It's never too late

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
Chrissie
Posts: 38
Joined: Sat May 16, 2009 11:57 am

It's never too late

Post by Chrissie »

Inspired by the members of this group sharing their thoughts, concerns and experiences I have asked my GP to be referred to a consultant. Although this will not be an OBPI specialist (they're a bit thin on the ground in the UK) I want to find out what injuries I have and what the likely impacts of these are for me in the future.

I am beginning to realise that it's more than my arm that is affected. The ribs on my left side protrude and were more noticeable when I was younger (and had less 'cushioning'). I have had pains in my lower back recently and have had sciatica for some years, which causes numbness in my left foot. I thought this was a separate issue but now realise that it is because my posture is skewed and my body is slightly twisted that I am getting back problems. I hadn't noticed that my gait and posture were so bad, although my husband has mentioned it. When I am tense my left (OBPI) shoulder rises up almost to my ear. I generally hold that arm tense and maybe that's causing some effects. Hopefully the consultant will be able to enlighten me as to what is going on and if I can improve the situation in any way. If I could find solutions to the discomfort in my arm and shoulder that'll be great.

For years (55) I've just got on with it and put up with things. I've been determined and done the things that I can. I just wanted members to know that you have inspired me to realise that I deserve more than this - the best that I can do for myself.
Carolyn J
Posts: 3424
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:22 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.

My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!

I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey".
There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Location: Tacoma WA
Contact:

Re: It's never too late

Post by Carolyn J »

YAYYYYY Chrissie!! You've gotten "It". It's never too late! never too late to learn something new too...I was always afraid of the computer until age 65 when I took classes at our Senior Center, then I found UBPN and all this R-E-L-I-E-F, support and new Family. Start saving to come to UBPN CAMP 2010!

Hugs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/70++++;)
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
janny
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun May 31, 2009 2:17 am

Re: It's never too late

Post by janny »

Well done on making the first move Chrissie!!! I hope you find the answers you are looking for and that the doctors can make you more comfortable!
Where in England are you if you dont mind me asking?
Chrissie
Posts: 38
Joined: Sat May 16, 2009 11:57 am

Re: It's never too late

Post by Chrissie »

Hi Janny,

I live in the south east, not too far from Heathrow.
Carolyn J
Posts: 3424
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:22 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.

My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!

I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey".
There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Location: Tacoma WA
Contact:

Re: It's never too late

Post by Carolyn J »

Keep us updated, Chrissie! You are soooo "getting it"..nope, it's never to late.

Hugs from across the pond,
Carolyn J
LOBPI
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
janny
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun May 31, 2009 2:17 am

Re: It's never too late

Post by janny »

Cool. Im waaaay up north in Scotland, near Aberdeen :)
Its a shame you arent close to Gatwick as we will be travelling through there in September with long waits there and back. We couldve met for a coffee and compared war wounds lol
momo
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:26 pm

Re: UBPN Camp

Post by momo »

Hi all, I'm new to the sight but I'm awfully glad I found it. My grandson, Matthew, has BP and my daughter and I had been looking for some sort of support/info group for a while now. I'd like some info on the UBPN camp Carolyn mentioned, maybe we can attend. Thank you.
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: UBPN Camp

Post by marieke »

If you look at the Camp Board you will see past info on camps (2007 being the most recent). The next one is set for 2010 in October (so far), but no state has been decided yet. The Camp is usually held every 2 years and moves from state to state. The last one was in Auburn, WA. It was great!

http://ubpn.org/messageboard/forum.jspa?forumID=65

Marieke 33, LOBPI
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
Evan J
Posts: 37
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2008 4:52 pm

Re: UBPN Camp

Post by Evan J »

Do you know when more information will be determined on the camp in 2010? Ive always wanted to go and would really like to get involved and help out.

Thanks,

Evan/18/LOBPI
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: UBPN Camp

Post by marieke »

Closer to the actual date.. a few months before usually (or more, but the actual sign up is closer to the date). Info will come out when they know.
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
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