United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I posted this on the general board, and it was suggested I post here too )

---

Hi all,

I stumbled across this site while generally surfing the web (you know, you follow a link, then another...). Anyway, back to the point, I figured I'd introduce myself. I had a brachial plexus avulsion in a motorcycle accident some 23 years ago, and I've been left with a paralysed right arm. The main reason I'm typing here is that I feel I have a pretty active life, flying ultralights, bicycling, riding motorcycles still. If there's anything I can do to help anybody out there, please email me.

Hi

Do you experience any pain, if not what was done or what medication are you using as had a TBPI in 1983 and still experience pain.

Yup, despite an intercostal nerve transfer, I still get a fair amount of pain - especially when I'm cold or tired. So I moved to California and buy big tubs of ibuprofen. I sometimes use a TENS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcutan ... Stimulator) device, when I remember where it is )

Dug you crack me up. I believe if you can't have a sense of humor then you really are disabled.
I'm just now visiting your web site and I'm so in the mood for good humor.
Check it out, I just received a call for Jennifer but there is no Jennifer here although Aniston I wish. When I told the guy nope no Jennifer he immediately sprang into a sales pitch for what I don't know. I just began with "Oh no that wasn't me. That was that other guy...what's his name. You better call him. Talk to his wife...no you better not he's with his girlfriend but you know what?
When I then paused and I listened and the guy hung up. Thanks Dug. You're an inspiration.
Now please tell me how you can hold the handle bars and operate the throttle? I've never quite gotten the picture how any one of us can ride without the use of a hand, arm or shoulder.
Peace and laughter,
Scott
Ok Doug I just returned to your site(I really do not know how I get so distracted. For instance, I just spent the last few moments watching some chick managing on her own with one leg. How'd I get there???)
Anyway I'm appreciating your website further.


Message was edited by: swhite1

Thanks for the comments... riding's actually pretty easy as long as you think about what you're doing. Pulling away is probably the hardest thing to get the hang of... I now hold my hand in a kind of hook shape, with the thumb holding the throttle and my fingers over the clutch lever. As I roll on the throttle, my fingers basically slip off the clutch and let it out. And I'm moving )

I brake with 2 fingers, the rest controlling the throttle. I tend to do 1 thing at time, so I brake, then downshift, then brake some more. I used to do everything at once, but when I was racing, I was braking a lot harder, so I couldn't concentrate on not locking the front and changing gear. Feh, it's a racebike, just kick it down a gear without the clutch if you have to )