United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Guys and gals,
I haven't visited this site for years as it was too depressing to keep looking at the site.
I have lived with my tbi for over 8 years and my only long lasting concern is the muscle atrophy in my shoulder and arm. I have gotten over the fact that I can't use my arm, but everyday I wish that my arm looked more normal with clothes.
I've been searchimg around for anything that can increade bulk in the arm and shoulder and I haven't found too much that seems promising.
Has anyone heard of done anything to improve the look of their arm?

Thanks,
Ed

Hi Ed-
I'm a recent addtion to this isle of misfit toys, as my injury was about 7 months ago and I'm just 7 weeks out of nerve transfer surgery, so I don't have a lot of history, but I wonder if there aren't some implant possibilities? I know a couple of years ago several pro bodybuilders were coming under fire for using implants (I believe in the calf) but would imagine the same saline-based implants (if they still use them) could be used to bulk up the bicep/shoulder. Just a thought.

Frank

Hey Frank,

I read another post where someone with a tbi had an impalant placed into the shoulder but it kept slipping off the shoulder and down the arm.
Good luck with the nerve transfer results. I had the nerve transer surgery about 7 years ago. I am able to bend my elbow which helps out with keeping my shoulder in the socket.
I still have no use of my hand or any other part of my arm, but the fredom of not having to wear a sling is great.

Thanks Ed. I'll keep you posted on the results. I have good use of my forearm (even though i broke the radius in half) and full use of my hand (weaker since transfer surgery and thumb has been tingly since accident). How long after the surgery did you start seeing your bicep come back?

My daughter had nerve transfers along with a gracilis muscle transfer to her bicep area. This has made a big difference in the "bulk" of her upper arm - it looks very close to "normal." Of course her lower arm and her shoulder still look very thin and atrophied, but it's not as noticable as it was before the muscle transfer.

It's been so long since my surgery but I want to say I started to feel muscle spasms about 8 months after the surgery. My time line could be off but I remember having the surgery around September or October and oddly enough I felt the first twitch or spasm on mothers day. My mom will never forget that day!
Keep us posted on your results!