United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well it has been almost 2 weeks since my son was shot and we are still trying to understand everything. He went to the doc, given referrals to physical therapists, pain management doctors (I still don't understand that), orthopedic surgeons, all before he goes to see a specialist regarding his BPI. I understand it takes time before any surgery is done, but what can we expect in the coming weeks? How exactly is it understood how extensive the damage is? Derek has slight movement in his fingers, but no movement of his forearm or shoulder. The pain is easing up some. He is very aware of the health risks involved in overusage of narcotics and trys to take as little as possible.

I know I am asking a lot of questions, but I seem to be getting a lot of information from this site. Thank you for being here.

Teri

Teri,
Keep asking questions, thats what we are here for! I would advise you to take it upon yourself to get an appointment with a BPI doctor! I am not sure what kind of insurance you have or how it works, everyones is different, but get on this ASAP! I didnt get to see a BPI doctor untill 8 months after my accident, wish I would have been sooner! Call the docotrs yourself, tell them your sons situation and go from there! Best of luck and keep asking questions! Email me if you need.... courtney@ubpn.org

Courtney xo

Thank you so much for the info. Going to start calling BP specialists in the morning. It's hard to see Derek with the pain and non use of his arm. If you don't mind, I was wanting to find out how much time it usually takes before he actually see the specialist? Will the pain be intense like this till he has surgury?

Sorry folks, I'm sure you have all heard these questions hundreds of times before. We are just trying to get a feel for what we are up against.

Teri,
you are fine in asking all these question! We went through it all and asked the same questions. Depending on the doctor that you see really depends on hoew quickly you get in. Some are busier than others, some a re better at returning phone calls too. The pain, sad to say, never goes away, that I have heard of. It gets more bearable with time though and you jsut kinda get used to it. Keep askiung questions! Best of luck!

COurt xo

Teri~
Courtney is right, it depends on were you go is how quick you get in. I got in pretty quick @ Mayo and at a Chicago Hosp., Northwestern. I give you names and #'s so you can call Dr's direct @ Mayo and set up an appointmemt. I never had a problem w/ insurance, it almost seemed when they sow its was Mayo they didn't question it. As for pain, I believe Courtney is new one, 3 yrs? Well, sadly, I'm dealing with the pain issue now, I'm into my 16th yr. I need a shoulder fusion because its been hanging so long. I think because I'm getting older (going on 35) and it hangs alot that I need to get things "put back up" and have done permanently. Its starting hurt more now, I'm just getting older. I just don't understand why they don't have a surgery (not DREZ) that can help the pain. Good luck and let me know if you want help w/ a doctor. Kathleen