32 and Thought I was the only one.

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
kimlu
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed May 26, 2004 1:57 pm

32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by kimlu »

Hello, Everyone
My name is Kimberly and I am 32 years old. I was delivered with forceps and damage was done to both my arms to were I can not fully extend my arms, it is as if there is a lock on my elbow. I deal with pain in my arms almost on a daily basis. It is such a blessing to finally know that there are other people out there just like me and that there is help..I have an appointment in August with a doctor in Miami local to me... Has anyone with similiar restrictions had surgery out there.. I would love to hear from anyone and there results from surgery as well as PT?? how long is recovery??
rachelcasa
Posts: 729
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2003 11:45 pm

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by rachelcasa »

Kim, welcome to the boards and what a wonderful age to be!! I am 32 also. My left arm was damaged at birth. It still doesn't straighten out either. I have surgery last Sept. in Houston with Dr. Nath. I live in Montana. And for many years, I too thought I was the only one with this injury. This is the best place to gain information and everyone here is wonderful!!! Feel free to e mail me at home and I can fill you in on everything there. And again...welcome. *S*
kimlu
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed May 26, 2004 1:57 pm

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by kimlu »

*S* thank you sooo much for your response and I will definetely take you up on the offer of emailing you at home ... Thanks for welcoming me in.. I have soo many questions for you. Thanks again, Kim
njbirk
Posts: 1806
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2001 10:09 pm

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by njbirk »

Hi Kim,

Glad you found the message boards. You've already heard my story via email. I expect you'll be hearing from others now!

Nancy
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by Kath »

Hi Kim
Welcome to the message boards and I am so glad you know that you are not alone anymore.

I found the messages boards two weeks after I turned 60 and since that time I have learned so much and all the information has changed my life and my view on life with obpi.

I am right OBPI - my e-mail does not show up on this sign in but you can e-mail me with any questions at
KathM@ubpn.org
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by admin »

Kath,
Thanks for your reply. I will definitely be keeping in touch.
kamren
Posts: 262
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:19 am

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by kamren »

Hi:) I am Kimberly too! I too was delivered with forceps damaging my left arm. Dr killed me in the process. Thank God for the nurse who wouldn't give up on me when everyone else did!!!

I just had surgery here in Houston April 15 with Dr Shenaq. I spent 4 weeks in a splint with my arm straight out the the side like a 7. I still wear that splint at night.

I have started PT, and will be in it for 4 weeks 3x a week. Then I go back and Dr Shanaq will reassess me. He said there is impingment in my shoulder and we may have to go back in and shave off some of the bone.

Even before PT though, I could see improvement. I can straighten my arm, rotate it just past my thumb pointing straight up, lift my arm to almost 90 degrees....even put my arm behind my head.

It is great to have found this board!!! It is so wonderful knowing we are not alone:)
jep98056
Posts: 322
Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2002 10:25 pm

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by jep98056 »

Kimberly:
As you can see there are a lot of OBPI adults. I found the boards about 3 years ago. The UBPN site is a great resource to learn about BPI, find medical experts, and to meet others with this injury.

John P. (64, ROBPI)
TinaT
Posts: 155
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2008 3:21 am

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by TinaT »

Hello Kimberly

Welcome and we're glad you've found us.

I am 51 and was a preemie baby that ended up with both arms being damaged. There are so many wonderful people here who know SO much. Please feel free to ask anything, as someone will no doubt have an answer.

Tina
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: 32 and Thought I was the only one.

Post by marieke »

Hi,
I am 32 also. I too was a preemie, born breech, got stuck and the doctor panicked and pulled. My left arm was damaged in the process.

Welcome to UBPN!

Marieke, 32 LOBPI
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
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