United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone. I need some guidance. I sustained TBPI back in 1998. Since then ive had nerve grafts from dr. wolfe and the mod quad procedure by dr. nath. the mod quad procedure was not as successful as i had hoped. basically, i have no use of my hand. i can make a fist but cannot open it. i know there has to be something more that can be done. i want to get married and start a family but i cant get past this. any help would be appreciated. thanks

I have heard of the gracilis muscle transfer for hand function by Dr. Nath. I would check with doctors and see whats out there! A word to the wise, You can do ANYTHING that you want, anything that you put your mind to! (kids and a family) People do it all the time! Feel free to email me if you like! Best of luck!

COurt xo

Tina~
Its the hardest thing you'll have to over come in life at this point, getting use to that your arm will never be the same again. I was 17 when my accident happened and I thought the same things you are thinking. I thought, "how will I hold a baby, or change a baby, how will I do my hair or better yet, who is going to want me anymore?" You'd be so surprised. I met a boyfriend (in PT) and he was so good to me. We did not end up together and I went back to a boy I had dated before my accident, thinking "how could he find me attractive, he knew me before the accident" We ended up getting married, we have 3 children and is our 10 yr anniv.this weekend!!! I still have times when I go shopping and everything is sleevless and I don't have the courage, still, to wear it. I wanted to be a nurse. But you know what?? OH WELL, you do with what you have! I found I'd be a better at being a teacher, I love kids and they can't tell anything is wrong w/ me. I don't wear sleeveless unless I'm at home. I still go to PT and as my therapist says "I also reside @ Mayo clinic" Thats my life and I have to except it. I can still drive, feed myself, hug my family, and be told "I love you" I think of that when I visit my boyfriends grave......he did not make it.
Please keep a postive attitude, its the only thing that will keep you going. You can't turn back time, you have to live for today. You will make it.
Kathleen

Good for you. Thanks so much. Im just neurotic when it comes to thinking ill be an ugly bride but most of all i dont want to be "supervised" when kids come around. I need like a "dummy" baby so I can practice. If you dont mind, I would appreciate any tips that you can give. I am lucky to have someone in my life who wants to be a PT. Lord knows he got a lot of practice with me. How old are you now if you dont mind me asking? And yes it kills me that everything is sleeveless and 3/4 now. As much as i love the summer, i dread it. Thanks again.

Hey Tina~
I know this might sound old but I'm going to be 35, my accident happened when I was 17, just out of HS. I have lived alomost 1/2 my life this way now......things just get easier and easier. I have full use of my hand so when I do my hair I put my foot up on the counter and balance my elbow on my knee to reach the back of my hair. I had a muscle transfer that helped alot and a implant to make my arm look fuller. I was proud of myself this weekend; I went to Ann Taylor and just for fun I tried on a sleeveless dress that I fell in love w/......well, what do you know I bought it for my anniv. dinner. I also bought a beautiful sweater to wear but I got brave enough and took it off for dinner. My husband said I looked beautiful.
Ask me anything.....on how do things or ANYTHING....
Kathleen

So you have use of the hand but not the arm? I hope Im following correctly.

my son is going to have a muscle and tendon transfer to allow him to open a clenched fist

Tina~
Yes, I have full use of my hand. C5,6 and 7 are gone. I had a muscle transfer, my tricep is now my bicep.
What else can I answer for you??? I would love to help and I'll answer any questions you have.
What is your extent of your injury? How did it happen?
Kathleen H

Hey, Kathleen...thanks. I really needed to hear that it does get easier. I am still a relatively new injury (7/13/03) and sometimes I swear it is getting easier, and sometimes I swear it is getting harder! Anyway, I am keeping my head up pretty well, and using the time off of work to go back to college!!! Silver linings, right?

I am going to remember you for when _I_ have questions too!

Hi Tina
I have avulsed everything and only have some biceps, no lower arm or hand at all. I was 21 when it happened, I'm 45 now and have had 3 kids now aged 16, 10 and 5. If you need any advice or help with one handed baby care ask away. I don't have the self consciousness with the arm at all these days and I truly don't envy you that, it may not help you much but people probably don't notice your arm as much as you think they do. Mine is as thin as a broom handle and my hand is all clawed up, my shoulder is so wasted you can actually see the individual bones in the shoulder joint if I wear a sleeveless top, yet still noone ever seems to notice it. I felt in my case it was barriers in myself I had to get past to stop worrying about how it looked, and it took me quite a while to get there.
Enjoy your summer :0) Jen NZ