United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello again, My son Daniel has left BPI, no feeling in his arm or hand. The other day I noticed the peroxide bottle was left out and when I asked him about it, he played dumb. While he was sleeping, I looked at his left hand and there are absolutely no fingernails on his left hand and the fingertips are all red, swollen and infected. There are indentations in his fingertips where there should be nails. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this happen to them. Is it from the arm hanging down and all the blood goes to the fingertips, poor circulation or maybe from banging the hand around because he can't feel anything. He always keeps his hand hidden in the pocket of his jeans or shorts (in the fall and winter he wears hoodies to hide hand). He gets mad and refuses to talk to me about his hand. I'm afraid he'll have to have his fingers amputated if he doesn't take care of this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am sorry about your son, but I think he is hurting himself intentionally.

I am sorry to hear about this but I have to agree with Susana I think this sounds like something he is doing himself. I would talk with the doctor about it if you can, he would know best. We are here if you need to talk or vent, please know that! Best of luck!!

COurt xo

Wow, that's not something that had even crossed my mind. I guess that's why he's always hiding his hand though and refuses to show it or discuss it w/me. I wanted to make a doctor appt. for him (bronchitis) but he says he's better now and doesn't need an appt. I was all prepared to let the doctor know about his hand and let him approach Dan about it. I guess I need to try and get him to the doctor asap. thanks for your insight - that really shocked me!

Has your son ever talked to or met anyone else with BPI in person ? Everytime that I read your posts, I just want to reach out and try to help your son. He needs to identify with someone. What state are you in ? I am in California.

Is there any chance that you guys could go to an Adult BPI picnic ?

-Rich

Hi Lindar
If I understand well, I think he needs help, not from meds, but in understand his hand arm. He needs to take habit of massage the hand sometimes. I know its hard, but we have to think that is nothing to hide. It is just like that. Last week I was on a fair talk with a supplier, suddenly she said please put your hand up is too red, I just smile and did it, with the other hand, and two seconds after the hand was near normal. That things you have used to, and tend to be normal.
About the nails, maybe he has small nails in the other hand. Must have some care on the nails, because are more weak. See if he wants to see my pics, to see people that have the same things. http://www.geocities.com/paulo_go/orto.html

Paulo, your pictures made me cry. That's what I wish the most to be able to lift my daughter. I was pregnant at the time of the accident. Thank God she is fine.

Paulo, what kind of injuries did you have? surgeries, etc. Thanks.

I have all avultion right bpi. Made nerve graft to bicepe. I made shoulder fusion, and litle fusion in the pulse. I have no movements, only litle contration on bicipe.

How do you bend your elbow?