United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

ok so we went to therapy today....Sarah has been doing WONDERFUL! Lauren was so impressed with her movements...she moves her head to the right now..and goes against gravity like 2 tries out of 10.
She showed me new exercises to do at home..and things to help sarah learn to roll from her tummy to her back.
She said she wants to see us again in two monthes.
I was wondering if its cause shes doing so good and Lauren sees that we are working with her? Or is it normal?
She said that if i have ANY questions to call her and we can get her in for an appt immediatly.

I wish you all could see our little angel and how much progress shes making!

Since birth i would stop her from sucking her thumb...well now she sucks her RIGHT thumb..and i said well if she can get it in there....suck that thumb baby girl! and bot does she enjoy it...you can hear her across the house lol. YAY for Sarah!

Mandie

lol i got so excited i made a typo.....i meant BOY not BOT haha man im a goof

mandie - two months is a long time for no therapy

granted, Sarah is doing really well...BUT

I would feel better (and feel safer) if a bpi specialist told you how often to do therapy and NOT the therapist.

(I think I should explain where I'm coming from about this: I'm still reeling from 4 therapists not knowing for over a year that Maia was dislocated - even though she lost her full range and she was visibly and verbally in pain - which caused her irreparable damage to her joint ....... and Dr. Nath knowing immediately without even touching her that she was dislocated- so quite honestly I have a general distrust of therapists now.)

Francine,

> I'm still reeling from 4 therapists not
> knowing for over a year that Maia was dislocated -

How would you describe a dislocated shoulder? How did you know to have it checked out?

We have wondered about this with our own baby who is two weeks. He initially was sensitive to the shoulder being touched, and had x-rays right away to check his collarbone, which was not broken. Our dr. doesn't feel he has dislocated. However, both my husband and I have felt and heard a loud "POP" once or twice when we went behind the shoulder of the bp arm.

Francine,

> I'm still reeling from 4 therapists not
> knowing for over a year that Maia was dislocated -

How did you know to check for dislacation? What does a dislocated shoulder look like/ sound like in a child?

We have suspected a dislocated shoulder in our infant becuase he was sensitive to the shoulder area for the first week, and once or twice we have heard a loud "POP" when we go behind the bad shoulder. (We have already been informed that he has erb's palsy.) The dr. had x-rays done right away, so we know his collarbone isn't broken, and the dr. doesn't think he is dislocated, although we have had our doubts.

How old is Sarah? If she's an infant I'd think she should still be in therapy...at least until she gets more active. I'd also question the therapist's advise to slow down. It may be about money and insurance not paying(you can fight that)
I'm with Francine about the being wary....She could lose some of what she's gained if you're not careful.
T.

ok well shes 3 1/2 mths old...i see all of your points....but...sarah is not in pain...she has been moving forward SUPER and has only gone 4 times....
I do the stuff at home....
so actually she will only be missing one appt...

Yes this is all true. The end decision is yours though. Lets say though she losses some fuction though. I wouldnt want to take the risk. The main thing with BPI is constant therapy. I am sure your doing a great job at home though but I would get a second opion about this. Good luck

Do you have doctor who specializes in BPIs? I would definately ask him or her to just make sure. That is awefully young....And yes I would definately keep doing the exercises at every diaper change. I also did the ROM when I nursed. The department of developemental disabilities will also help with more therapy....They even came to my house.

Good luck to you.
T.

Here's one place to look
http://www.nichcy.org/