United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello,
Hi out there to everyone. I am new to this list having recently discovered it. I'm 25 and have a right BPI from birth. I have read some posts on this list about adults having surgeries such as this MOD QUAD. I'm curious as to what this is. I have good function in my right arm but I have always been under the impression that that it is too late for adults to make any more functional gains from surgery because so much time has passed. I'd be really interested in hearing any stories from adults who've have erbs since birth but have had surgery recently. What kind of functional gains has it given you?
Thanks a bunch,
Becky

Hi Becky,

Welcome. I'm fairly new here myself. I am 56, LOBPI. That's left obstetrical brachial plexus injured.

I can't tell you anything about the surgery since I only learned of it after I found UBPN. I'm sure that you will get replies from those who have been through it. Also, there is another thread on this board about this surgery. I advise you to read it.

Joanie

Hi Becky
Welcome to the boards.
I have never had any surgery and think I am too old to attempt it now. Besides, no one ever offered me a surgery that could possible improve my arm.
I am robpi

Here is the thread that Joanie mentioned
http://ubpn.org/messageboard/thread ... read=12488

Kath

Welcome Becky,
There is sooo much information on these Message Boards please don't overdue like I did when I 1st found UBPN and to my relief discovered I wasn't the only one who had this injury. I set my timer for 1 hour at a time so I wouldn't loose 3-4 hrs!
Also there is no dumb question here....I've learned so much here.
Hugs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI,age 67 & proud of it!

I am 38, LBPI and just had Mod Quad in January 2005. Every outcome is different but mine has been quite good - have gained tons more function. Prior to surgery could only lift my arm 45* out in front and am now at 112*. To the side was 25* and is now 90*. With my surgery 5 muscles and 2 tendons were relocated and the radial nerve (thumb) was unpinched. I was injured only at the C5 so although my arm is straight and have good hand function, I couldn't raise my arm. The surgery just freed up the arm because it was being bound by the other muscles thus locking it in place. I now have more sensation in my hand also. It was never numb or anything but if it were cold, I wasn't aware. I also now have a slight reaction to reflex tests whereas before there was no reaction.
How you deal with recovery and physical therapy also weighs heavy on what your outcome is. I do stretches 4 times a day and exercises 3 times a day still because I want to be aggressive witht this and get as much function as possible. I have been told that in about 10% of adults, they don't really see much of an improvement. I don't know if this is due to the damage or follow up work. There are a few doctors who do the surgery on adults, mine was Dr. Nath in Houston. Feel free to call me to talk further if you like. It was the best thing I have ever done, personally. Also be forwarned that I had several doctors tell me there were no options or this option is very dangerous, as have other BPI patients I have talked to. Thank goodness I didn't listen to any of them! Suzy (503) 880-4682

Hi Becky,

I am 32 and have right bpi from birth as well. I have never had any surgeries. Currently dealing with pain from overuse issues. Do you know what nerves were effected? I just recently found out all the details of my injury(birth records). Anyway, welcome to the boards. Hope you find what you are looking for?

Tracy

Welcome to the Boards, Becky!
This Saturday, I am going to the Chicago BPI Picnic to meet with Dr. Nath. I am 50 ROBPI, and although I'm not sure I would want to go through with any surgery, I'm keeping an open mind. We have a very limited time with the Doctor, because of the volume of patients he will be seeing, but, to make the most of the time, I am taking a recent bone scan and other health information along. I'll keep you informed about what I find out!
I know you'll enjoy reading the Boards. There's so much information, and it's so comforting to know that we're not alone with the problems associated with BPI.
Keep on Posting!
Cyndi

Suzy,
I don't think at this point I would need surgery because I can do most things with my affected arm. I'm really glad to hear that people who have been injured since birth can sometimes gain functions they never had. Good luck!
Becky

Hello Becky and welcome to the boards. Sorry my post is so late and I hope you get this information. I am 33 with LOBPI. I had surgery 2 years ago in Houston with Dr. Nath. I had the mod quad done. Since every case is different it's hard to say how you may come out. I took the chance and think it helped me out quite a bit. Remember, every case is different. Dr. Nath told me had I done it earlier the outcome may have even been better for me. I have more range of motion than I did before, I can now cross my fingers which I wasn't able to do and the pain has lessened slightly. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. If you have any more questions e mail me and I will try to answer more.

Hi
My daughter had the Mod Quad at TCH two years ago. She was 11 at the time . We are very happy we did it she gained alot of mobility. It was a long recover and she still in PT and OT once a week. I think that this will be life long. When she misses for a couple of weeks during the summer she tens to get stiff again. good luck to you. Check with the Dr. at TCH they travel to different states to see patients maybe they will be in your area.