United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well my friend talked me into being an assistant boy scout leader. I went on my first camp out this last week end. I had some fun teaching the boys things i learned when i was there age. i am still in a lot of pain from the weekend. a lot of people was surprised at what i could do with one hand.on the other hand went through a crying spell this evening thinking of all i use to do.i also got chewed out by a few friends that think I over do it. I find I over do it a lot but i feel if I don't keep pushing myself I will go nuts. I have always been the stubborn type and been use to doing everything myself. a couple of nurses that i know say I can delay my progress from the surgery i had last march. right now I have a little movement in my shoulder when i rest it on a ball or i am in a pool.dose anyone think that doing to much can delay the healing progress?please let me know. God bless.

I have always been accused of over doing. I find that has not changed since I have only one hand I can use. I don't know if it affects the healing but I do know that even though I am tired...I feel better about me doing things with the will power I implemented before. Anything that makes you feel "Yes! I can do it." has got to be good for you. The mental state is just as if not more important than the physical side of your health. Just as before, you will encounter things you cannot do, you accept your limitations and find an alternate way to achieve what you want to accomplish. You had limitations before you have different limitations now. Finding a way to accomplish your task was always there and is there now. Feeling good about something you've done makes you happy and content, that has got to have a positive effect in your recovery.

Janelle

G'Day,

I'm nearly 4 years post TBPI, I've had people tell me I over do it, I get told not to get on the tube behind a speedboat with only onehand blablabla! People who care would like to see us wrapped in cotton wool or so it seems sometimes. For us to do less than what we can is for us to be less than what we are. What about the women who were told not to just because they're women?

Cheers,

Jamie & Jack(LTBPI)

My response to these things has been the same one I had before my bpi, and which comes from that inspirational muse Eric Burdon: "It's my life, and I'll do what I want."

I think people that don't fully understand or know you will tell you to "not overdue it". I think the people that know you best will let you do all you can until you ask for help or rest, but they will standby waiting for you. That's the way it should be.

I'm nearly 10yrs post injury and the only thing that stopped me from doing activities was my own body telling me when I was too tired or feeling ill and I wanted to rest instead.

Like "normal" life, a body needs a balance of rest and activity. You and you alone are the judge of that. When someone tells you in a coddling way that you shouldn't be doing an activity that you know you want to do and can do, ignore them and do it anyway. If they press, tell them to let you be. You can sit on your butt all the time and expect to move on with your life.

thanks every one I glad i am not the only one this feels this way. God bless denny