United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am just wondering if anyone else here with TBPI wear's one? I read that some with OBPI wear them, just wondering. Also, have any of you had issues with blood pressure cuffs, or needles, or IV's?

My dgt has a RTBPI since 2005. She does not wear a Medic- Alert bracelet however I tell her whenever she has any medical visit or procedure to tell them that her right arm is restricted - meaning that they should not use her right arm for any blood pressure readings, IV's or any other venipunctures. Her anatomy has been greatly altered along with having no feeling in that arm. They could inadvertently hit a nerve with the needle and I just don't like an automatic blood pressure cuff squeezing her transferred gracillis muscle. She would never feel it if it got too tight. I'm just really very protective of the arm.

I am 54 years old. I have severe reactions to bee stings. My mother bought me everything to alert the unknowing in the event of my unconsciousness. She bought the necklace which was torn off and lost in one of my scuffles. She bought me the bracelet. Aside from me thinking a bracelet was 'girly' back then I couldn't keep it on because I also have a condition which invokes the dreaded fear of claustrophobia if I wear turtle necks, rings or bracelets. I feel real restricted. Is there a name for that?
Now however, because I can't feel my left arm I see no problem with adorning myself with all the 'bling bling' my arm can hold. lol.
I intend on ordering a bracelet. My problem is the bracelet can not be wide enough or long enough to explain my bee problem and my LTBPI.
Am I going to have a problem?
Scott


Message was edited by: swhite1

I do wear a medical alert bracelet periodically. I wore it more immediately after my injury... and now just when I feel that it would be best if I did. If I am hanging out with people that know about the injury, then I don't wear it. If I am traveling or what not though, I try to wear it just in case. I have no feeling in my bicep area, but am hyper sensitive in areas around my incision and my nerve pain increases greatly if my arm is moved...so I wear it just in case something happens so that no one touches my right arm. Mine basically just says what type of injury though and the "ICE" contact on it.

I do not wear a bracelet... but I will tell you... I have been told my MULTIPLE doctors about my arm. No BP or needles at all! Please be careful with this! T he other arm can be used!

I also agree with Sue! Especially after surgeries etc. have been done, the anatomy is not 'normal' anymore.

Please be careful!!

Courtney

thanks Courtney,

Only problem is I have bilateral brachial Plexus, so, not sure what I should ask them to do... I also, wonder since my left arm seems to me almost normal, if that arm would be ok or not to use.

I did have them take my b.p. at the hospital on my leg.. so I know that for the bp that is an option.

anyone with a thought on the issue, do to the bilateral thing?