, each injury is unique, is true. Even where they sound the same treatment and recovery can be completely different. Along with your therapy you may want to try doing exercises in water. Without gravity it is easier to move and use more muscles than on land. With Dustin we tried the B vitamin, Protein shakes, and ammino acids I think it was, these are supposed to promote healing in nerves.
Best of luck, you are in the right place for advise, we've all been through it.
Sue

hey guys.

thanks for all of the advice. seeing as i'm only 17 i'll talk to my parents and see what they have to say. especially since MAYO is close to home and surgery is recommended in the 3-6 month range.

Frank, you said that you had the surgery and i was just wondering what your outcome has been.

Thanks again guys. This is all new to me and kind of scary so the support is very much appreciated.

"This is all new to me and kind of scary" You are not alone so don't be afraid. I've known other G.I.'s who've shared stories with me about their experiences with bpi suffered though not so serious incidents and they've recovered like 98%. They all report a timeframe of about two years. Mostly they were left with tingling in thier ring and pinky fingers.
So welcome to the worst club ever created out of necessity.
I hope that is correct??? best club, worst necessity???
I'm with Sue in that you have found the best place for information and support. How did you happen by ubpn.org?
Frank I too would like to know how you are fairing since your procedure?
My best to all,
Scott

That is actually very encouraging seeing as my pinky and ring finger are also numb...

I happened to find this site on a page on facebook.com. Whether one considers this site to be a "Good club" or a "bad club" it certainly has been helpful. My family and I are now considering specialists at the Mayo clinic and seeing as I go to college in the fall it would be nice to get everything figured out as soon as possible. Thank you all for the advice.

>
> Frank, you said that you had the surgery and i was
> just wondering what your outcome has been.
>


Hi Janet-
I'm still waiting to see some recovery. Was advised not to expect anything for at least 3 months (surgery was on March 20, 2009), so I'm only about 9 weeks post-op. As soon as I feel anything. you guys will be the first to know.

f.