United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was just wanting to know about bp surgery. My daughter was diagnosed with Erb's Palsy in July after a traumatic delivery which injured her c5,c6. I am so nervous and am a first time mother also. My little angel is just 4 months old and to think she has to go through this at such a young age. I am aware there are lots of children that do the same. Any suggestions or comments will help. Thanks

Hello Sofia's mom,
So sorry to hear that your little angel was injured too...By this point I am guessing you are already in contact with brachial plexus specialist in order to know that your baby needs surgery...But if a regular doc reccommended this or a bpi doc for that matter, a second opinion can never hurt and it might make you feel more at ease. At the top of the page under the resources tab is a directory of many bpi specialist.

I hope that everything goes great for you and your baby during and after surgery...Ask lots of questions! The only stupid question is the one left unasked...Brachial plexus injuries are all so different can can affect so many aspects of life there really are NO stupid questions!

Please feel free to ask any questions at all..I am 22 years old with a Right Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury...I have had 5 surgeries for my bpi so I have lots of experience.

Welcome to the boards although I am very sorry to hear that your baby was injured!
Amy 22 years old ROBPI from MN

Thanks so much for the kind words. We have been going to cinn. childrens hospital since August. I just feel so helpless because she is having to go thru this. She is truely one of a kind and has the best personality!!!! I am so blessed to be her mother and I just want the best for her!!! So, with that said any words of encouragement or comments would be appriciated.

Who do you see at Cincinnati?? My son just had what is called a "release and transfer" surgery done by Dr. Mehlman. He has made this injury a passion of his. He is an amazing doctor and the results of my son's surgery (he was 11) have been amazing. My son was misdiagnosed when he was a baby so we have been playing catch up. His scapula nerve was dead but we did not realize it until age 11. I am so thankful for Dr. Mehlman. Are you seeing a neurosurgeon right now?? Please be thankful you have had the proper tests and know your babies condition. You will be amazed how they do with surgery. My son has had 7 of them, for various reasons.
Stephens mom

Sofia's mother, I am sorry your daughter has to have surgery. I'm glad that you found UBPN it will be a great source of support and information for your family.

I am a birth injured adult and have been around here for the last ten years. I have never had surgery.

Just remember to enjoy your beautiful baby we are so much more than our arms. Don't let this injury rob you of the joy a new baby brings to your life.

Welcome again,
Kath robpi/adult

I agree that you should get a second opinion. Dr Kozin in Shriner's Philadelphia is free and the local Shriner's may cover transportation. I bet he will try to get you in ASAP if you tell him that you are facing surgery.

For inspiration, see the Femke video, some children have great progress without surgery.

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=iGMPuRKCmDc

Updated Femke

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm_0uSevLXM

I can remember those feelings when I first found out that my baby had Erb's Palsy and that there would be surgical procedures involved. I believe we all go through our ups and downs. My son is 7 years old now and looking back, I realize how much strength and courage it took to get through. You are always welcome to email me at anytime. I would be more than glad to share my experiences via email. I look forward to hearing from you. ((hugs))

Thanks so much for all the inspiration! Yes it is very stressful and the ups and downs are endless!!! Yes I would love to hear about your experience with Erb's Palsy. I have done so much research and am still wanting to know everything there is to know. Thanks again!

Hi Stephen's mom. We have been seeing Dr.Foad at the Brachial Plexus Center and of course the whole team! I am so nervous I can't hardly stand it!!We have had all the testing done and they were not good! Breaks my heart!! But I am keeping an open mind and praying about it. We are not seeing a neurosurgeon at this time, they haven't ever said anything about that. Do we need too???