United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,

Does anyone here who sustain TBPI and done a nerve graft also have heart problem ie have done PTCA and have 2 stem in the heart.

Consultant told me to use a nerve stimulator to stimulate the nerve for my dad's left hand so that maybe his fingers might have a chance to recover but PT checked and told me that I should not use a nerve stimulator on my dad coz of his heart problem.

Now I'm stuck in between of whether to listen to the consultant or PT? I hope someone who have the same issue advise me of what he / she do.

Also, it has been approx. 1 month plus since my dad's nerve graft surgery but nothing has happen yet ie not much sensation back and it seems that the hand has no motor functions. Can anyone advise me whether this is normal and the chance of recovery is still there?

Looking forward to receive your kind advise.

Have a nice day. Take-care & all the best.


Regards,
Hwee Yong

Hi Hwee,
I don't Know about the TENS unit being used with a heart problem. Maybe Liz can lead you to a site that addresses that issue. But I have been told that nerves regenerate at a rate of one inch per month by my PT and DRs. So your father's recovery will continue for a long time. He is fortunate to have you to help guide and support him. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery....Karl...

Hi Karl,

Thanks for your advise. It's just that the consultant told us that my dad's fingers will be gone by the time the nerve grow and the only way to help preserve the fingers till the nerve grow is by using a nerve stimulator so that is why I feel so depressed when the PT told me that we can't use it.

Feel real helpless as I can't help him. The only thing I can do is to do more research and keep on giving him hope.

Thank you very much.
Hwee Yong

Ask your Doctor, not the PT. They are not trained to tell you any of this stuff. Only your doctor can say if your the tens machine can be used in his case. PT ARE NOT DOCTORS!!!

Hi Gianni,

The consultant is the specialist (doctor) that he is the neuro surgeon. I have checked with him and he say low dossage can be used but the problem is he never mentioned how low is the dossage and the nerve stimulator I have doesn't indicate the electric current pass thru when using the lowest dose. Moreover, the consultant is not a heart specialist so I'm worry. The PT said she has checked with her group and that include the rehab consultant. I do not have a chance to meet any heart specialist so that's why dare not try.

Have a nice day and thanks for your advise.


Cheers,
Hwee Yong

Hi, I don't know anything about the heart problem but I also had a nerve graft/transfer. Mine was 10 cm or 4 inches long on Aug 18 and was told that we wouldn't know until January at the earliest if the graft was a success. The nerves have to regerate along the path of the graft at about 1 inch per month plus there would still be regeneration to the site of the muscle(s)the nerve(s) serve. So I would ask your Dr. how long the graft was and how long before they will know if the graft was successful. I had scar tissue removed from my radial nerve at the same time and the triceps which were close to scar tissue are coming back already but the wrist extenders haven't. They are further away so will take longer. So don't be too discouraged 1 month isn't very long even though I'm sure it feels like forever.

Hi Lorrie,

The Dr told me that he had done a 18 cm long nerve graft so take about more than 1 year for the nerve to grow. He ask me to start using the nerve stimulator but I can't because of my dad's heart problem. We are also waiting for the muscle to grow cause my dad's hand seems to be a little dislocate from the shoulder and the therapist said that it will be fine when the muscle starts to grow. The doctor told me that the fingers will be gone but I really want the best for my dad which is why I am trying hard to see what can be done to preserve the fingers till the nerve grow.

Do you have any advise?

Have a nice weekend.


Cheers,
Hwee Yong

Dear Hwee:
I am writing you from Argentina.I am 21 year old and cut my radial nerve in september of 2002, made the graft operation one month later.For 10 months I didnt feel anything, not even more sensibility but suddenly I was able to hold my hand, one day to another.Now may hand is almost normal, I can do everything but still having problems with my thumb.
Along all this time may hand start to get thinner and my arm too.After the graft I started therapy, muscle estimulation (electric-estimulation) and I did a lot of excercise by my own.
I think that I have luck and a very good doctor but dont lose your faith an do exercises all the time with your father. He have to do all that he is able to do an never give up because everithing is possible.
Please, forgivme for my ortographic mistakes.

Cheers
Rodrigo.

Dear Hwee:
I am writing you from Argentina.I am 21 year old and cut my radial nerve in september of 2002, made the graft operation one month later.For 10 months I didnt feel anything, not even more sensibility but suddenly I was able to hold my hand, one day to another.Now may hand is almost normal, I can do everything but still having problems with my thumb.
Along all this time may hand start to get thinner and my arm too.After the graft I started therapy, muscle estimulation (electric-estimulation) and I did a lot of excercise by my own.
I think that I have luck and a very good doctor but dont lose your faith an do exercises all the time with your father. He have to do all that he is able to do an never give up because everithing is possible.
Please, forgivme for my ortographic mistakes.

Cheers
Rodrigo.

I think to find out if it safe for the heart you should consult the heart specialist if the heart would tolerate the e- stim