United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have ROBPI, so bad circulation.
When the weather starts getting cooler, my hands always get cold. That makes my hand hurt pretty bad, along with my whole arm. I try to wear long sleeves to keep my arm warm, but sometimes that doesn't seem to help. I went to the doctor for this problem and he said just to keep it warm, and wear a glove on my hand? I'm not quite sure that would work. I also don't really want people asking me why I'm wearing one glove. Does anybody have any tips on how to help this problem?

Try to keep it moving as much as you can.
If you are at home you can use those microwave hot packs (the ones with the peas or whatever they are inside).
I try to keep my hand in my pocket to keep it warm as well.

Marieke 33, LOBPI

What about a arm sleeve? They have them in sporting good stores. I was actually thinking about getting myself some. Or even at medical supply stores whichever. Hmmm, going to the mall tomorrow, might look for some.

Here are some examples...
http://www.amazon.com/Colonial-Medical- ... 86&sr=8-34

http://www.amazon.com/Mcdavid-Power-Sho ... 49&sr=8-50

-Traci

Okay thanks.
I'll have to try those out.
I play basketball so I figured I keep it moving enough.
But I guess not.
Sarah/ROBPI/13

Bad circulation is part of the injury. Over my life time my erbs arm and hand has stayed all types of red. What bugs me in the cold it will change to shades of purple. Dont let it bug you, In winter ware a glove and dont let a doctor take your blood preasure in your erbs arm the preasure is differant because the circulation is differnt. Play baseball and forget about the color change unless a doctor tells you diffent.

Tom

Sarah

I'm sure you have heard that you are not to by bp taken on the obpi side. You are also not supposed to get injections or IV sticks. I learned that as a child and when I first came to ubpn many people thought that because of the numb spots it was OK. Since that time many doctors agree that shots and IV sticks and bp are not to be taken on the bpi side.

My hand and arm freeze even when I type and use it. I often buy fleece jackets with pockets to keep my hand warm when I don't have to use it. I played basketball when I was young and I still froze on the right side. I just had no one who understood or could help me understand that it's part of the injury. If you get to camp you will see many adult obpi trying to keep their arms warm with extra things.

I hate the cold because it requires more clothing on that side.

Kath robpi/adult

Check these out!
http://www.littlemissmatched.com/Catalo ... rm_warmers

Francine had posted this link in another post.

Marieke 33, LOBPI

I've had VERY POOR Circulation on my left BPI side all my life. It Sucks. I'm going to get these warmers, thanks for the links Traci & Marieke.

Carolyn J
LOBPI/71


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

Kath,
I honesty did not know that you're not supposed to get injections on the bpi side. Nobody has ever told me that. I've never had any IVs in that side just because I don't have any good veins. I think I might have had bp taken from the side too. I also don't have numb spots. I'll definitely have to let my mom know what you said.
I play basketball 5 days a week. And my arm still is freezing cold. Just like how you said yours was. I'm so glad it's not just me. I sometimes go down to the trainer and get a moist heat pack thing. That seems to help alot.
I haven't been to a camp yet. I'm really hoping to go to one soon. I'm not sure when they are, but my mom has been looking into it.
You're right, the cold sucks.
Thanks!
Sarah/ROBPI/13
P.S. Thanks everybody else for the links!

I did get some of the open fingered gloves, but they didn't go up high enough on my arm. My upper arm gets just as cold. I actually sat at my desk today with one arm in my sweatshirt and the other out. It's just that time of year. Couldn't find the Arm sleeves at Dick's sporting goods, but I'm still looking, someone carries them.

-Traci