United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,

My 10 week old daughter has brachial plexus injuries to her right arm.She has finger and wrist movement. She can lift her arm up a couple of inches by using her shoulder but cannot bend at her elbow. she has good resistance downward. We visited Dr. Waters at Children's Hospital of Boston. He mentioned that as she did not recover within 6 weeks, the recovery will be slow. He mentioned that a surgery decision will be made between 3 to 9 months. He gave another appointment on April 5th. She will be 15 weeks old by then. While we understand that Dr. Waters is one of the best BPI specialist, we are wondering if it is in our best interest to take a second opinion. We are considering Dr. Kozin at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Is it better to take second opinion prior to April 5th appointment or after April 5th? If we do intend to take second opinion from Dr. Kozin, is it better to update them about our appointment with Dr. Waters so that we will get an appointment with Dr. Kozin prior to April 5th? Please advise.

Thanks,
Deechi's Mom

A little before or a little after doesn't matter much. More importantly, I would just submit your information for Dr. Kozin and see when he recommends she be seen for this decision. He may be on a slightly different time frame than Dr. Waters.

Kate

Deechi's Mom,

You have done well seeing Dr. Waters. Dr. Kozin is also a very fine surgeon but it is doubtful that his view will be any different than Peter Waters. This is a topic that often comes up on the message board. Drs. Waters, Kozin and Grossman are all very similar in their approach and opinions. They are all very fine surgeons and believe in a more conservative approach. All three are associated with major academic teaching hospitals and all have done extensive research which has been published in major peer review journals. I appreciate your interest in a second opinion and seeing Dr. Kozin is certainly a good idea. If as I suspect Dr. Kozin's view is the same as Dr. Waters I urge you to take their advice. It will not matter if you have the second opinion before the April 5th visit although you may want it before planning any surgery.

You are in good hands with Dr. Waters or Dr. Kozin.

Ken Levine
617-566-2700
Klevine@Klevinelaw.com
http://www.Klevinelaw.com