United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello! Thanks to anyone that takes time out of there day to read this. Anyways, I have Erb''s palsy in my right arm, I'm unable to straighten it all the way but i have full use of it and all, but I was just wondering because I got it at birth, if it will effect me as I age, I have always wanted to know what my arm will be like when I'm old, will it be more sensitive then it is now or will it stay how it is, and might it affect my neck and give me neck pain?

It all depends on if you "Over-Use" your good arm. It is a good idea to start taking care of your good arm now when your young. I didn't and over-used it toooo much and am paying for it now.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/73+

Being just a few years older than you, your arm can affect a lot of aspects of your life depending on how you use it and if all your muscles are similar to those of your uninjured arm. My injured arm is functional but makes a better paper weight as it's very difficult to do simple things like tie my shoes or open a door with my right hand. I have learned that it's easier to not use my arm than it is to use it so my "good arm" has taken a major hit these last five years. Driving was the worst thing I ever could have done to my good arm. I now have tendinitis on both sides of the left arm and the only way to make it go away is total rest...like thats ever going to happen, I need my left arm for everything as I have limited range of my right arm.

Now to what it has done to my back...my muscles are quite imbalanced as I am very strong on my left side and very weak on my right side. That being said, over the years, my spine has rotated to the left. My back is a mess! It hurts a lot but life must go on.

My injury is not allowed to hold me back, I can and will do anything I really want to, I might do it differently though. I now work as an occupational therapist and have a family. Changing diapers is only beginning to get difficult as my baby has discovered how to roll over. Helping my daughter with her hair is also difficult at times as my hand doesn't work that well either but I have managed any style s he has asked me to try, it just takes longer than the average uninjured person...

Keep a great attitude and remember that you are not invincible and pain can happen to you. Accept the advice of an older generation...I wish I had learned that 10 years ago! If I had, I probably wouldnt have near as much pain as I do now. ;(

My best advice is you don't need to prove yourself to anyone and if you do a lot of driving, get your doctor to write you a prescription to have a suicide knob in your car. Also if you have a lot of nerve pain take B12 vitamins or get the shots, it decreases the pain a ton!

Nice to meet you!
Amy 24 years old ROBPI from MN

Posted the same thing twice...darn iPad

Amy,...Hee Hee! I do that too.

Violet Ann,
Getting a Handicapped car for my car was a major step in saving my "good" arm from Over-Use. Every Dr.'s office has the application form for your Dr to Sign under "Neurological Condition". You must ASK for it. Alot of us Adult OBPI-ers have one.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/73+

Amy, just curious- Have you tried chiropractic to help to balance the muscles ?

thanks for all the reply's! They're very help, since i don't know anyone else with this, I feel inspired to be take take of my arm(s) while I'm young.

Could you share how you got your car modified?? I won't be long before my daughter will be driving.
karleen

Hi,
I was wondering how and why you got your car modified...won't be long and my daughter will be driving.

My daughter turns 16 next week! We are going to put a turn signal adapter on her car. Otherwise, she sticks her hand THROUGH the steering wheel, which is NO GOOD!
I am thinking I should be able to get insurance to pay for this as well. Has anyone had luck with that? Also considering getting her a handicapped placard....