United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Did (do) any of you older "kids" hold cmall objects in your affected hand? Katie is now 7 and it is not getting any better. In fact, I would almost have to say she has regressed to the toddler times and PREFERS to hold a small object and forgets she has it in there. If reminded she'll reply, Oh I fogot. She will put it down until she thinks no one is looking and will specifically go back to get it and hold it again. Nothing important, can even be a rock...

Is it for comfort or something?

thanks

This is a very common thing. I am constantly looking for my keys and they are usually in my affected arm. I can walk aound holding things for a long time not realizing that it is in my hand. I know that Carolyn likes to hold objects in her hand. Carolyn maybe you can explain it in more detail.....Judy

I can't even count how many times I will be searching for my keys and they be in my left hand! I also can't even count how many times I will have hold of something and just drop it because I forgot it was there. It is like my brain does not always connect to that side of my body. Or there is a delay that "oh yeah there is something in that hand".

I just went to a parade and had a candy wrapper in my hand, I thought I grapped it out withthe other stuff I was holding in my hand and then I went to hold my bpi hand in the other one to support my arm a little and grabbed onto the wrapper, had no idea it was still there.

I dont usually lose my keys to my right hand but pencils and pens sure get lost in my hand.

If your child is always holding an object it probably is a comfort thing.

You could ask an OT or a PT and they might be able to help with some sensory stuff.
Good luck!
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

When I first found UBPN, I got up the nerve to post what I thought was a silly question.
What a shock when I discovered that we all hold things in our hands and forget they are there.
I asked the question because my older sister said that I was always loosing my things and they were in my hand all the time when I was little.
I guess it annoyed her...

The other night I took a pill bottle into my bedroom to take my BP medication.
I laid down for just a minute and when I woke up at 2 AM, I realize I still had the pill bottle in my hand.

I find when I get and itchy palm (from the nerves) I put something rough in my hand to keep from scratching.
Many of use can use our arm/hand and just forget we have an arm.
I think it's a brain disconnect.

I was so relieved when I found was UBPN and asked a "silly question".
Erica a young teenager posting years ago told us all she put M&M in her hand to save some for later... LOL
I can't tell you how many times I realized as I got to my car that I still had the cordless phone in my hand.

Hope this help ease your mind a bit.
Kath robpi/adult

Yes, I have always held something in my Lt.BPI hand. In my "Career" Days, I held a pen at all times.
In "Retirement"for 11 years, lt. BPI hand started to contract seriously and hurt like H-ll when clasped shut (most of the time). I found that holding a soft pliable ball different sizes (& colors to match my outfits!) depending on the pain(different every day) makes it feel very good. This left hand knowswhen the ball is not there, right a way!! I can lose things too but that hand wants that ball. I have diferent textures too.

Yes I agree, Kath, it definitely is a comfort thing to always have something in that hand. My personal favorite is a "Merf Ball"(rubber). In cold weather, I have a Special ball I can microwave to keep that hand toasty warm so it doesn't turn blue anymore.[thanks to Nancy!!]

HUGS all around,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69

PS...BTW, I am finding that doing my new "OUT-OF Retirement" P/T Job, I am using that Lt. BPI hand alot without realizing I was!!...LOL
It still wants that Ball when I get home tho! I swear it has a brain all it's own!!!


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

I constantly leave things in my hand and bang my arm all the time. I guess its something you get use to. I wish I would remember to put money in my BPI hand then when I needed money it would be there

Thanks everyone! She likes tiny little "toys" and they are usually a harder or more rough texture (no slimy things for this girl, she doesn't even eat fruit except for apples, it is too "wet" she says). Anyway, she says she forgets it is there but it must be a comfort thing for her too as she will sneak back and get it or something else once she thinks I have forgotten it. She does tend to keep her hand clenched so maybe that has something to do with it, she is always happiest when I massage and stretch her hand and fingers out.

I am thinking the balls might be a good idea. If we can control the size perhaps she won't clinch so hard and twist her wrist around. I'll speak with her OT/ PT again and let you know what they tell me. I wonder if the other kids do it too.

Thanks!

I LOVE a hand massage! It just makes my hand feel so much better. Also helps with the swelling.

My husband will not do them for me. I think he is afraid he may hurt me more. I am going to try and talk him into it again.

Carolyn,

The balls are a great idea! And, I love the idea about the one you can warm in the microwave!

I'm definitely putting those ideas in Aria's book so we can use them when she's a bit older!