United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Christy,
My name is Wendy. I have a three year old son with right OBPI. Your reply to "shortened limb" was full of compassion. You mentioned there were going to be "many more side roads" for this parent. Could you elaborate more on what else us parents can expect. We've just been told Jack will have a shortened limb. Osh Kosh overalls do slip off is shoulders too. But he loves the cute designs on them so he wears them anyway. We too, have a daughter named Katie.
Anyway, I'm babbling, I'd love to learn any insight from you if you have time to share.
Hope to hear back from you,
Wendy awhayes@sprint.ca

Oh my goodness, I don't see a lot of compassion there Wendy. For a minute I was afriad I had something wrong. I am late in giving Katie a bath but I will email you. having Katie's are special. And as much as I dislike this injury, I wouldn't walk away from Katie's walk for nothing in the world. We all do many things in life to help these kids feel normal. Just a quickie here--Katie has a surgial scar on the back of her shoulder crease. From rearing one girl already I know vanity is going to be a big part here..especially with bathing suits and proms. Well, we'll just somehow make a prom dress to cover that area or we'll use a temporary "sparkly" tatoo to cover it up. That is just some of the "side roads" and we become quite creative at taking out kids down them to be as happy and healthy as possible.

I found that if a strap could be put in between the back of the bib straps it helps them stay up a little better.

I am just so glad that the little girl had a mommy take her and love her and be willing to do what she needs to do. Our first thoughts with a newborn is what if there arm is horribly deformed, or never works. After a while it seems like these worries lessen and we turn our attention to their emotional well being as well as function.

I met a little girl last March that had been abused by her "real" mom and taken away. A wonderful couple took her in as a foster family but because of her history it was not possible for them to keep her around their other children. But they were keeping her long enough though to get her started on her road to a semblance of recovery (she was about 4 and no one had addressed her arm ever). I felt so bad for her.

Sorry, I don't seem to be making much sense. It is just that this injury takes us on "side roads" that (fortunately I think) most parents never get to see. Things other parents take for granted we have to put great thought into.

you will see amazing things come up from this board, the parents and the older BPI babies are awesome. Kathleen and Carrie are great help. Katie sleeps a little better when I make sure her "gankie" covers her right arm and right side of her face, thanks to Kathleen.

Just throwing this in regarding the bib pants... which I know as overalls!! LOL Anyway.. I used a pony tail holder the keep the straps up on my daughter's shoulders. I got the idea from seeing another parent do it. And just to let you know I realize this is a larger problem for Kids with BPI... my daughter doesn't have BPI.. and neither did the other girl I mentioned! Hope this idea might work for you!
Kristie

Great idea! Remeber a few years ago with the "baby doll" dresses that had clasps sorta like the old glove attachers in the back--they work great too. The glove attachers I mean.

We learn so many tricks with these kids. As Katie gets older she wants to carry bigger (and better) toys around. However, anyone in a BPI family can tell you that just doesn't cut it sometimes. Oh the tantrums. Well Miss prissy pants just puts what she wants in an old Easter basket and carries that around. HA--she doesn't even know she is doing therapy when she lifts it up and down and swinging it around.

Too bad we can't start a page of "tips" and solutions when we find something that works. It could be referred back to as a parent runs into that particular situation. HMMMMMM..Francine?

Christy - I'm on it....make me up a list of what you have already and I'll do the page.... hope everyone else pitches in too!

-francine

here it is

http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/tips.html

ok....bring me TIPS!!

-francine

hi,
ok my problem is a wee bit trickier...im 29 obpi and i cant figure out how to keep bra straps up......anyone???? im a single parent so it has to be something i can do myself.ive tried strapless bras but seem to spend all my time pulling up the strap that isnt there lol
any help would be appreciated
thanks and take care
janny

Janny,
Have you tired a Y backed bra? Usually you can find these in the sports bra sections but I have seen non sports bars ones as well. I have been looking on-line for a link to give you and have read about a T back bra (but they didn't give a photo).
If you would like the links I have found feel free to e-mail me! I think it might not be a good idea to post them since there are young people who check things out on here...know what I mean!!
Kristie

yikes...just read your post...and I went and put that new post on so that janny would see it..LOL LOL

Francine,
No big deal! I was going to post the link but caught myself at the last minute... I think it was the thong picture on the same page that made me think twice!! LOL!!
Kristie