United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi, most of you may know me as Miss Elizabeth, my mom is Louise Beaulieu. I have finally decided to offer my "expertise" opinion and help. I have just undergone my 4th surgery, which consisted of a 6th and 7th procedure, which was a wrist fusion and tendon transfer to my thumb. I had surgery 12 weeks ago, was casted for 4 weeks and splinted for 8 weeks. I removed my splint 3 days ago and I was really happy that my hand stayed open and that I could move my fingers. I am now doing OT and PT 3 times a week with therapists and also doing exercises at home. I really believe that all 7 procedures that I have had done in the past 10 years have been really successful each in their own way.

I'm not going to lie, the surgeries I have had were painful, but I personally think the pain was worth it. I'm very fortunate to have parents that tell me to never give up and who love me. I am also very fortunate to live in a small town because everyone knows me and they don't treat me any different. Before I had this surgery to fuse my wrist, my arm looked really short compared to the other one and I would see people looking at my arm with a confused look on their face, but now that I had the surgery, my arm looks longer and looks more "normal". At least that's how I feel... Most of my friends and family don't notice the length difference, but I sure do/did.

I've been adapting my whole life. I type with one hand, and I can actually type faster than most people. I have been playing trumpet for 7 years now (wow time flies), I play basketball, volleyball and some other sports. If someone tells me I can't play or do something because I only have one arm, I tell them "Oh yea, watch me!" Telling me I can't, is like asking me to prove you wrong. I hate it when people say I can't do something. I turn around and show them that I can. I never give up and I never will...

Welcome to the boards Elizabeth
You have proven that you are a strong and independent young woman!

nice to finally 'meet' you ... i usually take it as a challenge too when people say i cant do something!!

you are awsome! hope everthing goes very well with all your surgeries.

WELCOME ELIZABETH!!!
It is great to have your perspective growing up as you are with these OBPI Injuries. I look forward to your posts. You are a very good writer

HUgs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/72

Miss Elizabeth (can I still call you that?),

You have come such a long way since that first day we met. You were young and angry and SO ANGRY you were ready to rip your mom and dad's head off in a moment. Then you had that incredible surgery where your arm positioning was changed -- What courage you had on that day fully knowing what was going to happen. You were strong and courageous and powerful. No longer upside down and backward and now in a normal position -- it was the transformation into a butterfly. I view that time as when you actually "arrived". It seemed to me like you went through a rebirth. The anger lifted and the sun shined right through. You sparkled. You had things to share. You just completely changed.

You are one awesome young woman! and you will help so many people on here -- hopefully, my daughter, too. We are so grateful that we met you and your mom and that we have time together every so often when you come south.

You go girl!!
-francine

Yes, you can still call me Miss Elizabeth, and thank you!

Thank you everyone... If any of you have any questions about ANYTHING don't be shy to ask.