United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am really not pleased how my appt went. He pretty much just confirmed the diagnosis that I had a BPI (like I haven't known that for 36 years!). He refered me to an ortopedic surgeon, and gave me muscle relaxant and pain med perscriptions.

I don't think he knew much about BPI. ei....he asked me to lift my left arm to see my ROM.....then didn't understand that it wasn't that it hurts to lift it more, it just doesn't GO!!!! He seemed to think the pain was because of the dead weight of my arm overtaxing the shoulder muscles and felt I should have a support under it more.

I am going to call Dr Naths office and ask about exactly whom I should be seeing. I have to have insurance to pay for it, and he isn't in our plan, but I am hoping his office can help me find someone who is, who knows what they are talking about.

I cannot tell you how many times over the course of my life I heard the same story from doctors, none of whom could help, all of whom expressed the thought that I should be 'happy' with the movement I had.

It was not until I sought out a bpi specialist that I was ever given any hope OR any hope.

Press on!
Keep us apprised of how it goes, ok?

Nancy

Hey Kamren, I too went to other Dr.'s and was told that there was nothing that I could do to help my arm. I went to an Orthopedic surgeon and he did remove some arthritis and bursitis and gave me some relief, when I told him about Dr. Shenaq and Nath he stated to me that if he had a magic wand that he would fix my arm, I haven't gone back, and I'm 3 weeks post op with Dr. Shenaq and wearing a brace, hope to be able to do my hair with both arms before long. So keep on searching. I didn't sign in again. Eletha

Kimberly

I wish I could just put ditto marks to all the above.

When I was 33 a specialist in NY city told me I was so lucky and how dare I complain when others were so much worse off. He even said he was not sure if I had "Erb's" because I looked so good! My family physician took him down in no uncertain terms and let him know he was so out of line. I cried for a week because he made me feel ashamed for even asking about the possibility of improving my range of motion... So, for the next 27 years NO doctor ever checked my range of motion or even mentioned my arm, it was like having an elephant in the room that no one noticed. When the pain increased and both arms were affected I went to a pain specialist who assured me there is "no pain with Erb's Palsy." Then I found UBPN and realized that I had a lot to learn and so did the physicians who treated me. When I go to a new doctor I made sure to bring Awareness information from the website with me. I may as well educate them if they are going to treat me... and if they were not interested I would find a new doctor...

You keep on pushing and know that there are physicians and treatments out there to help you.
Kath

I would definately keep pursuing what you are doing. Had I listened to my doctors here I wouldn't have even gained the length or had the use that I have now. I saw Dr.Nath for my surgery and I am soo sooo glad I had it done. Although this is as good as I'm going to be I am still happy wiht the outcome. Don't give up. Something good will come out of this.
Good Luck

Is there anyway you can change yiur insurance for next year. The have to cover pre-existing by law since you had insurance already. Just a thought.