United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I've already posted a couple of times in here, but have not fully introduced myself. I saw the introduction string, but it was so long that I figured I would just introduce myself on my own. My name is Brandy (obviously). I just turned 23 in March. I'm from Gadsden, AL. I am left obpi, which I just recently found out existed. My mom said they should have done a c-section on her, but the doc insisted he could get me out with forceps. He yanked, I came, and this happened to me. I wasn't a big baby, only 7 lbs. 15 oz. But the doc pulled really hard. My mother said my head looked like a ski slope where he flattened it with the forceps. Thank goodness that went away. I grew up thinking that it was just a fluke. The doctors never mentioned anything about it, so my parents did nothing. I didn't let my arm stop me though. Although I could never do gymnastics and stuff like that, I did start taking dance lessons at age 3, was on my high school danceline all four years, and started singing and doing community theatre (Theatre of Gadsden) my senior year (1999), and am still involved with TOG. I'm actually in the midst of practicing for "Little Women" which will be performed in May. Most of the time people don't really notice my arm, but occasionally someone will ask me if I've broken it before (no, I haven't). I have the bend at the elbow, I cannot turn my palm up, I cannot raise my arm over my head, I have two dead spots (one on my hand between my thumb and index finger, and one at the bend in my elbow). I get painful cramps when I try to use it a lot. I have the problems with drive-thru windows and such. Have to lean on the wall to pull my hair up. And I have to deal with the bra strap slippage I've seen some people mention. I've never met anyone else with this, so I had no idea it existed. It's nice to know that other people have the same little quirks that I do. I work as a legal secretary at a law firm here in Gadsden. My arm gets a little tired when I'm typing a lot, but it's not too bad, and I can always take a break (laid back office environment). Well, I guess that's about all for now. Sorry it's so long. Just trying to steal the spotlight. I guess that's the performer in me.

Brandy

Brandy

Thanks for letting us know all about you... as for the spotlight... you take it -- its your turn .... LOL....

It is nice to know that we are not the only ones with our little quirks. I have been so much happier since I found ubpn... to bad I was 60 before I found it.

Kath