United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

HELLO IM A 28Y/O M FROM CHICAGO.ON 4/22/2001 I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT,THAT LEFT ME WITH NO FEELING,OR MOVEMENT OF MY RIGHT ARM. UP UNTIL 9/2001 THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH ME. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS A SEVERED BRACIAL PLEXUS. THE DOCTORS HAS TALKED ABOUT SERGURY, AND SINCE THE ACCIDENT HAD ME WALKIN AROUND DOPED UP MOST THE DAY TO KEEP THE PAIN AWAY.AND LIKE MOST OF YOU I HAVE STOPPED TAKING THE MEDICATION,BUT THE PAIN IS LIKE NO PAIN I HAVE EVER FELT BEFORE,YES I DO FIND THAT WHILE THE MIND IS OCCUPIED ON OTHER THINGS THEIR IS LESS PAIN.IF ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTION ON ANY SUCCESSFUL SURGIONS PLEASE SHARE THE INFO WITH ME.I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY VICTIM TO THIS,BUT SEE THAT I'M NOT SO FAR MY LIFE HAS CHANGED FOR THE WORSE,I WAS SO USFUL WITH MY HANDS,BUT NOW CAN.T EVEN FIX MY SONS BIKE,BUT AFTER ALL OF THAT I'M BLESSED TO EVEN BE ALIVE,BECAUSE AFTER BEING HIT AT OVER 70MPH ON A EMPTY EXPRESSWAY,SOME SAY I CHEATED DEATH.I HAVE ALSO COME TO FIND OUT THAT PEOPLE ARE CRULE THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND OUR DISABILITY,THEY STARE,TEASE,AND MAKE FUN.JUST RECENTLY I WAS REFUSED SERVICE AT LaSALLE BANK BECAUSE MY SIGNITURE DIDN'T MATCH,AND THE FUNNY PART WAS THEY WANTED MY RIGHT THUMB PRINT.IF ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESS STORIES OR ANYTHING I CAN DO TO MAKE LIFE EASIER PLEASE SHARE,IM STILL ADAPTING TO THIS NEW CHANGE.

I am sorry to hear about your injury. I am 51 years old with a BPI since birth of my left arm. Even though
I have never had the use of both arms, I think I can imagine how devastating it would be to know what that's like and then to lose it.

I work at a library, and there is a very good book you should try to borrow or purchase. It's called "One Handed in a Two Handed World" and it's author is Tommye-Karen Mayer. It's actually a resource guide that can show you ways of doing virtually "anything" using one hand. I never realised how many "gadgets" there were out there that could help people with this disability until I read this.

The testimonial on the cover from Bob Dole says it all for me, and I quote,"I could have used a book like this a long time ago!"

Take Care,
-Stephanie

thank you very much i will go and purchase the book and god bless you

THANKS TO THE PEOPLE ON THE BOARD I FINALLY GOT A SURGURY DATE.

I was distressed to hear of your ordeal. I am a 28Y/M from NY that as in motorcycle accident in 1996. I suffered a BPI on my left arm and life has never been the same. At that time I searched high and low for someone to associate with. I eventually went through it alone. If I can help at all please feel free to Email. Best if luck.

HI, I HAVE A SIMILAR CASE. SEE SOME IN
WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/PAULO_GO
THE BEST FOR YOUR SURGURY !
PAULO

thanks paulo i just hoping like all the rest of the people on the board. i would like the use of my arm back