United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

HEY KAREN!!!
It's Suzie--just wondering how the appointment with the hand specialist went yesterday--it was this Monday, right?? Let me/us know!! Thinking about you and hoping for some encouraging news for you!
--Love,Suzie

Hey Suzie, Yes, it went great! His name is Dr. Anastakis and his clinic is at the Toronto Western Hosp. He and his 6 other colleagues examined my injury thoroughly and in the process my biceps started to move. I was pretty excited about that. He has ordered another MRI and EMG for me and actually he booked them for me for early tomorrow morning at 3:00 a.m. since I am already in Toronto. He wasn't happy with the other two results of the tests because he said they weren't done properly. He has two BP specialists conducting both the MRI and EMG tests this morning. I am also having another splint made as the one I have is not supporting my fingers properly. He feels from his examination that I should start getting flexion in my elbow by next month and if I haven't by the time I see him again, he is going to do surgery and clean the nerves up so they can start regenerating if they haven't done so by then. But my biceps moved so that is a very good sign. My shoulder is recovering very well because of the swimming therapy I do every morning. So it was well worth the trip to Toronto this time. I am going to go to bed now. 2:30 is going to be here very quickly. I am happy I found this guy. Talk to you soon. Love, Karen

Karen this IS fantastic!

OH KAREN!!!!!
THIS IS FANTASTIC NEWS!! I CAN JUST TELL BY THE TONE OF YOUR NOTE THAT YOU ARE VERY PLEASED WITH THIS GUY!!!YEAH!! AND THEN TO HAVE YOUR BICEP MOVE TOO--SUPER!!! I AM SO TICKLED FOR YOU--LOOKS LIKE MAYBE THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF A VERY LONG TUNNEL--AND IT'S NOT A TRAIN COMING!!!!HA! lET ME KNOW HOW THE MRI AND EMG WENT--HERE'S HOPING MORE STUFF STARTED MOVING AFTER THE EMG--YOU KNOW, LIKE HAD HAPPENED WITH DAVID, REMEMBER???? LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPORT!!!! YIPPPEEE!!!!
MUCH LOVE AND ~~~~~~SUZIE~~~~~~~

Karen,

You made my DAY!!

Henry

Hi Everyone, I am back in gods country again from my appointments. The MRI and EMG went very well. Of course I don't have the MRI results yet but the EMG doc told me that there is definate recovery going on in my upper arm. My biceps are really moving now. There is even improvement from Monday when it was first noticed. The muscles are moving in my forearm as well. I still can't flex my elbow but that is my next mission. I have some work to do as far as that goes. So I go back and see Dr.Anastakis on January 5th and depending on the progression, he will decide at that time what should be done. I am very pleased with the results of that appointment and of course the new improvements of my injury. Thank you guys for your concern and I will keep you posted as to any new movements or flickers I "hopefully" will see within the next few weeks. How are you all doing? Love, Karen

Excellent news!. Keep bending that arm.

Hey Karen!!
More GREAT news for you--That's wonderful!!! Keep working that arm my friend--thoses nerves will get the idea eventually!! yeah!!! Know you are glad to be home--how is the job at the girls' school going?? Bet they missed you while you were in Toronto! We have had our first snowfall here in Maryland--expect more tonite-hope it doesn't do too much-makes it treacherous to go see my patients tomorrow! David went to the Orthopedic guy today--doesn't look like they can do much to help his shoulder, as all of the ligaments and tendons are shot to hell--very disappointing, but then, this Doc does't know David and I-MRI tomorrow a.m., then extensive PT to try to strengthen the muscles in his arm, back, and chest to help compensate for the shoulder--goal is to get David out on the golf course again-------will keep you posted, but today is kinda a "low" day--I know it could be far worse, believe me , but a setback all the same..... Hope all is well up north--getting ready for Christmas?? Take care---!~~~~~~Suzie~~~~~~