United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Mt son Jacob will be 8 weeks tomorrow. He has a left arm OBPI. He could move his hand at birth and we have seen a little improvement as far as a little tricep and questionable biceps. I am in the Army and Jacob was born in a military hospital. Whether they were at fault or not (the courts will decide) I am not sure that I would be comfortable with any military doctor cutting on my son. We are in San Antonio, so Houston isn't far away. I have a medical background and to this point I feel as though the right thing has been done. Therapy since three weeks. And consults with an ortho surgeon who saw Jacob shortly after birth. I know TCH is one if not the premier site. My problem I guess is navigating the military system to get them to pay. Of course we hope he won't need surgery but I just have this bad feeling. I guess I am wondering if maybe there are any military families out there with any advice. I feel as though the earlier I educate myself the better off I will be if the need arrises.

Hi - I'm so sorry that your little one was injured. I am not from a military family but I know a couple of people who are, who I will contact to answer your post. I wish you the best of luck!

I also wanted to tell you that there's a lot of information on this site. Check this out:
http://ubpn.org/awareness
go to the resources section and there's a whole bunch of stuff in there that may be helpful for you - especially as you learn how to advocate for your child.

I wish you the best of luck,
francine
http://www.injurednewborn.com
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/homepage.html

This is from the support group listing found in the Awareness section... Julia's a really nice person, I'd give her a call.

Military Families BPI Support Group
Julia Aten
3027 Albacore Circle #F-13
Silverdale, Washington 98315
360-697-5901
j.aten@charter.net

Good luck!
francine

I have heard a lot of good things regarding the Shriners Hosptials... they don't charge you anything... and they seem to have great doctors. If you want to look at them for an option that would be the easiest way around your insurance I think!
Blessings,
Kristie
PS TCH is one of many places with great BPI docs!

I e-mailed you directly....prior military family with son with a ROBPI !!!!


Brandon's mom

If you have finger movement and youre already seeing some other movement yourre doing
gggggggRREAT
Has anyone talked about chiropractic to you?
My son was also left (lobpi)and he had trace movements at that age -his fingers moved and if I remember correctly he was beginning to kind of flail his arm down at night...and when he first woke up- Just to let you know, He was recommended for surgery but we declined untill after dates and then they all said he didnt need it and that he recovered beyond what they had dreamed he would(thats a quote from a surgeon)
soooo take what you hear from the surgeons with all that in mind...and...consult a chiro.
Not saying it works for everyone but...what can you lose by checking it out?
Feel free to email me
mom@bellsouth.net

Hi,

I actually just responded to your other post... I wanted to add that my son was not followed up by military doctors. The EI on post was civilian and so was the ortho specialist he would see periodically at the military hospital. They bring him in once a month to see children on post. We went to the hospital he works at in Nashville for the surgery. I wasn't comfortable using military doctors at that point either. Again, if I can help, let me know.

Patty