United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

It's been a long time since I've visited the UBPN. I even forgot my username.... I have 2 kids. A girl and a boy. My son has a RBPI and is 5 years old. We were told that when he can do zippers and when the handwriting issue is resolved he won't need OT anymore... My gut says I Don't Think So... but I wanted to get ya'll's opinion. What do you think? Kids still in OT?

Hi and WELCOME BACK
My opinion on OT and PT !!! They are at the child's willingness to cooperate. I say this because at one two my son would not allow the therapists to come near him, he has had enough. I pulled him from PI and OT, I had enough of hearing him cry, I had enough of him almost knocking this little old PT to the floor, I had just had enough. I continued therapy at home, no I am not a therapist, but I was his mother and I could teach him how to do things, and then let him learn his way. When I took him back to the surgeon when he was 5 the Dr. Said to me, wow he looks great, I think we should hold off on therapy for now, I looked at him and said'"That was done with three years ago" He said, "Mom, I don't know how you did it, but he looks awesome" Truth be said, he already had two surgeries, he cannot to everything perfect, but what kid can??????? I have seen children without bpi that cannot tie their shoes, or zipper their zippers, I make it as easy as I can without babying him(even though it is hard.)Like anything it is about what the child wants to do. I knew he was getting nothing at therapy screaming and kicking and screaming some more. Brandon will be 11 in 3 days, and I cannot believe how well he does. There is a time to quit therapy and you and your child will know when that is(even though they may not be able to tell you) Others may disagree, and I know they will, but this is how I feel !!!
Gayle mom to Brandon 11 years in 3 days(ROBPI)

well it looks like your OT is an "educational model" OT -- this means that once your child has all his "activities of daily living" (ADLs) perfected then they're done...

but what about "medical model" OT -- what kind of therapy or rehabilitation does your child need - find out from your bpi specialist and move in that direction. Medical model OTs will look at bracing, splinting, kinesiotaping, post surgery rehab, stretching, strengthening and more... (rather than just ADLs)

I hope when people tell me a 2 year old is the hardest to work with that it is true. So I wonder this myself as she gains so much strength in play. Anyway. I guess we have to ask ourselves or the OT what they think can be accomplished through therapy? How do they think they could help. I've been told periodically as they grow it would not be unusual to have to come back to OT from time to time. I feel it is like a never ending cycle of trying to prevent contractures and maintain as much ROM as you can. Good question as I wonder the same thing. Go with your gut. You can always see someone on a monthly basis or less frequent for monitoring.

Jennie:
I'm sorry to say, that both Fran and Gayle are right! Of course this doesn't make it any easier to make the decisions, does it??

I think if you feel that there is still much to be gained from formal therapy, then look for a new one. When Juliana was about 18 months old, our PT (who was great!) left private practice to go to a school for the disabled. We then went on a merry-go-round of PTs to help her with her gross motor skills (balance, weight bearing, etc). She HATED them all! We would last a month, maybe, and then she was uncooperative. I did what I could with her on the playground and in the ball pit we built. We had a fabulous OT who helped us with PT too. Then, finally, Maureen had space in her schedule and a fit was found! She was nice, but firm. And Juliana couldn't outsmart her. Plus, she kept things moving, which Julie liked. We used her for years. I even would call her when I had questions about what the school PT was doing.

However, like Gayle, at a certain point, Juliana and I were finished with formal therapy. We bought "therapy toys" and made therapy into part of our everyday lives (to this day @ 9 1/2 years old, she still loves cleaning windows!!). I included her sibs and made it a family affair. Only time with Daddy was therapy free. Her recovery is amazing (yes, 3 surgeries to help), but she is so very capable.

There are no hard and fast rules here. We are all just winging it!!! If you give up the therapy and you see regression or you just can't be the one to push...then find a new therapist.

By the way, I almost always took the summers off from therapy. There was so much to do: playgrounds, swimming (lots of swimming), chalk in the driveway, Tball in the backyard...that who needed therapy??

good luck,
claudia


Message was edited by: claudia

Claudia,
I love the statement....only time with daddy was therapy free !!! So much is true in this house too............even Brandon's siblings were into it. Goodness, the hours we spent making playdough....what a mess. And you are right, the decision was not ever easy !!!!! And by the way............................... I have the cleanest windows in town, up as high as my son can reach.....geee, I wish he would get taller !!!

GAYLE


Message was edited by: brandonsmom

Thanks to everyone for your response! and thanks for the window washing tip too! I'm totally going to work that one!

Jennie