United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Im 28 years of age with left OBPI. I had my 1st surgery ever this summer and I am now 7 months post-op....& could not have recovered without this board!I go for PT,OT,& AT...3days/week. Lately, my "good" arm has really been bothering me & it was suggested that an MRI was needed. I just cant believe it....Will this situation ever get better? HELP!
I really want to start legal action....does anyone know if its too late for me? Who are some good contacts to find out such info.? What steps do I need to take? I was also born outside of the usa. Any/All reponses are welcome.
Sincere Thanks,
Alex

In the Commonwealth of PA you have unitl you're 20.
Cindy

Alex,
I would suggest you contact an attorney asap. There are several listed on the legal section of the links when you first log onto the UBPN board. I think only an experienced lawyer would be able to advise you if you are able to pursue litigation. When you contact them, they will need as much information about your injury as you can provide. You mentioned that you were born out side of the USA. Where do you live now? Good luck!

Thank you both for the responses...My apologies--for Im unable to find the legal section on the board as you mentioned. Can someone please send some links out? That would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone heard of successful cases from overseas?
I forgot to mention that I live in south florida now. I originally was born in jamaica in 1974. We moved to florida in 1977.
My mom took me to so many "specialists" growing up (miami, tampa, etc.) and would you believe I have actual letters from drs. stating "therapy would be of NO benefit to her situation". what were they thinking?Fortunately, many years later I found ubpn and houston!
Special hugs to francine, nancy birk(How is your post-op recovery going?),and sue/emily...Thank you for all you do!

Here's the link:

http://ubpn.org/weblinks/index.php?stype=Legal

Also, you can get there by clicking on Resources at the top of the screen - then select Web Links - Legal.

-Tina

Alex - glad to see you back! Where are you with your recovery? Care to share more details? I remember that you had some problems post surgery - did it resolve itself?

Looking forward to hearing more from you,
francine

Dear Al;ex, I am in S Florida too- specifically Fort Pierce- where are you? How old were you before surgery? just curious-

Hi Francine! There are so many details about post surgery, not sure where I left off or what you are interested in. To summarize, I originally had my first elective surgery on june 21 for major reconstructive surgery/muscle releases & transfers...while wearing the splint--a few days later, my hand became paralyzed.
I then went for an MRI and ended up in houston again for emergency-exploratory surgery on june 29....the result was stretched ulnar & median nerves from the splint being adjusted too high.
Then, I was to just wait for the nerves to regenerate and hope for my hand function to return. I was on the drug neurontin for most of the summer to try & alleviate some of the sharp nerve pain. I was a complete mess! Being out of my splint after a surgery that I was so excited about & having to worry about my hand's return. August of 2001 came & school started (I teach 30 4th graders:)I also started my therapy (PT, OT,AT). Eventually, movement came back to all fingers and I was finally able to form a "fist" in late October.
Now I am working on grip strength for the hand -- right now its at about 10 pounds versus 65 pounds with my "good" hand. The recovery on the whole hand/nerve thing was so painful and long (like watching a plant grow). I didnot want to speak to anyone. I was so angry...And it was a MAJOR setback for me.
However, since my hand is functioning now, My therapists & I can really concentrate on my arm. I am so happy with the results and the new & improved range of motion I have.
Im also contemplating with wearing the splint again. I recently asked my surgeon about it & if there would be any benefit with trying to wear it now, 7 mos. post op. I was told to try it at 9 degrees at night for a few hrs. then gradually increase 10 degrees each week. Carefully watching the hand of course, to avoid the same problems from before. I am unsure though. Any thoughts on this?
Well, hope this makes sense. Its so hard to explain in words. I just try and deal with it. I hope you & Maia are doing well. Big hugs to you both. Take care...
Alex

Hi Francine! There are so many details about post surgery, not sure where I left off or what you are interested in. To summarize, I originally had my first elective surgery on june 21 for major reconstructive surgery/muscle releases & transfers...while wearing the splint--a few days later, my hand became paralyzed.
I then went for an MRI and ended up in houston again for emergency-exploratory surgery on june 29....the result was stretched ulnar & median nerves from the splint being adjusted too high.
Then, I was to just wait for the nerves to regenerate and hope for my hand function to return. I was on the drug neurontin for most of the summer to try & alleviate some of the sharp nerve pain. I was a complete mess! Being out of my splint after a surgery that I was so excited about & having to worry about my hand's return. August of 2001 came & school started (I teach 30 4th graders:)I also started my therapy (PT, OT,AT). Eventually, movement came back to all fingers and I was finally able to form a "fist" in late October.
Now I am working on grip strength for the hand -- right now its at about 10 pounds versus 65 pounds with my "good" hand. The recovery on the whole hand/nerve thing was so painful and long (like watching a plant grow). I didnot want to speak to anyone. I was so angry...And it was a MAJOR setback for me.
However, since my hand is functioning now, My therapists & I can really concentrate on my arm. I am so happy with the results and the new & improved range of motion I have.
Im also contemplating with wearing the splint again. I recently asked my surgeon about it & if there would be any benefit with trying to wear it now, 7 mos. post op. I was told to try it at 9 degrees at night for a few hrs. then gradually increase 10 degrees each week. Carefully watching the hand of course, to avoid the same problems from before. I am unsure though. Any thoughts on this?
Well, hope this makes sense. Its so hard to explain in words. I just try and deal with it. I hope you & Maia are doing well. Big hugs to you both. Take care...
Alex

Hi Francine! There are so many details about post surgery, not sure where I left off or what you are interested in. To summarize, I originally had my first elective surgery on june 21 for major reconstructive surgery/muscle releases & transfers...while wearing the splint-few days later, my hand became paralyzed.
I then went for an MRI and ended up in houston again for emergency-exploratory surgery on june 29....the result was stretched ulnar & median nerves from the splint being adjusted too high.
Then, I was to just wait for the nerves to regenerate and hope for my hand function to return. I was on the drug neurontin for most of the summer to try & alleviate some of the sharp nerve pain. I was a complete mess! Being out of my splint after a surgery that I was so excited about & having to worry about my hand's return. August of 2001 came & school started (I teach 30 4th graders:)I also started my therapy (PT, OT,AT). Eventually, movement came back to all fingers and I was finally able to form a "fist" in late October.
Now I am working on grip strength for the hand -- right now its at about 10 pounds versus 65 pounds with my "good" hand. The recovery on the whole hand/nerve thing was so painful and long (like watching a plant grow). I didnot want to speak to anyone. I was so angry...And it was a MAJOR setback for me.
However, since my hand is functioning now, My therapists & I can really concentrate on my arm. I am so happy with the results and the new & improved range of motion I have.
Well, hope this makes sense. Its so hard to explain in words. I just try and deal with it. I hope you & Maia are doing well. Big hugs to you both. Take care...
Alex