United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

This is my first posting. On June 30, 2008, I hit a salvation army truck head on and suffered a brachial plexus injury to my left arm, along with a couple other injuries. I had nerve transfer surgery January 2009.

My wife has been very active on this site (code name "Chimley"). In fact, she has been my care giver and angel since my accident. She's the one that helps me get through the days when the pain is unbearable. My index finger and thumb are the most painful. They feel like they are filled with a high pressure liquid.

My pain has become a constant unwelcome shadow. Sometimes it's all I can think about. Activities such as listening to my Ipod or doing a crossword can cause enough distraction to give a few minutes of relief.
I see a pain management specialist and I am currently on oxy, percs (for break through), and lyrica. understand.

I still thank God every day that I am alive. I am most thankful my wife and children. There are so many things to be grateful for. I believe I was kept alive for a reason, and that the pain is just a minor setback.

I am currently searching for the perfect brace. I have about seven right now, including one from a member on this web site. Thanks for reading this...

how did the transfer go any results yet

Hi ...I am new too...had a nerve transfrer in March 1988. I was one of the first women to have an intercostal nerve graph into my left lung.
I was fortunate to see some signs of the success of the graph 9 months post surgery. But I was told 18 months. Patience is a vertue...no pain no gain. keep busy...ease off the drugs...if you can...busy yourself with 30 little tasks...when we have our focus on other things...our pain seems small.
Hope my words bring you some comfort..
At this stage of life...I feel like a warrioress with this TBPI...ask me anything...I understand the journey..
Take Care
Mardelle

So far there is no sign the nerve transfer has worked.
My Dr. said it can take up to three years to see results, and the only movements I will see are a curling and abduction motions.

I remain positive, and I am still doing physical therapy three days a week. PT consists of stretching and 8 minutes of ultrasound on my good side.

Hi Again...it's early. Be patient. Start to visualize the nerves repairing themselves. Connect within yourself. Imagine them multi colours. Imagine you feel a tickle instead of a pain feeling. You can train the mind to do just about anything. Don't get discouraged. Be patient and keep busy.
Watch the drugs...so many are very addictive...and when your mind is seduced by drugs and that feeling that they give...that in itself is a hard cross to bear, because you are introducing a new problem into your life. With TBPI we have enough already..