United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi im new here. Let me explain myself 1st. I was born on february 4th, 1994. my mom says that i couldn't move my left arm, and it was "stuck" to my body. I've came along way, but now my injury is really coming to light. I can't move my palm up, and i can't fully extend my arm to the side.i can't do normal things with my left, like flex, or even something as simple as brushing my teeth or Punching. i also have a LARGE arm imbalance. My right arm(mostly bicep) is way bigger then my left. Here's the questions that i have. 1: what is the name for my exact injury? and also, is it too late for surgery or anything? im 17 now. And ive been working out my left, but i don't notice much improvement. Will my arms ever equal out? im very self conscious about it, and because of it, i don't wear muscles shirts or swim, and people are noticing and i hate it. Than k you!

Hey Natec5172,

I'm not sure if you're still checking in, but I think I might be able to give you some insight. I am 22 years old and have an ROBPI. The way you described your injury sounds very similar to my afflictions, and I know exactly how you feel (with regards to wearing muscle shirts and going swimming). I have been actively involved in bodybuilding since I was about your age (maybe 18 years old). I fist started out by exercising in my parents basement (I was too embarrassed to join a gym and work out with the "big boys"). I was fortunate enough that my parents had a smith machine/cable/home-gym contraption that I could use in the beginning. I have noticed significant improvements in the development of the muscles, and the strength in my right arm, as well as an increase in range of motion. Although my affected arm is not perfect and I do not have "perfect symmetry" (what every bodybuilder strives for), I like to think of it as "another challenge", as it gives me something to work towards

I wrote a post in a different thread, called "working out". The URL is as follows:
http://ubpn.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=35276
I mention a few specific exercises that I struggle with due to my injury, and suggest more BPI-user-friendly exercises . Feel free to ask me any questions that you might have, as I would be more than happy to answer them!

Hi,
One thing about these injuries is,they come with a alphabet of names. Mine is birth erbs 61 years ago, I never had treatment nor did I ever heard of treatment for my erbs . I can only raise my arm a few inches but I built in a strong grasp but I cant turn my hand over. I built my right arm to a point to a look of a small tree trunk, This help me a lot because I end up driving a semi for 25 years. For me having a one strong arm help me to adapt and do more basically one handed. I all so think one handed because I got wired that way from birth. You are in a great time to have further treatments and surgeries in your lifetime, There are so many of them and finding the right doctor to do them is a real challenge There are so many post regarding this and it is very hard to find but by persevering people have found some relief to a point. I also know how you fell about being self con-chance about the injury. But like other post there is a real thing that happens in time you do find things you can do and by doing so your self esteem grow and you fit in with others that do that activity to. I have been scuba diving for 30 years and doing it one handed but I am In AW by postings and what others find a way to fit in and find joy by doing so. To me the second I focus in trying and finding things I could do the less I thought about people looking at me The hards thing is when trying dont work then its is VERY Important to remember that trying was more important than out come Staying positive sure is hard for sure Then you remember that in-spite of what you cant do its more important to focus and joy in what you can do in-spite of your limitation you end up with,You can tell this to, by so many posting by what others posting here I hope what I say helps you???????

Best trys
Tom

Wow
You wonder why I am Positive, one reason is the things Christopher Post I had no hope but today going forwards there is ( and Its real not just Hope!!!) The path is hard to find to get help and to get direction for your limitation but to be missing TENACITY to do so is not laking HERE!!!!!
Stay Strong!!!!!! You NEVER FAIL BY TRYING!!!!!
MR, Positive
Tom