United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I'm wondering if any of you have trouble with swallowing, chewing, speech? These seem to be issues that have come up for our Caleb (LOBPI) all of a sudden. Thanks in advance.

Kari

I don't think so, that nerve isn't associated with swallowing, but others nearby may be. If it's come on suddenly maybe you should speak to your specialist. I do know of one adult who developed problems swallowing after surgery. Poor Caleb, I hope he feels better soon!

I'm with Jenny here.
I have Horner's and have none of those issues.
Speech is definitely not a problem with me, ha!
I'd check it out with your doc.

Nancy

I agree with Jenny and Nancy

I think you should check this out with bpi specialist.

My Mom said I was born talking and I agree Nancy has no problem either. Ha ha ....

As a small child I did have problems with chewing and swallowing but I think it was from other nerve's that were damaged. I would not connect it with Horner's but I read somewhere that nursing was hard for babies with Horner's
Please check this out with your specialist.
Kath

I see Caleb's OT on Monday and it will be the first thing I address. It may not be the Horner's but I think it's related somehow to either his traumatic birth or the injury. Maybe that whole side was affected and not just the BP. I don't know. I haven't noticed anything with his legs, except that he can't jump and has had balancing issues. OK, maybe I have noticed things. He can't run very well either and "waddles" when he walks. OK, I think I need to calm down. I can feel myself stressing out, and that's the last thing I need 3 weeks before his "big day" (MT surgery)

Kari

Kari

I have Horner's and really most doctors never noticed until I brought it to their attention.

As for it affecting the entire side of the body... I think that is true... my right side is smaller then the left side. My foot is smaller my hand is slightly smaller and my arm is 3 -1/2 inches shorter.

My balance is good... but that is from dancing and gymnastics and all sorts of home therapy as a child I was super active. As a young child I ran a lot... and fast... and learned better balance. I was a climber I was always up a tree and falling. I roller skated and loved to bike ride and I also played basketball. considering that I am on 5'3" that is not bad. I also had eating issues as a child and boy was I skinny at times... but I out grew that... LOL... when the nervers are injured it effects the entire body...


Take that deep breath - Try to destress... you need to give yourself a break...

I can't help with your feelings except to say with a Mom like you Caleb will do fine. He will grow and play and will do well with all the great care he gets.

Kath

Hi Kari
Gavin has a Horners and his balance is severely impaired also. For many years the only cry heard from me was " Gavin don't run" for sure if he ran, wallop, over he would go!
No speech problems from him tho' - like Nancy he has ALL of his speech faculties ( too many if you ask me LOL)
Try and not let these things get to you, I rememebr when Gavin was much younger, I got to the point where I was frightened to take him to any appointments because they might find something else wrong with him.
Caleb has a great Mom and he will do well- I promise you!
Today is a lovely crisp winters day here in the UK and I am looking out of my window at Gavin who was eleven on thursday, he is playing with his birthday present, he has wanted it them for years and for many years I said no because of his balance problems, but in the summer he borrowed his friends and when I saw him use them, I relented and said he could have them as a birthday present - he was overjoyed
so there he is playing on brand new ROLLER BLADES!!
It may not seem much to many parents, but to me it's a huge achievement - and do you know what - he hasn't fallen over (YET!) in them !
so try and not worry - things will work out for you all
blessings
Karen