What now?

[Chloe's mom]

I haven't been on in a while, but i have a question.
My daughter is ROBPI and we just went and had an EMG done. From the EMG it seems like all nerves are intact and working but she still isn't bending her elbow and she still can't bring hand to mouth while in a sitting position. Does anyone know whether or not there are long term effects even though everything inside is okay. I already know it is going to take time for recovery, but will she have a full recovery even though she hasn't been using her BPI arm as much as her non BPI arm? I know the muscles are weak because she hasn't been using them. I have asked the doctors and physical therapists but they are very vague. (You know, they don't ever want to give you false hope if they aren't sure themselves, it's either that or they don't want to be held accountable for telling you something they aren't sure about.) If any one here has had a similar situation or can give me even an opinion I'd appreciate it. I am still new at this even though I feel like I've studied enough to be a specialist in this area.
Thanks to you all,
Chloe's Mom

[admin]

How old is Chloe? I have a 3 1/2 month old daughter with Erb's and we just saw Dr.Nath in MI on Saturday. He said even though my daughter has regained movement (not all yet) that she is at great risk for contractures (shoulder and elbow) and possible dislocations due to lack of use of the muscles. He said her shoulder is internally rotated and that at her age with her recovery so far that 80% of kids will need the mod-quad surgery to release the muscles that have atrophied. He was also not so keen on PT saying for as much as the muscle isn't used per day, therapy isn't going to really do anything. So now I am totally frustrated and confused all over again. I too like you feel as though I could specialize from all the info I have researched. I find everyone has a varied opinion on the subject and recovery.
But from what I do know, the longer a muscle is not in use the greater the potential for permanent damage. Hope I helped somewhat.

Take care and God Bless

[Vanda Roseboom]

how old is your daughter? My son got innervation back but was unable to activate the muscles . They were too atrophied and he could not find some of the muscles with his brain or they were just to weak to work. We are seeing results now using TES to get those muscles up and running and combining this with other therapy.