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!

Hi, I'm Elizabeth, i'm also 17 The injury I have is called "Brachial Plexus Injury" and that's possibly what you have... I'm not a doctor, so i don't know if it's too late, i don't think it's ever too late. If you have a surgery and set your mind to doing exercises and going to physical therapy then you should be fine. First, research Brachial Plexus Injury and get some information about it, and then keep asking around on here for help and more information. Keep working out that arm, don't give up. My right arm is much smaller than my left. I don't think the length will ever be the same, because in my case, nerves were pulled out of my spine, and since i don't have those nerves anymore, it won't grow. The only way you can make it the same size is if you would have a surgery to lengthen it. As you get older you notice these things more and more, but don't let this injury stop. You can't go through life caring what other people think about you. If you have any questions or just want to talk, I'm here I hope this helps a little. You can also e-mail me at elizabeth_beau2012@hotmail.com

Thanks! and i don't think my arm is longer then the other, its just bigger in muscle. I've been exercising and working out but its gonna take a while for me to even em out

You're welcome Ohh I see Well, that's good that you're working it, keep doing it. After a while you should see improvements.

Hi Nate and Elizabeth! My name is Sarah, I'm 15. It's so awesome to see that people around my age are on here. I have OBPI, so I was born with it.

Nate,
My arm is similar to yours. I am unable to turn my hand over, straighten my elbow, or lift my arm above my head. My right bicep is also much bigger than my left. I was born right-handed. I wrote with my right hand up until second grade. As we began to write more, my arm would "get tired" (hard to explain it). So, I switched to my left. I cannot do a lot of things with my right anymore. To be sure of the injury you have, you must see a doctor, but if it's from birth, chances are it may be brachial plexus. Surgery is an extremely touchy subject. So PLEASE, PLEASE be careful. I had surgery when I was 3 to help fix my injury. However, after going to several different doctors, my family is not so sure the surgery was a good or bad thing. If you'd like to know more about surgery you can email me at SarahxG@yahoo.com (I do not want to take up the whole board. Unfortunately I have quite a story)
Another thing, DON'T BE SELF CONSCIOUS!!! ...I know, easier said than done. But, when I was younger, I never wanted my scares to show (which are located on my neck and under my arm) I would not wear tanktops of large necked shirts. What a terrible feeling it is to feel that way. You just have to tell yourself, "I could always be worse". Plus, your friends will not care what your arm looks like, and they will probably be much more sympathetic about it than you think. At least that is what I've learned.

Elizabeth,
It's so great to see that you are around my age too!


Hopefully we can help each other out

Sarah, Nate & Elizabeth
I HOPE you 3 can come to UBPN CAMP 2012! It is a AWesome fun time for all ages of us "OBPI-ers" ! Get your MOms to read information on the home page link and also look at last 2009's Camp Link to see how great Camp can be. There is always Scholarship money includes AirFare,FYI.
I need to HUG you Young'uns!!
Carolyn J
LOBPI/73..[my "story" on the right----->]