United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I just posted my first message in here yesterday and all my replies were wonderful. Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome. But I was wondering what are the first steps I should take to find out about my injury, as far as tests, surgeries, etc. I live in Gadsden, Alabama, which is not a very big town and I really don't know what doctors (if any) around here deal with these injuries. My husband wants me to look into tests and surgeries, but I really don't know where to start. Can anybody help me get started?
Thanks!
Brandy

Check out the medical directory here on the boards.... http://ubpn.org/medicalresources/us-bpi.html I travel out of state as do many others but there is a doctor listed in Alabama too! Maybe check into him. I live in MICHIGAN and see Dr. Nath in TEXAS! It makes for a fun trip! hahah not always though!!! Best of luck!!

COurt xo (TBPI)

Many grown ups here with obpi have had surgery with Dr. Shenaq and Nath from Houston, Texas.

Hey Brandy! Welcome!! I, like you, am 23(almost24) years old. I have known all my life what was and is wrong with my shoulder. I recently found this website and am very happy I have. These people have been an absolute God-send. Like some have already said, don't be afraid to ask. I am getting ready to have surgery on my left shoulder next month. I am going to see Dr. Shenaq in Houston. I have had many questions, but everyone here has helped. My suggestion to you is to make sure you do a lot of research on whichever doctor you choose. There are quite a few in So. Cal., closer to me, but I chose Dr. Shenaq. I live in AZ but am going to Houston instead. So if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask, either here or via e-mail. Good-luck and great to have you. bdavenport19@hotmail.com (just put UBPN in subject line so I know it is you)

Brian
P.S. Nice to have someone my age!!haha

Thanks for the welcome! I just turned 23 in March. I looked on the medical resource page here and found the contact info for the doc in Birmingham. I'm from Gadsden, AL, and B'Ham is only about an hour away from me. His name is Dr. Meyer, and he's at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham), which is a very prestigious medical facility. So I will definitely be checking into that. I never knew what this condition was until last week, so I didn't know there was anything that could be done about it. I talked with Dr. Lemak (orthopedic surgeon to the big sports stars) at HealthSouth in B'Ham when my dad had a hip replacement (several years ago) and he said he wouldn't mess with it, that surgery might make it worse. Of course, he had no idea what it was because I didn't know what it was to tell him what it was. So I just thought, well he's one of the best and he says not to mess with it, so I didn't. Man was I naive. I am very interested in surgery, although when I told me parents about it they weren't very enthusiastic. Of course, they haven't lived with this all their lives so they don't really have an idea. My husband says he will back me up no matter what I want to do. But I know I will definitely be checking into seeing Dr. Meyer. I just have to wait until after I've been on my husband's insurance for a year, because they won't cover pre-existing injuries until then. But I'm getting long-winded. There's just so much I want to talk about, and to ask everyone. I'll just have to pace myself. *giggle*

Brandy