United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone, I have a 12 month old who has a complete brachial plexus injury. I took him for his nerve grafting surgery to Miami Childrens Hospital when he was 6 months old. Dr. John Grossman is his pediatric neurosurgeon. I was wondering if any of you have used Dr. Grossman as well and if you were pleased with him and Miami Childrens Hospital.

hi!

I don't have experience with Dr. Grossman.

BUT I just wanted to let you know that the time period following a primary surgery to when things start happening is absolutely the MOST excruciating wait in the world...and I really feel for you.

It is 6 months later and you should be seeing movement controlled by 6 inches of nerve growth - because it grows from the neck down and starts from teh beginning. So biceps should have some sort of connection by now if it was possible.

And the other thing you can do is get an EMG to see what is connected and working and what is not....
I did get Maia an EMG 5 months post op because I was so worried about biceps and the timeframe for if they would need to do another nerve graft and it did show a slight innervation - enough to not need another graft.

The other thing you can do is to get more opinions. I know that Dr. Nath will be at the Melbourne picnic at the beginning of October http://www.injurednewborn.com/gatherings.html and you can always talk to some of the other specialists around the country - the listings are found on the Medical Resources listing on the home page.

But I do hope that your child does regain more function as things grow more and that your angst gets reduced. I truly feel for you and will hope and pray that everything is ok.

-francine

Thanks so much francine for your advice and prayers. I just feel so lost about what to do next and what improvement I should be seeing by now. I felt like Dr. Grossman was a good surgeon but he has not followed up on my son at all since the surgery. They said we might not see any improvement up to a year. I want my son to have every chance to improve the movement in his arm, I was just hoping someone out there had used Dr. Grossman as well and could offer me some hope.

We did not use Dr. Grossman. But my daughter had primary surgery at 6 months. We did not see her use her biceps until a full year post primary. It takes a long time like Francine said.

Lisa

Dr. Grossman is my son's Dr. and my son had nerve graft also done when he was 6 months and yes it took awhile for him to gain bicep as I remember about 9-12 months but the function that he gained is unbelieveable feel free to email me so that way I don't write a story here Stacy

I did not use Dr. Grossman but my daughter had nerve surgery in January of 2003. We are now seeing a little improvement and it is only while she is lying down. (Gravity helps).

I feel your pain because I too, am waiting to see improvement. I watch everyday to see if something new is happening. It does take a long time. She is schedule to go for a check up next week. I cannot wait to see what the Dr. says.

Best of luck...

Melissa & Allison

Hi I have used Dr. Grossman. He performed surgery on Sabrina when she was 6months. I think he is a miracle worker, she has gained so much use. The only thing is her range which in April he used botox to try and prevent doing surgery. If you have any questions feel free to email me sleeplessinfl2000@yahoo.com
My name is Dana.

Hi, my daughter had surgery with Dr Grossman when she was 6 months old and I think he did wonders. She has gained so much use from her arm. If you have any questions feel free to email me. My name is Dana and my email address is sleeplessinfl2000@yahoo.com

oops sorry didn't think it had posted.

This is a very old post brought to the top of the board by spam mail.

Kath
UBPN - BOD Secretary